The Optimistic Advocate Scott Bryant-Comstock

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 HernandezConnect with Mario: marioh@usf.eduConnect with Scott: info@theoptimisticadvocate.comKeep up with new releases of The Optimistic Advocate by subscribing to The Optimistic Advocate on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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
Stay Involved With The Optimistic Advocate
Do you want to hear stories of inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives in communities across the globe? And maybe bring you a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change. Then listen and subscribe to The Optimistic Advocate podcast. Enjoy each episode!
Follow Scott Bryant-Comstock on LinkedIn.Join our LinkedIn community.Let us know what you think! Send an audio file with your comments to info@theoptimisticadvocate.com. We’d love to hear from you and remember to share it with your podcasting friends.

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.
Stay Involved With The Optimistic Advocate
Do you want to hear stories of inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives in communities across the globe? And maybe bring you a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change. Then listen and subscribe to The Optimistic Advocate podcast. Enjoy each episode!

Avni Godse life was changed forever after an inspirational trip to India when she was just 12 years old, where she was shown several unique works of art and was overcome with intense emotions when she realized that these incredible artistic creations were painted by people with no arms.
This instantly sparked a flame inside her, wanting to change how the world perceived those with disabilities and illnesses, not seeing them as people who were different, but rather as people who are normal and just like many of us who may not have their limitations, they are able to express themselves, in whatever way they chose, to feel special.
This drove Avni to create Heartification, an official non-profit business where her artistic creations are sold, raising money to fully fund pop-up events where those with disabilities and illnesses can express themselves through art to feel special.
And with over $30,000 raised in just a year and a half, she is JUST GETTING STARTED!
Learn more about Avni’s work at https://www.heartification.com

Show notes coming soon!

Show notes coming soon!