When people find themselves without shelter, warmth, or food, having angels on the streets helps. Eva Welch is a Co-Founder and Director of Street Angels in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Eva is a fierce advocate, action activator, and self-described fun instigator. She studied psychology and earned her BA from Ottawa University. Together with Shelly Sarasin, Eva…

After thirty years on television, Beth McDonough’s life unraveled in the harshest spotlight: two DUIs, a public firing, and national headlines. What the world saw was her mugshot. She talks about her fight to get sober, the years of shame and silence, and the strength it took to rebuild her life. Beth is an author…

There are some parenting challenges that don’t show up in the guidebooks we all consume when we have children. Chrisa Hickey ran into that head on when her son Timothy was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of eleven. She talks about the challenges of raising children with special needs, finding a healthy rest-of-life balance,…

Veterans encounter physical, mental health, and substance use challenges at a greater rate than the general population. Rebekka Cary discusses helping them access the benefits and assistance they are rightfully due. Rebekka is a County Veterans Service Officer for Columbia County in Portage, Wisconsin. She was a First Sergeant in the Illinois Air National Guard…

When good leaders use powerful, positive attitudes and actions to promote healthy community building, that “vibe” is contagious and spreads. Peggy Eserkaln talks about how, as an educator and improvisational performer, she helps establish a school or workplace culture that encourages creativity, respect, and positive mental health. Peggy is a Founder of Educational Improvisation, an…

Being a kid today has its challenges, and being a kid who has learning disabilities, ADHD, NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), or anxiety related to academic performance certainly adds an element of complexity to navigating one’s academic career and life. Hannah Bookbinder discusses her work with neurodivergent clients, the challenges and the…

The mental health and substance use disorders that challenge veterans are not unusual, and they occasionally lead to homelessness. Recently in Wisconsin, funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) was removed from the two-year state budget, and, as a result, two transitional homes for veterans were closed. Wisconsin State Senator Jeff Smith has…

Stress, anxiety, and depression are seemingly everywhere and ever-present. Kelli O’Rourke Wall started her mental health journey as a patient and is now a therapist. She talks about the journey from client to helper and discusses her approach to the challenges all of us face in getting the help we need for our mental health.…

Tony Dice’s road to a doctorate was anything but straight. He discusses his addiction, recovery, and memoir, “After the Trident.” Dr. Dice’s Holistic Change Model is designed to heal the invisible wounds of those who serve. Dr. Dice and his many services can be reached at Bishop & Dice Defense. The State of Wisconsin’s Dose…

Trevor Shick was experiencing declining mental health and increasing problems with substance use. Seeking help, he and his family encountered numerous obstacles. Trevor talks about his recovery and his new venture, Kind Habit Labs, a software system designed to help facilities that help people with substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Trevor is the…