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Empowering Education Professionals NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators is a free 1 to 2-hour mental health education in-service for school professionals to help them better understand the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be early warning signs of mental health concerns in children and adolescents in their classrooms. The in-service also provides tips on how to intervene once the symptoms are recognized and suggestions on how to communicate with the parents and caregivers of the students to achieve the best possible outcome. Our free, on-site presentation is led by a team from your community consisting of a young adult with a mental health condition, a parent and a teacher. The presentation will share how to: Understand the difference between “bad behavior” and symptoms of a mental health condition. Recognize early warning signs. Communicate and partner with families effectively. Link to community services quickly. Create a supportive learning environment for all students. Why Your School Needs NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition, but only 20% of them actually receive services. About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. "This program gave me a new understanding of the importance of my role in early recognition of kids with symptoms of mental illness and the urgency of early intervention on their behalf."

Volunteer Volunteer with NAMI North Texas Volunteering is easy! Apply, attend orientation, and start making a difference! Why Volunteer? Volunteering with NAMI North Texas is a chance to make a real difference for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Whether you're offering support, raising awareness, or assisting at events, your time and compassion help create a stigma-free community. Plus, you'll grow personally and professionally along the way: Make a Difference – Advocate for mental health and support those in need. Build Skills – Gain leadership and communication experience. Join a Community – Connect with others passionate about mental health. Opportunities Available Facilitators & Support Group Leaders : Guide peer support groups (training provided). Outreach & Advocacy : Represent NAMI at community events and help with education. Administrative Support : Assist with office tasks, email campaigns, and data entry. Want to learn more? Contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Amya Waldrop, at amya@naminorthtexas.org for more information on how you can get involved! New Volunteers We are now hosting just one volunteer orientation each month to give us the opportunity to go in-depth about our programs and address any questions. Upcoming Orientation: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 6:00PM We look forward to welcoming you to the NAMI North Texas family! Sign Up for Orientation Current Volunteers Stay informed about upcoming meetings and events for current volunteers who’ve completed orientation . These check-ins are a chance to share updates, request support, and stay connected as a team. Check back often for details! Upcoming Meeting: TBA

Kids, Teens, & Young Adults Ending the Silence NAMI's Ending the Silence program is a trio of engaging presentations to help schools and organizations serving youth and their families address mental health. Ending the Silence is a powerful tool in raising awareness, improving understanding and reducing stigma. LEARN MORE NAMI BASICS NAMI Basics is a free, six session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers understand the mental health conditions that may be causing these behavioral difficulties and the critical role families play in the treatment of those conditions. The program is taught by trained teachers who are also parents/family caregivers whose children experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties. LEARN MORE nami baSICS FOR pROFESSIONALS NAMI Basics is a free, six session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. NAMI North Texas is now offering this class for professionals to help them better understand the impact that mental health conditions have on the youth as well as the family. The information provided will equip professionals working with youth and their families with unique insights that can enable them to work more collaboratively with families as part of the treatment team, as well as help them understand the value of referring their clients to NAMI Basics. LEARN MORE NAMI ON CAMPUS NAMI On Campus are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma in schools and college campuses through peer-led activities, education, and events. Through a partnership with NAMI North Texas, student leaders are empowered with toolkits, materials, and resources to make running the club fun and educational. NAMI On Campus clubs connect students with their local community and supports them in creating a culture free of judgment and accepting of reaching out for help; a more aware and mental health-supportive school culture. NAMI On Campus clubs are open to all students interested in mental health – It is not a support or therapy group. The club serves as a space where like minded students can spearhead activities and discussions that combat stigma and contribute to an overall positive climate for mental health. LEARN MORE NAMI North Texas is proud to partner with these schools, universities, churches, and community groups to encourage conversation about mental health. Mahal at pinahahalagahan namin ang aming mga sponsor. Mental Health Facts: Children & Teens 10 Common Warning Signs of a Mental Health Condition in Teens and Young Adults Telling the difference between "normal" behaviors and what might be the signs of a mental health condition isn't always easy. Some common warning signs are highlighted in this video. For more local resource information for families and children, please visit our resource page .

Sharonda Young Calderon ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate that lives in the DFW Metroplex with her three children. In June of 2018, ShaRonda lost her husband, Deputy Homero Calderon, to suicide. Homero, an 18yr veteran of the Dallas County Sheriff Dept, suffered with PTSI. ShaRonda has used the traumatic loss of her husband as a catalyst to educate and spread awareness of mental health and suicide prevention within the law enforcement community. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

Dr. Joseph Guillory President Dr. Joseph Guillory was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he first encountered health disparities and social injustice. Determined to improve the circumstances of underserved communities, he pursued higher education and advocacy opportunities at Baylor University and then McGovern Medical School in Houston, TX. While at McGovern, he decided to devote his professional career to serving individuals who live with mental health conditions and their families through psychiatry. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

It's not how far we walk at NAMIWalks North Texas on May 17, 2025 at Grandscape, but how far we've come to make our milestones count. With your support and high spirits, we intend to make an unprecedented impact on mental health in our community. Give your all for Mental Health for All. Join Us Together we can achieve more. At NAMI North Texas we strive to make sure we create a stigma-free, supportive community. Please join us in being apart of the change for Mental Health for All. Register Here Donate If you're unable to join us at the event in person, you can still make a meaningful impact by contributing to ending the stigma through donations. Your support is greatly appreciated! Donate Sponsor To sponsor, fill out our packet! Our Walks Manager will contact you once submitted. For sponsorship details, reach out to Marisa Alonso, Marketing & Events Coordinator, at marisa@naminorthtexas.org Sponsor Packet Brittney Johnson 2025 Walk Chair Brittney Johnson is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who serves as co-anchor of NBC 5 News at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Before moving to DFW, Brittney spent six years in Charlotte, North Carolina where she anchored the market’s top-rated morning newscasts and delivered in-depth and investigative stories on the affordable housing crisis, mental health, and the foster care system. Her TV news career has also taken her to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Monroe, Louisiana. Brittney is a proud graduate of Howard University and the University of California at Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She is also a fitness enthusiast. The NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach teaches group fitness classes, has run several marathons, practices yoga, and enjoys indoor cycling. Brittney enjoys mentoring and serving the community. In addition to serving as a speaker and emcee for charities across DFW, she delivers lunch to seniors every Tuesday for Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County; is a frequent platelet donor through Carter BloodCare, serves as Honorary Chair for the Community Council of Greater Dallas’ Family Fit Fest, is co-sponsor of a scholarship for college students through the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists. Volunteer at NAMIWalks Interested in Volunteering? We’d love to have you on board! Please fill out the volunteer application. We’ll be holding a volunteer orientation in May (date to be determined), and all individuals who apply will receive an email with full details once it's scheduled. Thank you for your interest in supporting NAMIWalks and helping us make this event a success! Volunteer Application

About Grissell Castro Grissell currently the Instructional Associate at the Law Enforcement Academy and the Public Safety Training Center at Tarrant County College. She is passionate about First Responder and Military Mental Health & Wellness and am constantly pursuing higher education at the graduate level to help me help others. Grissell is a Certified Paraprofessional in EMDR for First Responders, a Police & Fire Chaplain, a member of the Overwatch Peer Support (OPS), and hold an Advanced Certificate in Hostage/Crisis Negotiations. I was an advanced Public Safety Dispatcher for almost 7 years, she also hold a Certificate for Emergency Medical Dispatch, and have dispatched for both Police & Fire and was also a Communications Training Officer for Fire Dispatch.

About Todd Gyure Todd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 21 years with 16.5 years of that time spent working in the Patrol unit. For the past 5 years Todd has been assigned to the Garland Police Departments Wellness Unit. Todd is in his 12th year as a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator. Todd is a TCOLE certified mental health officer, a Suicide and Crisis Center of North TX certified telephone crisis counselor, GPD TCOLE 1850 Crisis intervention training instructor, Department of Public Safety certified Officer Resilience Training Leader, FRCPI certified law enforcement suicide prevention trainer, IAFF behavioral health awareness peer support certified, First Responder Stress and Trauma instructor (F1RST), member of Garland Police Departments Critical Incident Stress Management team, founder of The Law Enforcement Mental Health Alliance of North TX, founder of the NAMI North TX Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) program, Associate Producer of the film PTSD911, Mental Health First Aid certified instructor, and a Certified Police Field Training Officer. Todd is passionate about all things brain health for both the public he serves, and the law enforcement/first responder community at large. During his time with The Garland Police Department Todd has earned numerous awards and commendations to include: FOP’s Officer of the year, Garland Police Department’s 2019 Unit of the Year for his work in the wellness unit, Police Commendation Bar, Meritorious Conduct Bar, 2 Life Saving Bars, several Officer of the Month certificates, and a 2022 Mental Health America Prism award winner. Todd has spent that last 19 years as a big brother to Zach Moore. Zach Moore is the only son of Garland Officer Michael David Moore who was killed in the line of duty in 1997. Todd is a past president of NAMI North TX, and still serves on the board of directors. Todd earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of North TX, has two current TX public school teacher certificates, and his Master Peace Officer license.

Phyllis Finley Phyllis Finley is a graduate from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She has worked in the human services field for over 30 years and at Denton County MHMR Center for the last 27 years. Ms. Finley has extensive and varied experience working alongside Individuals with Developmental Disabilities as well as individuals with Mental Illness. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

Jump to: Request Support | Family Support Group | OPS Trainings | Meet Our Instructors | Events Built BY First Responders, FOR First Responders The award-winning NAMI North Texas OPS program is the first of its kind: in-person, no-cost, confidential, community-based, inter-agency peer support network for first responders. This innovative program provides a private option to take the first step towards mental health care, making it easier for first responders to seek help, prioritize their own well-being, and connect with vetted, culturally appropriate clinical care when necessary. Intended to be supplementary to intra-agency support teams, OPS serves as an additional resource to optimize first responder wellness and professional performance. After more than a decade of experience working with law enforcement, NAMI North Texas developed the 16-hour, high quality, law enforcement peer support certification course in 2021-2022 with the help of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Once a first responder completes this training, they receive an OPS certification and are eligible to provide 1-1 support to other first responders who request assistance through OPS. First responders are also trained to recognize when peer support is not enough, thus serving as bridges to professional mental health services that specialize in treating first responders. During the summer of 2023, the OPS program expanded to all first responder professionals, including communications/dispatch, corrections, and civilian employees of law enforcement agencies, and fire/ems personnel. Help support first responder mental health in North Texas Supporting first responder mental health in North Texas is crucial to ensure the well-being of those who tirelessly serve and protect our communities. Overwatch Peer Support has trained individuals across 35 departments and two federal agencies, extending their invaluable education and support to over 2549 individuals last year alone. You can directly contribute to providing essential mental health support and resources to those utilizing OPS, and help first responders cope with the challenges they face daily. Your generosity can make a significant difference in enhancing the mental resilience and overall welfare of our North Texas first responders and their civilian colleagues. Your contribution is greatly appreciated! Donate If you are a member of the first responder community (sworn or civilian), and would like to be connected with an OPS Peer Supporter, please register using the button below. Information you provide will be reviewed only by the program coordinator and your confidentiality will be protected. Request Peer Support Overwatch Family Support NAMI Overwatch Family Support is a free, 90-minute monthly support group. Overwatch Family Support are no-cost, confidential, community-based groups led BY family members of first responders FOR family members of first responders. This includes fire, EMS, law enforcement, dispatchers, corrections officers, probation officers, and civilian employees of First Responder agencies. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Registration OPS BAsic CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FIRST RESPONDERS & CIVILIAN COLLEAGUES April 21-22 8am-5pm Bill J. Priest Center - Dallas College 1402 Corinth Street, Dallas, 75215 Register Here OPS ADVANCED Trainings FOR OPS PEER SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE 16 HOUR BASIC TRAINING TBA TBA OPS Training Fee Policy Learn More In response to the increasing demand for our OPS Basic Course, we are implementing a new training fee policy tailored to accommodate the needs of first responders in and out of our service area. The new policy aims to balance accessibility with the quality of instructors, materials for the course, and ensuring that every first responder and their civilian colleagues receive valuable information from the course. By implementing this new approach, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting those who dedicate their lives to public service, empowering them with the tools they need to prioritize their mental health and effectively serve those in need. Meet our Instructors Revved Up Resilience Car Show A community event dedicated to supporting first responder wellness April 19, 2025 | 9 AM - 1 PM American Eagle Harley Davidson 5920 S Interstate 35, Corinth, TX 76210 About Detective Michelle Horridge Det. Michelle Horridge, who has been with FMPD for 18 years and also serves as NAMI North Texas’ Frontline Wellness Coordinator. For more information: Contact Detective Michelle Horridge Flower Mound Police Department & NAMI North Texas Frontline Wellness Coordinator MichelleH@NAMINorthTexas.org

About Jessica Russell Jessa is a Captain at Highland Park DPS with 16 years of experience. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in Kinesiology and from Texas Christian University with a Master’s in Criminal Justice. She holds a master TCOLE Peace Officer License, Advanced Structure Fire Certification, and Paramedic License. Jessa has served as a Field Training Officer, Police Academy adjunct instructor, Peer Support Coordinator, and Public Information Officer.

Silence Can be a Threat to Hope NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is an innovative 50-minute presentation that helps middle and high school students better understand mental health. Students learn early warning signs of a potential mental health issue and are given ideas about how to help themselves, friends, or family members who may be in need of support. The presentation includes personal testimony from a young adult who shares an authentic journey of courage and recovery in his/her experience with mental health challenges, as well as educational slides, videos and discussion. Why Ending The Silence Matters 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition; only 50% of them actually get help About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out of school Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds The earlier the better: early identification and intervention provides better outcomes What Your Students Will Hear Ending the Silence delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. Moving stories from positive role models have the power to change kids' views. The discussion gives students the rare opportunity to ask questions about mental health challenges to people who have lived it. The presentation’s message of empathy and hope encourages students to actively care for themselves and their friends. It also teaches them it's okay to talk about what they're feeling. NAMI Ending the Silence covers: Early warning signs of declining mental health Facts and statistics about youth and mental health conditions Personal perspectives on the experience of living with mental illness Recovery and coping strategies When, where and how to get help for themselves or their friends What Your Students Will Receive Resources they can use if they have concerns or questions about mental health, including: Contact information for mental health agencies and youth support services A list warning signs of declining mental health Recommendations on how to help themselves or a friend who is experiencing mental health problems Research on the Effectiveness of Ending the Silence for Middle and High School Students Download Research Reports "This program will prevent many people from feeling alone or having suicidal thoughts."