As we're still in the first few weeks of the new year, we look back on what we learned from 2020 and what we might carry with us into 2021. We talked with Kelsey Williams, a graduate student and mother of three, Miriam Powell, Jana Marie Foundation's Community Engagement Manager and mother of two, and Madeline Snyder, a recent Penn State graduate and former intern of Jana Marie Foundation.Links:Jana Marie Foundation's Virtual Calming Room: HTTPS://janamariefoundation.org/virtual-calming-roomNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Crisis Textline: text pa to 741741Candid Conversation on Resiliency: https://janamariefoundation.org/get-informed/candid-conversations/

For the latest episode of the Elephants Heard podcast, we discuss grief and loss with Penn State graduate student, Maura Barrett, Tides Program Director Evelyn Wald, and trained educator and parent Valerie Silecchia.  All three individuals shared their stories of their experiences with grief and loss, covering a wide range of health, job loss, and death, and the ways they continue to cope. Resources:Speaking Grief: a public media initiative aimed at creating a more grief-aware society by validating the experience of grievers and helping to guide those who wish to support them.  https://speakinggrief.orgLearning to Live: What's your story: a collaboration designed to create educational and conversational opportunities for meaningful intergenerational exchanges on loss, grief, growth, and transformation. http://learningtolivewhatsyourstory.orgTides Program: Tides offers grief support to children, teens, and adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. https://tidesprogram.orgJana Marie Foundation: an organization that harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations, build connections, and promote mental health and well-being among young people and their communities. https://janamariefoundation.org

For the initial episode of the Elephants Heard Podcast, we talk about finding calm, connection, and compassion during these times of uncertainty. Joining us are:• Amelia McGinnis, an outpatient therapist in State College since 2009. She was a founding practitioner of the Individual and Family CHOICES Program. Prior to 2009, she was a counselor and clinical director at Stormbreak Youth Program, working with adolescents and their families.• Ali Turley is a loving parent of two kids — an elementary student and high school student. She is certified school counselor and National Certified Counselor and works at Mount Nittany Middle School, part of the State College Area District. • Elijah Snyder is State College Area High School student.Jana Marie Foundation: https://janamariefoundation.org

The Jana Marie Foundation is proud to present a new monthly podcast — Elephants Heard! The podcast will showcase conversations that explore topics of vital social concern related to mental health and wellness. Each episode, hosted by Jana Marie Foundation founder and president Marisa Vicere and David Pencek, the communications specialist for Jana Marie Foundation, will feature a diverse group of guests and experts who will share moments of vulnerability, hope, and resiliency. Each segment will be accompanied by articles and other online resources to help provide further information and discussion.Elephants Heard Podcast is part of Jana Marie Foundation’s Mokita® Initiative. The word "mokita" means a known truth left unspoken, otherwise known as "the elephant in the room." The first episode will come out toward the end of September! Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!Jana Marie Foundation: https://janamariefoundation.org