Thrive Dispatches

In this episode, Dr. Matt Biel speaks with Rob Harris, an expert in early childhood mental health and education. Their conversation explores the critical role of relationships that young children form with the adults in their lives - caregivers, parents, extended family members, and educators.Rob brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences as a classroom teacher, mental health counselor, consultant, and father. The discussion challenges conventional thinking about children's behavior, presenting it as a crucial form of communication about their inner experiences and emotional needs.

Andy Arias, a seasoned expert in disability rights and advocate for the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities, discusses thriving at the intersection of disability and cultural identity. He challenges the tragic narratives surrounding disability, presenting it instead as a vital aspect of human experience. Andy emphasizes the importance of self-determination and mentorship in empowering individuals with disabilities. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the transformative power of embracing one's identity while fostering empathy and support within communities.

This week, our Thrive Dispatches host and Thrive Center director, Dr. Matt Biel, chats with colleague Kelli McDermott about setting foundations in early childhood mental health, the nuances of childhood trauma, and a framework for resilience. Kelli McDermott is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with specializations in trauma and interpersonal violence and early childhood mental health. She has worked with young children, their families, and early childhood education centers to develop strengths-based, relational, and environmental supports to foster resilience during this critical developmental stage. She is currently part of the training and technical assistance team for the Office of Head Start funded National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety. Additionally, she supports Pyramid Model implementation in a variety of settings.

This week, Thrive Dispatches Host and Thrive Center director, Dr. Matt Biel, has a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation with Thrive faculty member Wendy Jones about inclusion, self-determination, and working with families with parents who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. They also discuss how her past experiences working as a bilingual special educator in New York City inform her work and spirit of advocacy now.

In the second episode of Thrive Dispatches Podcast, Matt Biel chats with Jason Lehmbeck, who heads the Innovation Hub @Thrive. The two discuss what it takes to create a space for innovations in the world of mental health and well being for children and families. They dive into Jason’s career in startups and how that merges with his own personal motivation for creating a space for innovators.  To read interview highlights or access the transcript, visit Thrive Center’s website: https://thrivecenter.georgetown.edu/news/Subscribe to the Thrive Dispatches newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Abhpc1A/ThriveList

Tawara Goode, an Associate Professor and director of Georgetown University's National Center for Cultural Competence, shares insights on what it truly means to thrive. She discusses the holistic nature of thriving, emphasizing joy, inclusion, and resilience. The conversation tackles the impact of cultural contexts and systemic barriers on individual definitions of thriving. Moreover, she highlights the necessity of cultural competence in addressing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The aim is to empower lives and promote equity in mental health and community services.