Offered in partnership with the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership.
Resource Links:
- Emotional CPR Website
- National Empowerment Center Website
- Youth Move National Website
- We R H.O.P.E. Website
- Drumming for Your Life Website
- MHTTC Website
Youth mental health has been identified as a top behavioral health priority in our communities. Join this panel discussion to learn more about innovative programs and resources offered across the North American Region to support the mental health of our youth, and how you can replicate in your own community.
Reading & Rhythm Changes Lives
Steven Angel will present an overview of the underlying causes for why students struggle with reading and how it affects their mental health. He’ll address how rhythm changes the inner workings of the mind by transforming the Doubtful Internal Voice, while improving focus and concentration. He’ll share the building blocks that are used in Reading & Rhythm to dramatically improve reading scores and share how rhythm increases motivation and self-esteem. He’ll close with discussing a training process that can affect tens of thousands of students in the United States and abroad.
The Power of Youth Emotional CPR
Oryx Cohen and Miranda Todt will present on the development of Youth Emotional CPR (eCPR) by and for youth. Their presentation will include the basics of eCPR (C – Connect, P – emPowerment, R – Revitalization) and share highlights of their experience delivering Youth eCPR around the world.
Culturally Relevant Interventions for Mental Health Providers Serving Hispanic and Latino Youths
Latinx youths are at significant risk for mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts. Latinx youths are also less likely to access culturally responsive mental health services and continue to be undiagnosed or untreated. This can lead to negative outcomes such as negative interactions at school and with authorities, increased disconnection from family and society, and exposure to the criminal justice system. This presentation will review related stressors and gaps that impact Latino youth and families. Special considerations for Hispanic and Latino youth mental health will be discussed.
Speaker Information
Steven Angel
Steven Angel is President, founder, and creator of programs of the Drumming for Your Life Institute (DFYL), a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. In 2001, Steven created the Reading & Rhythm program, which uses rhythm and educational tools to help students achieve higher grades and improved behavior. DFYL has implemented the Reading & Rhythm program in over 100 schools, detention camps, juvenile halls, wellness, and family centers helping thousands of pre-k thru 12th grade & adult students. His staff have trained teachers in U.S. and Europe. A statistical analysis by UCLA showed the program makes a significant difference.
Oryx Cohen, M.P.A.
Oryx Cohen is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Empowerment Center. He serves as President of the Board for the Massachusetts Transformation Center and We R Hope, and is a master Emotional CPR trainer. Oryx co-produced and is a subject in the award-winning social action documentary HEALING VOICES, which was released in April 2016. Oryx lives with his wife and two children in Massachusetts.
Miranda Todt
Miranda is the Board Secretary for We R H.O.P.E. and an Emotional CPR Trainer. She co-wrote the Youth Emotional CPR (eCPR) curriculum and has taught eCPR to youth around the world, including girl scouts in New Hampshire. Miranda is currently a college student who aspires to be an Emergency Room medical professional.
Angel Casillas-Carmona, M.H.S.
Angel Casillas-Carmona, M.H.S., completed his graduate studies at Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC) in 2020 and obtained his Master’s in Health Sciences in Substance Abuse Counseling. He currently stands as Project Manager for the National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), subsidized by SAMHSA, emphasizing the Hispanic and Latino populations in the United States and its territories. He began his professional development as a Technology Transfer Specialist at the Institute of Research Education and Services of Addiction (IRESA) of UCC. He oversees coordinating training services and education and provided technical assistance for the SAMHSA-subsidized Opioid Response Network (ORN) for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He is a volunteer coordinator for Gua’kia pa la calle, an independent harm reduction and syringe exchange program.
