As a young college student, Mario was given a lead on a job at a research and training center for children’s mental health. It wasn’t remotely what he was interested in, but his wife said, “take the job; we need the money!” And the rest, as they say, is history.

Mario Hernandez, former Chair of the Child and Family Studies Department, University of South Florida, and Systems of Care legend, is my guest on this episode of The Optimistic Advocate podcast.

We talk about the early days of systems of care, how he built one of the most successful University behavioral health departments in the United States, leadership, and collaboration - all while never losing sight of system of care core values and principles. It's a deliciously lengthy interview, so grab a coffee, cancel any work appointments for the next hour, and join us on the couch!

More Information:

• La Gaceta article features a delightful recounting of the personal side of Mario Hernandez

Alina Liao is a proud daughter of immigrants, a resident of Washington, DC, and mental health advocate. Alina is the Founder of Zenit, a radical wellness company with the mission to make wellness accessible to everyone. With Zenit, Alina makes customized wellness journals and provides healing-centered journaling workshops to empower folks to gain the mental health benefits of journaling. Before Zenit, Alina co-founded a nonprofit where she provided mental health coaching to the youth of color. Outside of work, Alina is an avid practitioner of the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira and teaches kids and adults classes at The Capoeira Spot in DC.

In this episode, Alina Liao delightfully talks about her mission to make wellness accessible to everyone through journaling. Alina shares her mental health journey as an advocate and someone who went through loss, depression, and trauma. Journaling played a significant role in her recovery. It brought the spark of inspiration to embark on a special mission to create Zenit Journals, a radical wellness company committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone through journaling.

Favorite Quote

“Wellness shouldn't be just a luxury thing, which sometimes it can seem like it is. I view our wellness as a human right. We all deserve to have wellness in our daily lives.” - Alina Liao

For More Information:

Zenit Journals

Lloyd L. Garrison is currently the CEO/Founder of Hidden G.E.M.S. by LG which serves to motivate, inspire, and educate others through the power of the spoken word. Lloyd’s passion for utilizing spoken word and motivational speaking began during the global pandemic in 2020. Lloyd is currently using his passion for assisting disadvantaged youth and their families as the Director of Juvenile Justice Services at Connections, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree (2001) and a Master of Arts (2005) degree in English from Miami University in Oxford, OH.

In this episode, Lloyd Garrison speaks his truth through poetry and spoken word. This innovative advocate has touched many lives through his decades of service to youth involved in the justice system and their families.

Favorite Quote

“The more we understand each other, and the more we talk to each other, the more we communicate. And the more we extend grace and understanding to one another's experiences, the closer our worlds are.” - Lloyd Garrison

For More Information:

Hidden G.E.M.S by LG

Book mentioned in the Podcast – A Mile in My Shoes – Available on the Hidden Gems website.