“I intend to use my knowledge to do everything I can to make camp a supportive and safe environment, and if a camper is ever in a crisis situation, I can help them to the best of my ability.” — Anonymous

“LEAD’s Camp Mental Health certification is a great introduction for camp counselors to the very real challenge of working with campers who suffer from mental illness. At our camp we see more and more campers each year struggling with mental illness and this course did a great job of normalizing these campers as well as gave my staff some real life tools to help campers in need.”
— Sarah Camp, Former Director of Camp Unalayee

“I will use this certification to be more aware about my campers and how they are acting and communicating with others. However, I will not jump to conclusions simply due to the fact that I am more aware. In contrast, I will look more deeply into the situation.” — Anonymous

“When I first learned about the Camp Mental Health certification last fall, I knew it was something we had to bring to our Camp Gottalikachallenge staffers. Working with LEAD has been wonderful, the training itself was delivered in a professional and compassionate way, and all of our staffers really got a lot out of it that we'll be able to put into practice this summer.”
— Camp Director, Camp Gottalikachallenge

“I intend to use my knowledge to do everything I can to make camp a supportive and safe environment, and if a camper is ever in a crisis situation, I can help them to the best of my ability.”
— Maia (Participant), Camp Wildwood

“I will use this certification to be more aware about my campers and how they are acting and communicating with others. The information I learned from this certification will be really helpful as a camp counselor. Not only will I more easily be able to identify warning signs of mental illness in children, but I will also know how to respond to them.”
— Anonymous

“So many kids are struggling with either toxic masculinity or depression or other things that might make them think they are ‘weak’, and I'll try to make them understand that is NOT something to be ashamed of; we are all humans, we are all struggling, and it's okay to seek help...I'll try to help every kid I see through empathy and respect.” — Anonymous

“We as educators can play a huge role in breaking down the barriers and stigma that may have previously been associated with mental illnesses. I have been passionate about this topic for many years and it’s finally coming to the forefront on campuses around the country and certainly within the sporting arena which is a huge positive when raising awareness in our communities...In the sporting arena, our athletes face additional challenges and risks in their daily lives. I want them to know that there are avenues to use and resources available if they or someone they know is struggling with any sort of issue."
—Craig Jones, Coach of George Washington University Men's Soccer Team

“I want YMHFA to be mandatory for all athletic professionals. It was very powerful, helpful, and interactive...essential for communities." — Anonymous

“I am grateful to have gained so much new knowledge...I thought it was very well orchestrated and easy to understand. I left this presentation with a greater understanding of community, professional, and self-help mental health resources...I was more confident in my ability to identify high-risk behavior in students and signs and symptoms of mental illness in youth.” — Anonymous

“I had no idea how many ways I could improve the mental health of my students by changing very small habits and ways of teaching inside the classroom.” — Anonymous

“My staff all concurred that is was by far the best training they have had at Fusion and even thought it should be mandatory and part of NFO. This was especially impressive given that several of the staff members who came are notoriously critical. So five stars from Team DC!”
— Dr. DeLima, Head of School, Fusion Academy

“The feedback I received was all positive, and everyone stated how important it is to continue the conversation on this topic so we can better serve our students...Teachers appreciated the resource book as they can continue to expand on the main foundations of the course. The key takeaway was that teachers felt better prepared to handle a crisis situation, should one occur, as well as being more mindful if a student’s behavior changes/escalates.”
— Anonymous School Principal

“I loved the way you led the room and encouraged honest and candid conversations. It was a wonderful course and explained to me how to help those affected by mental illness and has given me the confidence and knowledge required to help people." — Anonymous

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the knowledge and hands-on training provided by LEAD […] As we reshape our programs to address the pressing needs of young adults in our city, it is essential that we are aware of the risk factors, warning signs, and opportunities to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of those we serve."
— Tracey Sero, DC Central Kitchen

“I recently hosted a Work Better Day event where Kyrah Altman lead a group of individuals through L.E.A.D’s Work Smarter, Not Harder program. To call it a success would be an understatement. The crowd thrived under Kyrah’s leadership. The combination of hard facts mixed with practical takeaways makes this a must for any organization with a desire for a more in-tune and productive staff and a transformation in their thinking around ‘wellness’.”
— Natalie Kapoulas, OPX Work Better Programs

“I believe we all need education and skills on how to help identify people that are struggling with themselves. The fact that I can train my employees to help identify people in need of support is amazing.”
— Steven Seiden, President at Acquired Data Solutions

“Not only has our time with LEAD been valuable in introducing the concepts of mental illness to our staff, but we have also gained useful skills to address crisis situations when we see them and developed strategies for promoting mental health among ourselves and the larger organization as a whole."
— Anonymous Participant, DC Central Kitchen

“Social Impact 360 participated in the ‘Work Smarter, Not Harder’ training, and we found the tools, technology, resources, and approaches provided to manage workflow and self-care in the workplace both useful and novel. Many we hadn't heard of before, and we look forward to using these new tools moving forward to help us become both more efficient in our work and manage our self-care throughout the workday.”
—Allison Alt, Executive Director of SI360

“LEAD's (workshop) was incredible! I’ve already started adapting some of your suggestions into my day. Honestly, your workshop helped to put things in perspective and truly set me in a better mind-frame for a HUGE meeting and the rest of the day."
—Erica Smith, Membership Development Director, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

“LEAD has motivated me be to be an advocate for not only my community, but for all communities. This internship has shown me what it takes to be a leader, to be an advocate, and to inspire change." — Anonymous Intern

"My work at LEAD has opened my eyes, seeing that mental health education and advocacy is underrepresented in our society... Without open and tolerant discussions, we as a society cannot combat stigma and help persons in need.”
— Allison Edwards, Intern

"What stands out to me about LEAD is the small but powerful group of people behind the organization. Kyrah and everyone on the team are some of the most active, courageous and passionate people I know. These are the students who don't wait to have titles or degrees behind their names, or be a certain age to push for change. They are at the forefront of movements that improve our society. Having the opportunity to work with and learn from them is an absolute privilege."
— Alicia Yeung, Intern