The Well of PBC - October-2023

T H E R E S O U R C E F O R B E H A V I O R A L H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

/ OCTOBER 2023

Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord Weaving Together the Threads of Humanity

The Depth

Feature Story

Science Through Art

The Fountain

Peace Among the Palms Beyond the Couch

How Does Art Enrich Community?

Art and Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Possibilities are Endless

The Word

Corner Talk The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023

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Content

OCTOBER ISSUE 2023

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STORY 06 FEATURE The Neuroarts Tapestry: Weaving Together the Threads of Humanity

RESERVOIR 10 THE The Rhythm of the Heart:

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African Drum Culture Beating Strong in West Palm Beach

THE DRAW

Alto Sax, Origami and Finding Mental Clarity Through Artistic Pursuits

TALK 20 CORNER How Does Art Enrich Community?

DEPTH 22 THE Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord

FOUNTAIN 24 THE Science Through Art

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PROVIDERS 14 THE Music Therapy Integrating Creative Arts Therapies into Mental Health and Wellness Care

THE COUCH 16 BEYOND Peace Among the Palms

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THE WORD

Art and Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Possibilities are Endless

SOURCE 26 THE Get Your Questions Answered Here

30 SPOTLIGHT Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

REAL 18 THE Train the Brain 2023

NEWS 19 BEWELLPBC Inspiring Collective Action:

RALLY for Youth Mental Health Sees Remarkable Unity

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Letter from the Editor I

am so proud of this month’s issue of The Well of PBC for several reasons.

First is our partnership with the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN).

SEFBHN is a transformational force in Palm Beach County supporting initiatives as varied as the Opioid Task Force to Birth to 22 to the High Fidelity Wraparound Initiative.

I would like to thank them personally for their sponsorship of The Well of PBC, their investment in our community and their commitment to the health and wellness of all Palm Beach County residents.

Second is our partnership with Palm Health Foundation. Their collaboration was imperative to the success of this issue and thanks to them, I have learned about some incredible projects from the NeuroArts Blueprint to Ann Norton Sculpture Garden’s work with Indian Ridge School to the brainthemed artwork students will be creating at FAU. Palm Health Foundation is not only inspiring unique partnerships but they are funding innovation and impact throughout Palm Beach County and I couldn’t be more excited to be collaborating with Pat McNamara, Abigail Goodwin, Carrie Browne and Vanessa Moss on the October 2023 issue.

And speaking of this issue, I couldn’t be more proud of the work that has gone into elevating our theme this month - the intersection between mental health and the arts.

As a young child, I was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder more commonly known as ADHD.

I would love to connect with you and hear more about how the arts have been influential in your life.

Oftentimes, there is a negative connotation associated with having ADHD and people mistakenly associate it with poor academic performance, reckless impulsivity and carelessness but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Well of PBC is the premier behavioral health publication in Palm Beach County because of the strength of your voice. Advocating for mental health accessibility in our community is truly an honor.

Instead of viewing my ADHD diagnosis as a challenge in my life, I have learned that it is actually my superpower and research agrees.

A study by cognitive psychologist Holly White from the University of Memphis and Professor Priti Shah from the University of Michigan established that folks with ADHD are extraordinarily gifted when it comes to divergent thinking and brainstorming.

Julie Khanna,

Neurodivergent individuals think outside of the box - expanding on concepts and overcoming their limitations in order to innovate and excel.

Thank you for being a part of the mission:

The creativity that crackles within me through my work at The Well of PBC, my communications work at Khanna Connections and Khanna House Studios and…well, my life in general is due to having the neurological spark that I do.

It is the engine that drives me and ignites my passion for a brighter future filled with opportunity and hope.

I believe that when we invest in the arts, we invest in ourselves - our ability to accomplish more and dream bigger. Our ability to empathize and connect with the world around us.

Our ability to bloom where we are planted and truly become the people we know we can be our best selves.

Editor-in-Chief thewell@bewellpbc.org

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To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County, a safe exchange space for community, and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape.

”

To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org

MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR INVESTED PARTNERS

The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023

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The Mission

The largest behavioral health publication in Palm Beach County, The Well of PBC is a non-profit magazine which aims to be a community-directed resource for Palm Beach County residents.

Advocating for mental health accessibility is central to our mission and we believe in “walking the walk” when it comes to ensuring every Palm Beach County resident has the opportunity to have their voices heard.

We are proud to use our platform to highlight both national and global concerns while remaining focused on local mental health and wellness issues that matter the most to our audience.

Contributors to The Well of PBC do not need a degree or a background in publishing to have their voice elevated and their concerns addressed - they merely need to reach out and let us know they have something to say. Through crowdsourcing and fully engaging Palm Beach County residents to participate as contributors, The Well of PBC hopes to empower residents to serve as stakeholders who are fully immersed in the transformation of the behavioral health landscape of Palm Beach County.

We are looking for people to contribute to our art, ask the experts, students, self-care, cultural, spiritual, and provider columns. Email us for our contributor guidelines, editorial calendar, or if you’d like to share a career opportunity or community event.

E: thewell@bewellpbc.org | Follow along at @thewellofpbc

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Our Team

Creative Team

Alita Faber

Lauren Zuchman

Katrina Blackmon

Lauren is the Executive Director for the countywide initiative, BeWellPBC, advancing behavioral health and wellness for all residents in Palm Beach County. The Well of PBC is a passion project for Lauren to increase behavioral health awareness, engage diverse perspectives across the county, and promote solutions to address our county’s most complex challenges.

Katrina, founder & CEO of Unity3 Palm Beach, brings her executive advertising background combined with her love of faith, family, and this vibrant multicultural community to The Well of PBC and BeWellPBC.

Publisher

BeWellPBC Staff

Marketing Manager

Vanessa Moss

Abigail Goodwin

Palm Health Foundation

Carrie Browne

Julie Khanna

Surej Kalathil AKA Sunman

Julie, CEO of Khanna Connections, enjoys using her creativity to help health and wellness industries communicate with their audiences.

Surej, founder of Photography & Design by Sunman, is the creative visionary that brings life into each page, concept, visual and digital design of The Well of PBC publication.

Editor-in-Chief

Weston Probst

BeWellPBC Staff

Palm Health Foundation

Palm Health Foundation

Patrick J. McNamara

Palm Health Foundation

Creative Director

The information in this issue of The Well of PBC is for information purposes only. The Well of PBC assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The information contained about each individual, company, product or organization has been provided by such individual, company, product or organization without verification by us.

Melanie Otero

Jaime Joshi Elder

Melanie, president of Otero Communications, provides consulting services for some of Palm Beach County’s leading nonprofit organizations. With a special interest in behavioral health, she serves as a contributing writer to The Well of PBC.

Jaime, founder of Rosewood Media, is a West Palm Beach resident, creative and contributing writer to The Well of PBC. With a decade of experience in non-profit communications and a lifetime of experience as a writer, Jaime’s work focuses on behavioral health, diversity, equity and inclusion, travel, music, food and parenthood through a pop culture lens.

Contributor

Contributor

The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Well of PBC. Therefore, The Well of PBC carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed therein.

Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. © 2023 The Well of PBC All rights reserved.

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FEATURE STORY

The Neuroarts Tapestry Weaving together the threads of humanity

“Rebirth” by PBSC students Kaitlyn Parsons, Alexandra Garcia, and Isabella Rodriguez

By: Melanie Otero

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and aesthetic experiences to advance health and wellbeing.

o listen to Richard White’s vibrant memories as a painter and educator is to be immersed in the visual arts. Every word illuminates images of joy, belonging, and compassion.

He remembers a “sing-sing” when he was a teacher in Papua New Guinea, entranced for hours by drumming and dancing performed by tribes from different villages, each beautifully colored in body paint with extraordinary headdresses, uniting in peace rather than engaging in the ancient tribal feuds that once drove them apart.

And he remembers the solitary experience of a 20-year-old terminally ill young woman he taught to paint, who excitedly told him she sold a piece of her artwork for $25. “Well, that is exciting,” White said to her. “Why is it exciting you so much?” he asked. She replied, “You know what that means? My art is going to be in their house speaking to them after I’m gone.”

White’s stories convey his deep-rooted beliefs: The arts speak to us. Connect us.

And restore us, uniting us in our humanity.

Today, as the interim associate dean of arts and humanities at Palm Beach State College (PBSC), and a member of the Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative, White is joining with those who share his passion for the healing power of the arts and the science that is showing us how they can transform our brains, our bodies, and how we relate to one another.

He is one of dozens of artists, educators,

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Richard White

scientists, mental health professionals, and community leaders coming together through the Collaborative to build the neuroarts field in Palm Beach County, the first community chosen as a Community Arts Coalition Partner by the NeuroArts Blueprint, a joint initiative of the Aspen Institute and Johns Hopkins that is cultivating the study and use of the arts

“Advances across Palm Beach County are allowing us to better understand what happens to our brains during arts experiences and how to work with that information to ease a wide range of physiological and psychological symptoms,” said Dr. Bama Lutes Deal, NeuroArts Collaborative consultant. “We’re launching workgroups to explore neuroarts education and career pathways, the needs of expressive arts therapists, and youth mental health from a neuroarts-informed perspective. All these threads are out there, and they need to be woven together in a tapestry.”

The art of connection

As a field-builder for the Collaborative, White and PBSC are weaving the arts into experiences on campus and off to benefit the health and wellness of students and the community.

PBSC Quilt, "Awakening to Ourselves and Each Other"

FEATURE STORY During the college’s Art Fest 2023 event, students came together to create a quilt, designing or writing their thoughts on twelve-inch square pieces of paper sewn together to speak to the theme, “Awakening to Ourselves and Each Other.”

White recognized how the experience was an antidote to one of the greatest social and mental health issues of our time: loneliness.

“Our college really cares about our students, which is so important because so many of them come from different backgrounds and cultures and are often lonely on campus,” he said. “I firmly believe that participating in the arts in one way or another motivates people to think of humanity and to realize we are one."

Nat King Cole Generation Hope’s “Project Encore! Arts & Culture Upcycling” offered another unique opportunity for students to merge art and introspection. The organization provided recycled guitars and art supplies to 3D design students to create unique assemblage sculptures inspired by their personal experiences with music. One work, titled “Rebirth,” is a former banjo bursting back to life as a garden. The sculpture’s artists describe the work as: “Beautiful flowers, plants and fruits blossom from every direction and living amongst them, insects and birds play a part in the melody…Harmonies that take you back in time… Just like the cycle of life, music grows and is reborn.”

Susan Magsamen, founder and director of The International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins University, co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint, has dedicated her career to studying how experiences like those at PBSC can help our brains experience a rebirth of sorts. In her New York Times bestselling book co-authored with Ivy Ross, Your Brain on Art, they write: “Art and aesthetics can quite literally rewire your brain. They are a secret sauce that helps build new synaptic connections.”

Magsamen is helping to build neuroarts connections at a local level as the keynote speaker for the PBSC’s “Conversations” program created by White to promote dialogue and collaboration between experts from STEM and arts disciplines.

During the panel discussion that followed Magsamen's presentation, members of the college and the PBC NeuroArts Collaborative exchanged ideas for bridging the gaps between fields.

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FEATURE STORY

“My vision is for our arts faculty to collaborate with our mathematicians, physics and science professors, engineers, technology people—everyone,” White said.

“The more we talk about the value of the neuroarts in our lives, the more we will become healthier, happier people.”

Doodles can unite us, too

Unlike White, Jupiter Middle School teacher Donna Baker is not a painter. She is not an art instructor. But as an English second language teacher, she has witnessed a paintbrush express more than words ever could.

Harvard Health Blog’s, The ‘thinking’ benefits of doodling, reveals that “doodles may fill gaps in our life stories by activating the brain's ‘time travel machine,’ allowing it to find lost puzzle pieces of memories, bringing them to the present, and making the picture of our lives more whole again.”

After leaving behind family members, and friends, it’s no wonder so many of the girls’ doodles were about their own lost puzzle pieces—images of the mountains and skies of their homelands.

Baker and the girls decided to drop the word “book” from the club’s name, and while Baker lacked training as an art teacher, she led with her heart and saw how creating and sharing the girls’ work built connections and confidence.

Baker displayed their art in the school’s media center and at El Sol, and the principal chose a club member’s “One Love” artwork for a school T-shirt. Classmates and family members connected with the paintings and the girls, praising their work.

“They now have this sense of belonging, of being part of the community, and that they're important," Baker said. “That's a big thing.”

Student in the Unique and Powerful Girls Club

Baker created “The Unique and Powerful Girls Book Club” with sponsor El Sol five years ago to help young immigrant girls learn English through reading and journaling. Early on, Baker noticed something in the girls’ journals that became a turning point for the club: doodles.

Other parts of the school are taking notice. Guidance counselors have approached Baker to expand her program to other students, and she sees how her experience is part of the tapestry Dr. Deal envisions. “I want to accomplish growth and a sense of community that is larger than our school, larger than El Sol,” Baker said. “After reading the NeuroArts Blueprint, I realized it was everything that I've had in my heart.”

Katie Walsh Edwards

Sharing the beauty of science

Researchers at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience in Jupiter (MPFI)—another Collaborative member— are sharing what is in their minds and hearts by interlacing science and the arts as one for the benefit of the community.

Each year Max Planck features a collection of striking photographic images captured from their researchers around the globe for its annual Images of Science Exhibit described as “an unprecedented look at the smallest details that form the base of beauty and knowledge in our world.”

Katie Walsh Edwards, MPFI’s head of public affairs, recognizes how the images are an extension of the scientists’ artistic expression to reach beyond the lab. “The images can be anything,” she said. “It can be a cell culture. It can be a plasma wave.

It’s an image that someone in the course of their research looked at and said, wow, that is really striking. I want to share this with the rest of the world.”

At first, she wanted to see if the girls would continue to draw instead of write if given what Baker called “Me Time.” Some wrote, and others doodled again.

“Their doodling created stories of themselves,” said Baker.

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Unique and Powerful Girls Club students with Donna Baker and El Sol's Betzy Rega and Suzanne Whitbeck

FEATURE STORY

Max Planck researchers express themselves through music as well during MPFI’s annual Science Meets Music series that celebrates these uniquely intertwined disciplines. Visionary neuroscientists share their ground-breaking discoveries interspersed with enlightening performances by virtuosic musicians, some of whom double as MPFI researchers.

As MPFI contributes to Palm Beach County’s growing neuroarts tapestry, Edwards points out that the power of the Collaborative is the vibrant enthusiasm and diversity of its members.

“

Advances across Palm Beach County are allowing us to better understand what happens to our brains during arts experiences and how to work with that information to ease a wide range of physiological and psychological symptoms.

”

“You have teachers, healthcare workers, musicians, artists, researchers—so many people from different walks of life coming together,” she said. “You don't have to be a scientist studying art in the brain. You don't have to be a professional artist to make a difference. You just have to be really passionate about the impact that can be made when art, music, dancing—all of the arts—are brought to people who are going to benefit from it. That's what science is about, giving people hope that we're going to find answers. Art does the same thing. It's a partnership that is meant to be.”

White agrees. “The more we understand how the neuroarts can impact our lives, the more we're going to understand humanity and the idea of compassion, the idea of empathy, the idea of this light and this love,” he said. “That's the value of neuroarts. It's going to change the world.”

The Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative’s community goals:

• • • • •

Strengthen the research foundation of neuroarts.

Honor and support the many arts practices that promote health and well-being.

Expand and enrich educational and career pathways.

Advocate for sustainable funding and promote effective policy.

Build capacity, leadership, and communications strategies.

Photography from the Max Planck Images of Science exhibit showing glial cells (red and green) and nerve cells (blue).

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THE RESERVOIR

The Rhythm of the Heart African Drum Culture Beating Strong in West Palm Beach By: Abasi J. Hanif

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ivin The Rhythm was originally developed to reintroduce African Drum Culture to those of African descent living in America.

We established Livin The Rhythm as a drum circle centered around the feelings of African people as we noticed other local circles weren’t directly related to African culture, frequented by people of Black African descent nor were they exclusively using African drums.

Although we were initially called a Drum Circle, we decided to refer to ourselves as a Drum Cypher instead - a collective of musicians or performers who freestyle either in a collaboration or battle.

Even though our lead drummers are almost all exclusively Black, we don’t think of ourselves as an All Black Only Drum Circle. However, wanting to connect with the local Black community and reconnect Black Americans of African descent to drum culture, we do make it a point to set up in either Black/minority owned businesses or perform in predominantly Black areas.

Livin The Rhythm provides instruments to the musicians who wish to join us because we understand that many of the people we’re trying to reach may not have instruments of their own. We made it so there would always be lead bottom rhythms and accompaniments that would carry the rest of the instrumentation to maintain a sense of rhythm and harmony.

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We begin each drum circle with a libation to our African Ancestors and end with a group drum ritual involving all remaining participants to a Nyabinghi "heartbeat" rhythm - a 4/4 rhythm syncopated to the human heartbeat.

Throughout the Cypher, Traditional West African (also known as Far West African or FWA) and Impromptu Rhythms are used to keep the energy flowing. FWA is another way we identify original rhythms and styles unique to our part of the African Diaspora as African Americans (or American Africans as I prefer to say).

“

The cyphers have become family events with children running around and adults of all ages enjoying the vibe. Some have even compared it to church because of the weekly congregation aspect as well as the spiritual and emotional feelings which arise when we drum together.

Livin The Rhythm started off as a New Moon Drum Circle and within the second year, it became a weekly cypher every Thursday night.

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THE RESERVOIR

By saying Far West African, we pay homage to our Western African Ancestry and Western Hemisphere geographical position without recognizing our default citizenship due to our birthplace coming at the cost of chattel slavery.

Enslavement disconnected many African Americans from the knowledge and the desire to learn about many levels of their African culture. At one point in American history, plantation owners banned enslaved people from playing drums for fear that it would be used as a method of covert communication.

I specifically targeted the African American population because I could relate to the feeling of disconnect and the need to know and experience more about my cultural heritage.

When attending Livin The Rhythm Cyphers, prior knowledge and experience is not needed as we always make sure there is someone in attendance to help keep bottom rhythms sounding strong.

We have also always had the presence of professional and community African Dancers to add more African cultural elements to the jam session and when inspiration strikes, we’ve had sessions where chanting and song singing break out spontaneously.

Livin The Rhythm started off as a New Moon Drum Circle and within the second

Although Livin The Dream is not an all Black only drum cypher, Abasi Hanif specifically focuses on the African American population as he relates to the feeling of disconnect and the need to know and experience more about African cultural heritage.

year, it became a weekly cypher every Thursday night. As years progressed, we focused on building a more community/ tribal feel to the cypher by adding a DJ who plays a different mix of music styles from throughout the African Diaspora as well as weekly food and craft vendors who made the feeling of a connected village more of a reality.

Community Birthdays were celebrated with a special drum session and dancing as well as birthday cake! The cyphers have become family events with children running around and adults of all ages enjoying the vibe. Some have even compared it to church because of the weekly congregation aspect as well as the spiritual and emotional feelings which arise when we drum together.

The COVID lockdowns slowed us down as we weren't allowed to meet up like before and we also ended up moving locations multiple times, but now we are in our 13th year and Livin The Rhythm has grown from a new moon drum circle to multiple drum

cyphers and African Cultural centered celebrations throughout the South Florida Area.

People of all ages, races, orientations and beliefs come to enjoy the vibe that we provide with our version of Drum Circling.

As an American African, I can personally testify to the multiple physical and mental benefits associated with group drumming as well as the benefits of tapping into the customs and culture of our Motherland born ancestors as a way to build self confidence and better appreciation of who we are at our core.

The Reservoir is the cultural space for contributors to highlight customs, celebrations, holidays, rituals, recipes, and more. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Reservoir” in the subject line.

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THE DRAW

Alto Sax, Origami & Finding Mental Clarity Through Artistic Pursuits By: Davy Yue www.davyyue.com | www.linkedin.com/in/davyyue/

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eyond the treacherous storms of mental-health challenges, I found safe refuge and calm harbor in origami and my alto saxophone.

From the quicksands of anxiety and depression, I secured my foothold upon the solid rock of creativity and from depths within, I brandished my lightbulb of creativity to cast shadows back into the dark. As I braved these storms, I wielded creativity like a silver sword to slash and slice through sorrows and strife in mental health and life.

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I find myself reminding my peers that everyone is creative, regardless of your background, profession, values, or passions. Creativity embeds itself within every single day.

Davy Yue and his Alto Sax

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THE DRAW The heartful soul of origami applies time and energy to transform an ordinary sheet of paper into the awe-inspiring. I fold this paper of recovery everytime I read more about neuroscience, dive into psychology-research articles, encounter a new origami design for luxury home decor, or embrace new jazz improvisations on my alto saxophone.

I also enhance my recovery through my alto saxophone as I express forgotten emotions in profound bone-trembling ways. Faint memories of unresolved trauma find healing as they dance to beautiful ballads. As I encounter enlightenment in elegant melodies, I find myself stumbling to an upright trot on the roads of recovery.

Electrifying music serves some flavorful delicious chicken noodle soup for the ever-seeking soul. I sip this soup every day to readily drink away life's ailments.

Improvising alto sax melodies, symphonies, and maladies; monumental musical movements to mesmerize complexities; compose expeditions from notes, staffs, and visionaries; high hopes I harbor for my companions and contemporaries.

Often, I find myself reminding my peers that everyone is creative, regardless of your background, profession, values, or passions. Creativity embeds itself within every single day as every passing moment in life creates new decisions, hence constant creativity for everyone.

Therefore, creativity is like a shining double-edged sword that slashes through the thickest of thunderstorms in our lives.

So let us wield this sword of creativity with both hands steady firm, both feet planted, and both heart and mind in unison to fold the paper of life into fascinating creations.

Some of Davy Yue's original origami creations

For a time, these storms seemed like they would overwhelm or drown me. Yet, I endured using origami and music to strengthen my innermost resolve and steady myself against these immense odds. I have come to appreciate creativity as a multifunctional instrument from the toolbox of resiliency. I harnessed much hope in these tools during the pandemic and personal mental health challenges in my Vanderbilt University undergrad.

I found the art of origami to reflect my own mental-health adventure as I folded the paper of lifelong recovery into fascinating hopeful creations. Each crease and every crinkle mirroring the steps I took to take action on my own recovery.

Folding origami to give birth to vase, stem, and rose; proclaim procreation from paper to proper prose; profess precious profoundness as each crease proposed; Proper ponderings on prophetic paper elements imposed.

The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Draw” in the subject line.

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THE PROVIDERS

Music Therapy Integrating Creative Arts Therapies into Mental Health and Wellness Care By: Bree Gordon Lukosavich, MT-BC The Mindful Mentor | @mindfulmentorbree

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laywright George Bernard Shaw said, "You use a glass mirror to see your face. You use works of art to see your soul."

For those living with mental, emotional or behavioral health challenges, sharing their “soul” or sense of self creatively and having it be witnessed can be very healing and can help an individual move forward in a stagnant time.

Certified music and art therapists are trained to use music and art respectively to guide clients through the creative process, hold space for their emotional processing and help the client build resiliency in a safe environment.

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Many music and art therapists are trained to practice with a trauma-informed approach, which focuses on the question “what happened to you?” versus “what’s wrong with you?”

Whether it is through writing original song lyrics, improvising on a percussive instrument, creating a sculpture from found objects or working as a group to complete a mural, clients are free to express themselves fully and without judgment. During music and art therapy sessions, the focus is on the client's process, not the client’s product.

Goals of sessions are not necessarily musical or artistic but rather social, emotional, physical, spiritual, communicative and cognitive.

An infusion center waiting room, Lynn Cancer Center, Delray Beach

Bree earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy with a concentration in voice from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY

As a trauma-informed music therapist, I work with survivors of violent traumas including school shootings, community gun violence, the Holocaust, active duty in war time and adverse childhood experiences.

It has been a great honor to witness the stories of my clients and provide them with a brave space to share. I have had the opportunity to help survivors create original songs, create community with other survivors through shared appreciation of song lyrics and create opportunities for vulnerability and expression while improvising on drums.

Music itself creates a welcoming,

affirming and adaptive environment that makes it the perfect tool to use when addressing trauma and mental and emotional wellness.

Music can be used to facilitate control and choice making, which is hugely impactful for individuals whose lives have been altered by events that they could not control.

The simple act of choosing an instrument, a song or a lyric can give an individual power and a voice, which is a guiding principle of trauma informed care, according to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Bree leads a group session for Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s in West Palm Beach, Nurturing Notes program in partnership with Palm Beach Symphony

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THE PROVIDERS

As a trauma-informed music therapist, I work with survivors of violent traumas including school shootings, community gun violence, the Holocaust, active duty in war time and adverse childhood experiences. It has been a great honor to witness the stories of my clients and provide them with a brave space to share…Music itself creates a welcoming, affirming and adaptive environment that makes it the perfect tool to use when addressing trauma and mental and emotional wellness.

”

When I began working with the students of Stoneman Douglas in Parkland just four months after the horrific shooting in 2018, I was very concerned about bringing drums and other “loud” instruments to our group sessions. After just one improvisation with the instruments, I was shocked to see not only how the students took to the various instruments but how their startle response to outside sounds like construction decreased, week after week, when the drums were present.

The fact that they now had control over the sounds in their environment and that those sounds could come together to create music appeared both comforting and motivating to the participants.

Our practice, Creative Arts Therapies of the Palm Beaches, staffs and develops customizable music and art therapy programming in medical, educational and community based sites throughout southeast Florida.

Our team of 18 certified therapists and two music therapy interns work with individuals of all ages, throughout all stages of health and wellness.

The Providers is a space for providers, practitioners, thought leaders, and systems change leaders to share. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc. org with “For The Providers” in the subject line.

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BEYOND THE COUCH

Peace Among the Palms By: Jaime Joshi Elder

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midst the chaos and hustle of a city exploding with new growth and opportunity lies an oasis.

reinforce the many ways the arts and our natural environment can enhance academic and individual growth,” said Fisher.

Tucked away in West Palm Beach’s historic El Cid neighborhood, the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden is a verdant, tropical Eden providing both respite and inspiration for over 45 years.

When visiting, students get to engage with the work of multiple artists and interact with art in a capacity that might not be available to them otherwise.

“The spirit of an accomplished female American artist and all her legacy carries is honored at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens,” said Board Chairwoman Frances Fisher. “In Ann Norton’s words - art should be beautiful and made to last.”

Given that Norton gave specific instructions that her home, studio and lush gardens be left for all to enjoy, it only makes sense that education is a fundamental part of her legacy.

Striving to provide innovative educational programming, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens hosted a program called Art, Music & Healthy Hearts for students at Indian Ridge School in April of this year and from that, a beautiful partnership bloomed.

“The visit was so inspiring that ANSG’s board and staff wanted to expand the program and find a way to bring back their entire school (K-12) to experience all that the Gardens has to offer,” said Fisher.

Thanks to a partnership with Palm Health Foundation, Indian Ridge students will be invited to return to ANSG throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

“Indian Ridge’s principal, Eugene Ford, teachers and ANSG staff as well as art and music therapists are very enthusiastic about providing the students with an out-of-classroom opportunity to 16

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“We encourage students to touch the sculptures, to experience the different textures of the various materials, to walk all the way around and observe the work from different angles, to share their impressions and feelings about the work, and learn from the art and from each other,” said Yelda Adiguzelli-Dugan, ANSG’s Education Program Director. “The part that I love the most is the students’ arrival in the Gardens through the bus entrance on Flagler Drive. It is a pivotal moment to witness their reactions - they walk through the gate, their jaws drop, smiles cross every face, and they often ask with

“Big dreams are brought to life through Ann’s monumental sculptures, lush tropical gardens and historic structures." ~ Frances Fisher

excitement, “Are we in a jungle?” or “What flowers and animals live here?””

A newly developed partnership between ANSG and the Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative further cements why it is so important for children to have this kind of experience and access to the arts.

Numerous studies are confirming what creatives over the ages have long held to be true - human beings are wired for art and it is essential to our development and our ability to thrive.

“There is so much research that shows the positive impact of the arts on our health and overall wellbeing,” said Margaret Horgan, ANSG’s Executive Director. “I am struck by, ‘how our brains and bodies transform when we participate in the arts—and how this knowledge can improve our health, enable us to flourish, and build stronger communities’ as stated in Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen.”

Ann Norton’s monumental, silent, mysterious sculptures built in situ over a period of 15 years were intended to be discovered as surprises amidst the dense, jungle-like vegetation.

BEYOND THE COUCH

“

Our hope is to bring in more students, educators, and families to enjoy art in the Gardens and that as a society, art becomes more accessible particularly to those most in need.

”

“In Ann Norton’s words - art should be beautiful and made to last," said Board Chairwoman Frances Fisher.

The NeuroArts Blueprint is an action plan which shares scientific knowledge showcasing how art is a tool in promoting the health and wellbeing of both individuals and communities and at the heart of this initiative are the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion with the Blueprint pledging, “a nonnegotiable commitment to dedicating the tools and sharing the power of the arts with all populations and in every community across culture, racial and ethnic background, socioeconomic status, skill set, and more.”

This principle is echoed by Ann Norton Sculpture Garden and their commitment to education.

“Our hope is to bring in more students, educators, and families to enjoy art in the Gardens and that as a society, art becomes more accessible particularly to those most in need,” said Horgan.

Board Chair Frances Fisher echoed this sentiment with an invitation.

The Norton House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the two-acre property features a collection of 250 rare species of tropical palms, cycads and native plants.

“Big dreams are brought to life through Ann’s monumental sculptures, lush tropical gardens and historic structures that carry the spirit of Ann and Ralph Norton and the great American landscape,” she said. “It is a magical place where butterflies, birds and nature come out to play with visitors. We hope you will join us to elevate your mind and spirit with joy.”

Beyond The Couch highlights non-traditional mental health outlets and resources in Palm Beach County. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc. org with "Beyond the Couch" in the subject line.

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THE REAL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMUmCepE_cA

Train the Brain2023 Advancing Wellness Through the Neuroarts The neuroarts represent the convergence between science, the arts, and technology. Scientific study has proven that artistic experiences – both observational and experiential – measurably change the brain, body, and behavior, leading to improved physical and mental health, disease prevention, enhanced brain development in children, and more.

This October, Palm Health Foundation invites you to three free neuroarts events, where you’ll experience first-hand how the arts can improve your brain health and the wellbeing of our community.

Visit PalmHealthFoundation.org to register for free neuroarts events!

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BEWELLPBC NEWS

Left - Evangelist Deborah Powell- Skinner and Right - Katrina Blackmon, Unity3 Palm Beach

INSPIRING COLLECTIVE ACTION

RALLY for Youth Mental Health Sees Remarkable Unity

Left - Susan Foley, PBC Behavioral Health Coalition - Right - Lisa Cobb, Youth Empowered To Prosper

On August 22nd, BeWellPBC hosted RALLY – Rapid Action Learning Leaders for Youth – to encourage stewards across Palm Beach County to address the youth mental health crisis now. The gathering brought together more than 95 youth, community leaders, grassroots initiatives, behavioral health providers, funders, and systems leads to swiftly devise solutions for the pressing issue of youth mental health through collective action, continuous learning, and adaptive strategies.

A standout feature of the RALLY event was the resounding support for youth leaders, recognizing their proximity to the challenges and solutions. The approach was underpinned by a strong foundation—a clear understanding of local youth mental health needs. as reported through surveying (source: Youth Risk Behavior Survey) and youth and family conversations (facilitated by Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures).

Through group activities and energized discussions, the RALLY event resulted in shared priorities for youth mental health, identified solutions with immediate activation potential, and attendees committed to translating insights into action, ensuring that the event's momentum motivates meaningful transformation of the supports and services available.

The significance of RALLY for Youth Mental Health is undeniable. It showcases the power of a community united, leveraging the expertise of various stakeholders to address a critical issue.

As the event concluded, it left behind a strengthened resolve to continue this movement and effect real change in the lives of youth facing the many challenges of today.

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CORNER TALK 20

The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023

How Does Art Enrich The Community?

"KNOWLEDGE IS OUR FUTURE" Artists: Andrew Reid, Carlos Alves and JC Carroll

A

rt in Public Places provides art that complements public buildings, parks, and plazas; creates a sense of place and enhances community identity; improves the design quality of public infrastructure; and contributes to the missions of the county departments where projects are sited. The Well of PBC reached out to 5 areas within our county to learn more about why art is influential and how it enriches our community.

Find a list of art in every part of the county by visiting www.discover.pbcgov.org/fdo/ art/pages/default.aspx.

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SOUTH “The BoyntonArts and the Art in Public Places Program is dedicated to creating a stimulating cultural environment that reflects and enhances the City's heritage, diversity, and character. After 18 years, more than 80 individual sculptures, murals, mosaics and art landscapes spread across Boynton Beach on office and medical buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, apartments, City Hall and many City parks. To attract visitors and provide community events, BoyntonArts produces the Kinetic Biennial with "art that moves" from all over the world and bi-monthly art shows in the beautiful Arts & Cultural Center. In 2024, look out for the Heart of Boynton Unity Project celebrating the strength of the Heart of Boynton community for 100 years.”

Glenn Weiss. Public Art Manager.

City of Boynton Beach.

"LET THE FUTURE UNFOLD" Artist: DAAS

CORNER TALK "UHANE" Artist: Sean Yoro (HULA)

EAST “Public art not only transforms places but it also exposes people to art and culture.

It can create jobs, increases civic engagement, draws tourists and engenders community pride.”

Joan Oliva. Executive Director.

Lake Worth Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

WEST

CENTRAL

“I think this piece encompasses what Belle Glade means to the residents who live here and what our potential through knowledge as a community is as we continue to prosper and press forward.

The public library is the very pillar in cultivating that knowledge.”

“When thinking about art in a public space often we conjure up images of large group experiences, but, it is the quieter interactions between the art, its placement and each individual - the in-between moments - that foster a sense of belonging and provide for a sense of community. The accessibility of public art to all members of our society embraces that in-between space.”

Graham Brunk. Librarian IV. Glades Area Manager.

Palm Beach County Library System

Sybille Welter, Director of Arts.

Culture and Community Building for the City of West Palm Beach.

"ORCHID CITY" Arist: Ben Leone

"FOREVER & ALWAYS (THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS MEMORIAL)" Artist: Mark Fuller

NORTH "The City of Palm Beach Gardens' AIPP (Art in Public Places) program enhances the City's culture and physical environment while seeking to foster creativity and promote city pride by integrating public art into its built environment. Since 1989, the AIPP program has striven to beautify public spaces with commissioned artworks and installations by local and influential artists promoting the City's overall image. This cultural enrichment makes the city more appealing to visitors, enhances properties, and creates a vibrant atmosphere for residents and businesses, helping to make Palm Beach Gardens a great place to live, learn, work and play.”

John Stout Planner

To have your voice heard from your corner of the neighborhood, send an email to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “Corner Talk and north, central, south, east or west” in the subject line.

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THE DEPTH

Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord

By: John W. Weatherspoon , Doctor of Musical Arts Candidate (ABD), GRAMMY Finalist 2019, Music Education www.espressivosingers.com

Lake Worth High School Trojan Pride Chorus at FVA State Music Performance Assessment Spring 2023

I

am thankful to the Lord that He saved me through placing my faith and hope in Jesus the Christ, God’s only begotten son. The Creator of the universe has put in us all the ability to be creative ourselves.

There is artistic design all around us and in every society. Music is one of the most evident forms of creativity in societies.

The Lord created us to praise Him through instruments and song. Because of that, music has a way of reaching into the core of who you are. I have found this throughout my life. When text and music collaborate in an inseparable way through the vocal and choral art forms, my spirit truly soars. It is as if time stops and there is life within the suspended moment; like a glimpse into eternity. The marriage of text

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and music can move a person to tears; to joy and hope; to comfort and reassurance; to inspiration and creativity; and to physical responses. All of these are evident in church services around the globe.

I remember running to my music class in junior high school because I was developing an understanding of choral music and the inspiration of my wonderful and beautiful choral director captured me.

The physical and vocal warm-ups were exciting and energizing. My favorite warm-up was one where we would keep time to a song with our arms; one side would snap up and down in a simple two feel, while simultaneously, the other side would snap up, out, and down repeatedly in three.

As I see it now, the Lord was using this music warm-up to help a young conductor find his way.

God teaches us to take steps of faith and the experiences I had auditioning for the All-Parrish Choir in Baton Rouge, Louisiana were amazing because they helped to develop confidence in a shy young boy who had little, if any, belief in himself.

One song from one of those junior high All-Parrish choirs still sticks with and moves my heart today. It is the Paul Manz arrangement of E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (MorningStar Music Publishers). The text expresses a promise of hope that connected with me through the beautiful flowing and overlapping vocal lines.

THE DEPTH

Conducting Espressivo and members of the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County in our Spring 2023 Concert, Respectfully

Lake Worth High School Graduating Chorus Members, May 2023

“

When text and music collaborate in an inseparable way through the vocal and choral art forms, my spirit truly soars. It is as if time stops and there is life within the suspended moment; like a glimpse into eternity.

”

Faith in Christ and being in choir taught me to love others as I love myself; to see them as even more important than self. I learned the importance of every person in the choir because we function as a team.

Individuals must give of themselves to the choir, which is far greater than the sum of its individual parts. It is the same in the church. Together we can accomplish so much.

I have wanted to pass this understanding on to my own students and I know that it has happened because of a reply I received from a former student.

Years ago, she wrote, saying of her time in our choir at Lake Worth High School, “Mr. Weatherspoon knew I could not hold a note in a bucket, but he made me feel that I was just as important as everyone else in the choir.”

In an article interview with the National Association for Music Education for being a Music Educator GRAMMY Award finalist, I said, “We need students who are prepared to build community.

We (in choral music) teach community, and we teach it like no other subject can!”

I believe that and have seen it as both a chorister and a director. This concept of seeing the inter-reliant nature of our art is something that helps me when I am mentally overwhelmed. Others are counting on me and I on them. So, I will fight through because I know I am important to others, and they are also to me.

This is the essence of our art. And it is an extension of my faith. It is about lifting and building others up.

The Depth is a space for faithbased leaders and individuals to share their thoughts, guidance, encouragement, what they’re witnessing, and more. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Depth” in the subject line.

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THE FOUNTAIN

Science Through Art By: Lindsey Wuest

W

e spark curiosity through creativity by using the magic of elementary art to inspire enthusiastic engagement in the learning of science topics.

Science through Art is a cross-curricular K-5 special area class attended by students on a weekly basis. At the heart of my curriculum lies a sense of place; our projects are inspired by our unique South Florida environment, pop culture, science news and student interest. Links to science standards are informed by grade level teachers, test scores and gaps in understanding of science topics.

Last year we explored Climate Change through art by creating a massive collaborative mural installed in my classroom. Students across grade levels crafted collaged representations of native South Florida environments such as a pineland featuring towering slash pines which led to a coastal hammock of saw palmetto and sloped down to a mangrove swamp along the beach.

Finally, students analyzed how sea level rise, temperature increase and natural disasters may pose a threat to our state’s ecosystems.

Our youngest learners in Kindergarten can see complicated concepts in a way that makes sense - even before they can read. Imagine, using a mural made by 1st-5th grade students to explain the concept of a keystone species to Kindergarteners.

Swooping spoonbills, nesting least terns, soaring osprey and baby sea turtles make their eyes sparkle as they view the student-made mural. They see the gopher tortoises drawn by the

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Alexander D. Henderson University School student Banner Moynihan works on a creative art project showcasing the brain.

fourth graders, they see the burrow collaged by the 3rd graders, they see the mice and snakes (painted by 2nd graders) sharing the burrow to hide from the wildfire (crafted by 1st grade).

Suddenly, a complicated topic becomes as simple as understanding how every living thing is connected - and how science is the study of that. In Science through Art, we are building a learning community where art is not only a tool for self expression, but also for deepening the knowledge of science for learners who thrive in a creative space.

Science through Art allows learners who face challenges in reading or math to understand concepts visually. Not only that, students who struggle with writing or verbal communication can express their knowledge through their artwork. Science through Art allows all students the opportunity to find the joy in learning, regardless of the struggles they may face in other academic areas.

“

Science through Art allows all students the opportunity to find the joy in learning, regardless of the struggles they may face in other academic areas.

”

THE FOUNTAIN Brain Themed Artwork in my Curriculum, Inspired by Partnership with Palm Health Foundation’s Train the Brain Month: Students will be learning all about brains during the months of August and September in Science through Art class.

Depending on the grade level and standards alignment, each grade will be learning about the anatomy of the brain, neurons or how the brain processes our emotions. Each lesson will be paired with an art project intended to deepen student knowledge and understanding of the brain topics presented to the class.

Studio Sessions: Investigating the benefits of a consistent art-making space on the stress levels and sense of belonging in adolescents.

By Dr. Amy Tift, Katherine Hendrickson and Lindsey Wuest Studio Sessions is a 6-12 club where students are free to simply create and connect with fellow artists. Students participate in workshops demonstrating new mediums, create freely in open studio and work collaboratively to create enormous works of art. Before and after each meeting, students complete a survey reporting their stress levels. Quarterly, students take a survey about their sense of belonging. Along with open ended questions, this data has provided insight into the power of art and community in student mental health.

FAU Lab Schools Research Communities of Practice (RCP) is a very unique teacher-researcher community focused on measuring the impacts of innovative teaching strategies and disseminating the resulting research at symposiums and conferences.

So far, the results of our research demonstrate an immediate decrease in stress levels, increased sense of belonging over time and, of course, the creation of beautiful artwork. You can visit our installation of 15 South Florida inspired mega-paintings, which line the longest hallway in the Western Hemisphere!

Work in Progress: Social and Emotional Learning through Art Lindsey Wuest and Jill Deskin Work in Progress is an arts-based program for K-5 students designed to meet modern social and emotional learning needs through the creation of introspective artwork. Using the magic of elementary art and the expertise of a licensed counselor, we facilitate the building of a toolkit focusing on proactive strategies for whole-child health.

Influenced by a personal interest in arts and health, Work in Progress was developed with the intention of meeting the needs of our students in today's tumultuous social

and political climate. Today, even our youngest students face social and emotional challenges. By using the naturally introspective process of art making paired with explicit instruction about coping mechanisms, self-confidence, social awareness and empathy, our curriculum provides proactive education about mental health. It is our goal for students to face the social and emotional challenges of today's world with a toolkit of strategies for maintaining a healthy mental state. By helping our students to understand the importance of mental health, we hope to build a brighter and more self-aware generation of leaders who demonstrate resilience and creativity in everyday life.

We spark curiosity through creativity by using the magic of elementary art to inspire enthusiastic engagement in the learning of science topics.

The Fountain is a space for youth to share their point of view on things that matter to them. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Fountain” in the subject line.

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THE WORD

Art and Autism Spectrum Disorder The Possibilities Are Endless

By: Jaime Joshi Elder with Expert Insights From Dr. Erin Brooker Lozott

Based in Jupiter, Florida, The Els Center of Excellence is on track to be a game-changing resource in the field of autism and a leading example of what can be available to individuals on the spectrum.

E

ls For Autism believes in a world of boundless possibilities for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families and for Dr. Erin Brooker Lozott, that mission is both a professional and a personal goal.

As Els for Autism’s program director and a clinician who has been working with individuals with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) for over 25 years and the mother of a child with ASD, Dr. Lozott has made the pursuit of hope and further understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder her life’s work.

As the Program Director for the organization, Dr. Lozott not only oversees the development and delivery of all programs and services from birth through adulthood

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but also ensures that every therapeutic service Els for Autism provides is rooted in evidence-based practices and is accessible to individuals with and without ASD, regardless of age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approximately one in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by age 8 each year.

This means that parents and educators are continually seeking ways to address the social development and sensory issues that accompany ASD. Dr. Lozott advocates for the usage of art therapy as a way for autistic individuals to mitigate challenging behaviors and help channel self-stimulating behavior into creative expression.

“

When enhancing communication through creative expression, individuals with autism can improve their imagination and gain more significant abstract thinking skills and the ability to see the perspectives of others.

”

THE WORD The global mission of Els for Autism is to transform the lives of people with autism and those who care for them through lifetime services and collaborative partnerships.

Els for Autism’s program director Dr. Erin Brooker Lozott

Art is many things to many people.

For some, art can be a form of relaxation; for others, it may be a form of expression.

Therefore, the definition of art can be broad and may include various activities such as painting, drawing, creative writing, music, crafts, and more.

For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), art can be critical in supporting engagement, social

The multisensory nature of art materials and the relational aspect of creating art align with the innate needs of individuals with ASD. Art activities provide individuals on the spectrum with unique sensory experiences to safely communicate and develop social skills across various people and contexts.

Further, art therapy with children on the spectrum has resulted in children with ASD demonstrating increased flexibility, relaxation, and the ability to communicate about challenges more readily in the therapeutic settings and at home.

Spearheaded by World of Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els, The Els for Autism Golf Challenge regional event series consists of a series of events at top-rated golf courses across North America and is one of the largest charity-driven, amateur golf tournaments.

interaction, communication, and positive mental health and well-being, especially when spoken language becomes difficult.

Art provides a safe platform for social connection and interaction.

Understanding that art can be used to express thoughts and feelings, the use of art can help reduce challenging behaviors in autistic individuals that otherwise may not have had a voice.

When enhancing communication through creative expression, individuals with autism can improve their imagination and gain more significant abstract thinking skills and the ability to see the perspectives of others. Painting and drawing allow individuals with autism to communicate through alternative channels and enhance self-expression.

Though much evidence supports the positive impact of art on an individual with autism’s mental health and wellbeing, social skills, communication, behavior, and overall performance, additional research is still needed to support art as an evidence-based intervention for individuals with ASD.

The Word is a broad topic space for contributing writers (a.k.a the community) to share your stories of behavioral health or anything self-care related i.e. fitness, health, educational, parenting, hobbies, wellness, etc. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc. org with“The Word” in the subject line.

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THE SOURCE

Get Your Questions Answered Here The Source is a place for Palm Beach County residents and experts to connect and exchange information

Q

A

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talk about how you've handled it and how it's not held you back. Focus on a supportive workplace that aligns with your values. And remember, it's your well-being that matters most.

- Gus Castellanos, MD.

I know the stigma around mental health is normalizing but I think employers would still be afraid to hire someone with a mental health diagnosis. Would you be comfortable disclosing that to a potential employer? If so, how? P.R. You're right that mental health stigma is getting better, but concerns about potential employer reactions remain.

Sharing your mental health status with a potential employer is your call. Check out your legal protections and assure confidentiality. See the job requirements and see if your condition affects the job. If you decide to share, highlight your skills and accomplishments first, and then discuss your diagnosis positively – The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023

A

Yes, I would absolutely disclose that information to any current or potential employer. My reasoning for this primarily, is because they cannot discriminate based upon a mental diagnosis. In addition, most employers nationwide offer a variety of therapy and mental health & wellness programs. So despite being wary or afraid of being rejected as a result of a mental health diagnosis; know that employers do invest into the mental well being of their staff to ensure company growth and performance.

- Lashawn Montal

How do you keep a positive men-

Q tal attitude and practice gratitude

when worrying about money is so mind-consuming? E.K.

A Honestly, there are some times where dealing with money worries can be seriously consuming, but maintaining a positive attitude and practicing gratitude can make a huge difference.

First, acknowledging your concerns is totally okay – they're valid. When feeling overwhelmed, pause and notice that you are basically alright in that moment. Call to mind something you are grateful for, and feel the feelings of gratitude, not just think about them. This shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's already awesome in your life and helps increase positive emotions. On a practical

THE SOURCE level, create a budget, celebrate small wins, and prioritize self-care. Finally, seek support. Sometimes, talking it out can lighten the load.

- Gus Castellanos, MD.

A Personally, I choose not to run the

corporate hamster wheel. The truth is, no matter how fast or how long you run, you're always in the same place.

With that being said, I choose to pursue passion and purpose. Chasing or worrying about money only makes it run faster away from you. You'll only get more desperate the more you see. You have to lock in and focus on solving complex problems using your talents and abilities. Once you do that, money will become a bi-product of your mastery and satisfactory work.

- Lashawn Montal

Ask An EXPERT Gus Castellanos Gus Castellanos, MD is a retired neurologist who has been teaching and researching mindfulness-based programs throughout South Florida for 15 years.

He is an adjunct instructor at Nova Southeastern.

His website can be found here: https://innerinmate.com/

Q My brother only texts me but I like to speak on the phone. I tried talking to him about it but he hasn’t changed and it’s really upsetting me. Do you think I should cut him off? F.M.

A Dealing with differing communication

preferences can be tricky, especially involving a loved one like your brother. I have no simple or easy suggestion except to remind you, open dialogue is key. So instead of jumping to cutting him off, consider a face-to-face, heart-to-heart meeting to explain how and why speaking on the phone is meaningful to you while acknowledging his reasons for sticking to texting. Respect his boundaries and try to find understanding on both sides. Find a middle ground, maybe a regular call and text schedule that works for both of you. Reach out to friends or family members who know both of you. Sometimes, getting an outsider's viewpoint can provide valuable insights.

- Gus Castellanos, MD.

A You should have patience and give

your brother time. It's important you consider the fact that you personally cannot control his responses, his attitude, or his perspective on anything. You can just control how you choose to move going forward given the undesirable circumstances.

No matter how bad you want something for a person, that person has to be willing to receive it and if your brother is not ready, give him time. Sometimes we are unsure however, when we lack intellect time knows everything. Your heart is big so you wonder why the love never seems to be the same. That’s okay!

Just continue doing right by your brother and your family!

- Lashawn Montal

Lashawn Montal My name is Lashawn Montal, I am a Mentor, Entrepreneur, father, and passionate community leader. I am dedicated to crushing the poverty, gun violence, & concentrated disadvantage within the inner cities of America. I personally began this journey in a life of crime and with the help and support of organizations like Inner City Innovators I was able to make the necessary adjustments to turn my life around. I will continue to inspire and empower our next generation of global phenomenon. I believe real change happens when the people who need it lead it and so I chose to be the brave bearer of my belief, and be the change I want to see!

The Source asks YOUR questions to a lived and learned expert. Lived experts have experienced behavioral health challenges and/or are family members, caregivers, faith-based leaders, neighborhood champions, and influencers. Learned experts are behavioral health professionals, nonprofit agencies, local government, educational institutions, system leaders, and funders. Email thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Source” in the subject line to ask a question or contribute as an expert.

The information presented is for the purpose of educating people. Nothing contained in this publication should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication.

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THE SPOTLIGHT

T

he Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®.

In its sustaining effort to foster growth of the cultural sector, the Council provides support services to cultural organizations and creative professionals, administers public and private grant programs, advocates for cultural funding, enhances local arts education, and promotes cultural tourism.

Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County.

The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artisans in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center.

During the summer, the Council is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m., as well as the second Saturday of each month from 12 to 5 p.m.

For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.

The Cultural Council For Palm Beach County is located at The Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building at 601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

The building first opened in 1940 as the Lake Worth Theater.

The Spotlight is the space to recognize the amazing people and diverse work of behavioral health helpers and careers in Palm Beach County. To nominate someone, send an email to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Spotlight” in the subject line.

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Birth to 22 Palm Beach County United for Brighter Futures Palm Beach County Indicators of Child, Family and Community Risk, Well-being and Access to Supports

T

he Child Youth and Community Data Team of the Birth to 22 United for Brighter Futures Alliance in Palm Beach County is comprised of representatives from Children’s Services Council Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County Community Services, Florida Department of Children and Families, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The team recently completed the 2023 Palm Beach County Indicators of Child, Family, and Community Risk, Wellbeing, and Access to Supports report.

This presentation-style data deck provides information on a comprehensive array of indicators for Palm Beach County children and families beginning prenatally and continuing through the transition to adulthood.

The data team hopes this information sparks curiosity and further exploration by all of you. To access the complete 2023 slide deck and companion guide containing definition and source information, please visit: https://pbcbirthto22.com/pdf/2023_ Birth_to_22_Indicators.pdf

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We support and generate innovative programs and solutions to address the behavioral health needs of our community.

Each year, over 13,000 individuals in Palm Beach County with mental health and substance use disorders are directly assisted by SEFBHN's diverse network of community providers.

They receive critical services like crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and much more. As a behavioral health managing entity, we work collaboratively with school systems, law enforcement, and more to effectively direct resources to support and help create programs which serve the unique needs of the communities. Here are just a few of the ways our services touch the lives of those in our community:

Behavioral Health Services for adults, children, and families treat mental health and substance use disorders.

Mobile Response Teams work with 211 helpline to provide support and hope to people experiencing crises.

Peer support specialists engage with victims of overdoses to provide recovery support and connections to treatment.

To learn more, visit us at sefbhn.org by scanning the QR code.

Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network is a managing entity contracted with the Department of Children and Families. The Florida Department of Children Families is committed to its mission of protecting the vulnerable, promoting strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advancing personal and family recovery and resiliency.

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TH E 2ND ANN UAL

EJS PROJECT BENEFIT GALA

CELEBRATING 9 YEARS OF ACTION

T h i s O c t obe r t h e E J S Pr oj ec t i s c e l eb r at i n g 9 ye ar s o f ac t i o n at ou r 2n d A n n u al Be n ef i t Ga l a! 20 0 ge n er ou s p at r on s ar e ex pe c t ed t o at t e nd th e ev e ni ng wh i c h i n c l ud e s a c oc kt ai l r e c ep t i on , sea te d di n n er , d an c e r e c e pt i on , te st i m o ni al s f r om st u de n ts a n d st ak eh ol d e rs , an d a sp ec i a l p r ogr am!

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The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023

A DEV EDRTI IA S I NG M K AI NTD SP 2 ON 0 2SOR 3 -SH 2 I4P

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The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023

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WE ARE A

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The Well Of PBC / October Issue 2023