Stuff That Matters - A New Hope Podcast

Mary is the Executive Director of Emerald School of Excellence, an accredited recovery high school in Charlotte dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students struggling with substance use disorders and other mental health challenges. The school offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support both academic success and personal recovery.The nonprofit opened its doors in September 2019. Founded in 2017, the school was created to provide a safe, supportive environment where teens in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges can heal, grow, and succeed.Mary’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Adopted from Guadalajara, Mexico, she has walked her own journey of recovery from an eating disorder, depression, and self-harm. Her lived experience fuels her mission to ensure that young people facing similar struggles have access to the education, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive.Before founding Emerald School of Excellence, Mary dedicated 11 years to teaching and coaching in the public school system. This invaluable experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges students face and the importance of creating an environment where every learner feels seen, supported, and empowered. She holds a 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸 and has become a recognized leader in the recovery and education space.Through 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, Mary is not just building a school—she’s building a movement. A place where teens can rediscover hope, embrace their potential, and create a future full of possibilities.𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 & 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 • 𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁) • 𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗗 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) – 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺. • 𝗔𝗣𝗡𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬) – 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁Mary’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication. She continues to inspire and uplift countless young people, proving that with the right support, healing and success are possible.00:01:48-00:12:23 – What a recovery high school entails. 00:12:24-00:26:23 – Origin story of Emerald. 00:28:08-00:42:01 – Kids being introduced to substances whether it be drugs or alcohol; what influences that initial use, the different factors and upbringings of children and the socioeconomic impact on addiction and substance abuse.00:42:02-00:46:34 - The relationship with the alumni, resources that are offered to graduates and how they stay connected with past students.00:46:36-00:55:25 - Success story and what people can do to support and contribute to the school.00:55:26 - The Stuff that Matters.Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE.Check out our WEBSITE.

Ian once embraced the “work hard, play harder” mentality, diving head first into a lifestyle that celebrated excessive drinking. He started sipping beer at the age of 1, bartended in the middle of nowhere at 13, built a business from the ground up in 2003, endured two failed marriages, and ultimately sold his company in 2016 while fat and drunk in Vegas. Ian then reached a breaking point and began his journey to reclaim his life. This time, he rebuilt everything—his relationships, his business, and his sense of purpose—without relying on the crutch of martini lunches or wine dinners.Today, Ian is a successful author, his book Wild Ride to Sobriety can be found on Amazon, an entrepreneur, and the creator of Make It Great (MIG). Proudly sober since 2017, he has dedicated himself to personal growth, family, and living a life of purpose and clarity. His journey from addiction to empowerment has become his mission: to help others trapped in the same cycle of self-destruction break free and embark on their own transformative path to health, passion, and a renewed mindset.Through his book, Wild Ride To Sobriety, Ian aims to inspire others to overcome their struggles and embrace a life of balance, success, and fulfillment.(00:02:16-00:08:47) – His book.(00:08:48-00:20:04) – How his upbringing and environment played a role in his addiction to alcohol.(00:20:05-00:23:21) – His rock bottoms and what sparked a change in his behavior.(00:25:17-00:43:49) – His core 4 and what it is in his life that keeps him on his path of sobriety; the relationship he has with his family, friends and loved ones today.(00:45:33-00:52:49) – Make it Great00:52:50 – The Stuff that MattersWatch full episodes on YOUTUBE.

Victor Armstrong - Vice President for Health Equity & Engagement at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is a nationally recognized speaker on issues regarding health equity and access to healthcare, particularly as it relates to individuals living with mental health challenges.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Victor previously served as North Carolina DHHS’s inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer, with responsibility for leading the overarching strategy and operational goals to promote health equity, diversity, and inclusion.Victor also served as Director of NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (Mental Health Commissioner). Prior to this role Victor served as Vice President for Behavioral Health with Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC.He is the host of “Strong Talk”, a monthly podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, access, and impact as it pertains to mental health and addictions. Victor currently serves on the Steering Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He also serves on the Board of Directors for i2i Center for Integrative Health, College for Behavioral Health Leadership, and McLeod Centers for Wellbeing. In addition, Victor serves on the board of advisors for East Carolina University School of Social Work and the 988 National Steering Committee. He is a member of the NC Institute of Medicine and National Association of Social Workers. Victor’s awards and recognition include:• Living Waters Annual Mental Health Summit 2022 “Lifetime Mental Health Champion” Award• National Association of Social Workers North Carolina (NASW-NC) 2022 Social Worker of the Year• Addiction Professionals of NC (APNC) 2021 DEI Leadership & Impact Award• Mental Health America’s 2021 H. Keith Brunnemer, Jr. Award for “Outstanding Mental Health Leadership”• Black Mental Health Symposium 2019 Mental Health Advocate of the Year• Atrium Health 2019 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award• East Carolina University School of Social Work 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award• i2i Center for Integrative Health 2018 Innovation Award for "Whole Person Care"• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NC, 2012 Mental Health Professional of the Year.00:02:30-00:22:15 - His background and experience, the story of his trip to Cameroon.00:23:59–00:43:17 - 988, mental health resources, soul shops.00:43:19-00:55:55 – Growing up as the son of a preacher.00:58:51-1:02:32 – His podcast – “Strong Talk”.1:02:35-1:05:25 – Community events, charity events for suicide prevention, the impacts they have on the research and raising awareness.1:05:26 – Victor’s Stuff that Matters.Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube. WEBSITE

Dr. Cynthia Persily at the site of one of our West Virginia transition homes. We held an Open House with 50+ providers, partners and stakeholders in the state. Dr. Persily recently served as the Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Human Services. She has years of experience on boards, working in hospital settings and also spent 20 years at West Virginia University. We discuss her accomplishments in the state and the need for what New Hope will be providing, which is a chance to keep West Virginia's youth home.Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenterWEBSITE: https://www.newhopetreatment.com/

We are joined by the CEO and Clinical Director of Youth Haven Services, Dawn Johnson. Dawn is also the author of the book, I Survived...So Far, which outlines her incredible story as a mother who has endured the unimaginable pain of burying two of her children and a grandchild. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in child mental health, she offers a unique perspective that intertwines professional expertise with personal experience. Her journey through grief is not just a tale of sorrow but a testament to resilience and determination. Her story is a powerful illustration of the enduring power of love and the infinite perseverance of the human spirit.00:01:22- 00:15:36 – Her story and ultimately what went into the book.00:14:15-00:19:57 - How she was able to push forward and the hurdles she faced.00:22:19-00:27:52 – How tragedies and challengesin life can put things into perspective and change how you live yours.00:27:53-00:36:43 – Some of the misconceptionsabout trauma pertaining to ones mental health and if her past experiences as a counselor helped her get through her own trauma with her family.00:38:28-00:41:50 – How she’s able to find thejoy in life and has been able to push forward as a mom, CEO, simply living her life. 00:42:23-00:48:34 – More about Youth Haven Services.00:48:52 – The Stuff that Matters.Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenterWEBSITE: https://www.newhopetreatment.com/

We're back! We kick 2025 off with Brant Evans. He is a therapeutic consultant and author. He helps connect kids and families to services, having gained a ton of experience and knowledge from his work in Wilderness therapy programs. He was very observant and taught himself different techniques, practices, preparing himself for more of a leadership role. He went on to work as an Executive Director for a recovery program, co-author his book co-author of Gods, Heroes, and Groups, to explore how timeless stories offer powerful insights into modern therapy and leadership. Brant is now a therapeutic consultant at Stucker, Smith, and Weatherly.00:00:09 - How he got started, culture shifts, examining the family system and helping kids through a different perspective and lens. How the wilderness program allowed him to examine different approaches.00:19:23 (19:20 vdeo) The causality of a shift in the wilderness therapy model and working with families from a therapeutic angle as it pertains to placement in residential treatment facilities.00:30:43 (30:55 video) The family involvement when a child does need to go into a residential setting.00:40:40 (41:00 video) His transition into a leadership role and therapeutic consulting, what lessons he learned that has carried along throughout his personal and professional journey.00:44:06 (45:29 video) We dive into his book.00:55:49 (57:11 video) The Stuff that Matters.Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenterWEBSITE: https://www.newhopetreatment.com/