Finding Light In The Darkness
Resiliency Within
In a time of deep division, uncertainty, and crisis, Finding Light in the Darkness will explore how we can maintain our well-being, integrity, and hope. Hosted by Elaine Miller-Karas, an internationally recognized trauma expert and resiliency advocate, she will illuminate practical strategies for navigating today’s complex social and political landscape. Elaine hopes this episode will provide a beacon of light—insights on staying grounded, fostering compassion, and building resilience in the face of adversity. Elaine is dedicated to empowering listeners to cultivate inner...
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Healing without Borders: The Trauma Resource Institute
Resiliency Within
Resiliency Within’s host, Elaine Miller-Karas, co-founded the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI). She resigned as Executive Director in 2020 when she welcomed Dr. Michael Sapp as the CEO of TRI. They will discuss the international organization's past, present, and future. The Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cultivates trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities worldwide. TRI is known internationally for its innovative perspectives promoting individual and community well-being. Two types of training, the Trauma Resiliency...
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Mental Health: A Public Health Emergency
Resiliency Within
May is Mental Health Awareness Month because it was first established in 1949 by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health and well-being. The month aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, promote open conversations, and celebrate recovery from mental illness. At a time when major cutbacks are being made by the current administration, it is essential that we focus on providing mental healthcare for our citizens and continue to support programs providing care to the most vulnerable members of society. Dr. Michael Sapp will discuss the importance of looking at mental health...
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Protecting our Teens from Gun Violence
Resiliency Within
Essential funds are being cut for important programs helping youth. Where common sense laws are lacking to protect children, violence prevention professionals and credible messengers are working on the frontlines to mediate conflict, interrupt violence, and restore peace. Jordan R. Murphy, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist who specializes in behavioral health and trauma and resiliency-informed care. In this encore episode, Dr. Murphy will share her work in Gun Violence Prevention, supporting professionals and survivors. Gun violence is a major public health and social justice issue, and yet it is...
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HOPE: Mental Health in Poor & Traumatized Communities
Resiliency Within
During these challenging times as mental health funding is being cut in many parts of the world, hearing again from Chris Underhill in this encore show. Chris has been a champion for mental health globally. Chris Underhill MBE works as a mentor and is a social entrepreneur in the field of quality of life, and mental health in the community. Elaine Miller-Karas first met Chris in Oxford, England at the Skoll World Forum where she was struck by his depth of understanding of the suffering of individuals with mental health challenges. He also shared an abundance of hope of how to bring...
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The Legacy of Civil Rights Leaders, Medgar and Myrlie Evers
Resiliency Within
During these challenging times, it is imperative to raise up the true history of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In this encore show, Reena Evers-Everette, their committed and passionate daughter, shares how the vision of her father and mother continues through the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute in Jackson, Mississippi. She shares her personal experience of suffering and resiliency. She details living the institute's mission: cultivating positive social change and intergenerational civic engagement through research on social equity and justice worldwide.
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America: Shaped By Immigrants
Resiliency Within
We must not forget that the greatness of America has been shaped by the immigrants who have come for that hopeful opportunity of a better future. People have immigrated to the United States from many places around the globe. They have often escaped the horrors of war and oppression to come to a country hoping for a future where their families could thrive in a Democratic Republic. The host of Resiliency Within will share aspects of her first-generation view with her colleague, Martha Parra, LCSW, who came to the United States as a child with her family. The identities of...
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The Status of Trauma-Informed Care
Resiliency Within
This week on Resiliency Within, host Elaine Miller-Karas welcomes Jesse Kohler for a timely conversation on the evolving landscape of trauma-informed care. Drawing from his policy experience in Washington, D.C., Jesse offers insights into the evolving political climate and its impact on trauma-informed practices. Together, they will discuss how community mental health leaders can thoughtfully respond to stakeholders who express concerns or objections to trauma-informed approaches. The conversation will also delve into the complexities of navigating emerging “red flag” policies...
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Love Wins! A Lesbian Mother and Her Fierce Advocate Daughter
Resiliency Within
This show is being rebroadcast because of the importance of recognizing and respecting the LGBTQ+ community during these unprecedented times. The culture wars, with vitriolic rhetoric and attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals and families, are taking their toll. Sue Borrego and Kelsey Bunker Roberston are mother and daughter. They share their journey of love, hope, and resilience. This show first aired in 2023, and its message of love and hope is timeless and much needed in today’s world. Resilience is sometimes the outcome of some of the darkest moments in one’s...
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Suicide Prevention
Resiliency Within
Resiliency Within is dedicated to remembering those affected by suicide. At a time in our country, where the mental health systems are being dismantled, it is imperative to remember those who are suffering. We want to bring to light those who work tirelessly to raise awareness and reach out to those suffering silently. My guests, Dr. Jamie Gamboa and Social Worker Brian Stefan, discuss their work with Spotlight on Suicide. They discuss the Suicidal Ideation Toolbox, a resource filled with accessible skills for helping professionals and individuals experiencing profound suffering. They share...
info_outlineThis week on Resiliency Within, host Elaine Miller-Karas welcomes Jesse Kohler for a timely conversation on the evolving landscape of trauma-informed care.
Drawing from his policy experience in Washington, D.C., Jesse offers insights into the evolving political climate and its impact on trauma-informed practices.
Together, they will discuss how community mental health leaders can thoughtfully respond to stakeholders who express concerns or objections to trauma-informed approaches.
The conversation will also delve into the complexities of navigating emerging “red flag” policies introduced by the new administration.
Most importantly, Jesse will offer practical guidance for advocates on engaging local legislators, emphasizing the importance of explaining how traumatic experiences shape the lives of children and adults in our communities.
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About Our Guest
Jesse Kohler is the founder and president of The Change Campaign, which in this role he also currently serves as the Executive Director on loan to the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice.
His career began in Philadelphia nonprofits with direct service work, but shifted toward systems transformation work around the onset of the pandemic.
He now lives and works primarily in DC with the love of his life, but is also in the process of receiving his Master's in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, which takes him back to his family in Philly for monthly visits when he has in person classes.
In college, Jesse established a personal mission to create a sustainable planet and better future for all, which is now the mission of The Change Campaign.