In this episode of Delusional Optimism, Dr. B and Seth Creekmore speak with Samantha Wettje, co-founder of the 16 Strong Project in New York. Samantha talks about how the project works with young people about building resilience, conquering trauma and understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) so they can heal in the process. She discusses how the program helps students recognize their own situation and potential impacts that will help them navigate the challenges that come along with ACEs and childhood trauma.

“I think that in order for us to best educate students and educate kids is by having a full understanding and a full picture of everything each individual student has gone through.” -Samantha Wettje [26:42]

“You can’t separate mental health from your overall being, and so when we integrate our whole selves into one perspective, then we have a better opportunity to live a full life and a happy life.” -Dr. B [34:16]

What You Will Learn:

[00:37] Intro

[01:49] Meet Samantha Wettje

[02:23] What is the 16 Strong Project

[03:49] How they distribute the information to the age groups

[07:46] The unique challenge for her

[10:31] How they pitch the program to the school

[16:59] A success story

[21:15] The story behind the name

[22:43] What inspired Samantha to start this

[26:33] If this will change education overall

[29:23] 16 Strong Project’s main goal

[30:12] One thing to start working through ACEs

[32:06] How to contact Samantha Wettje

[35:30] Outro

Leave a lifeprint!

Resources:

Email Dr. B: [email protected]

Visit her website: drbconnections.com

Connect with her on Facebook: facebook.com/dr.bconnections

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/dr.beasley

Visit the 16 Strong Project: 16strongproject.com

Follow the project on Instagram: @16strongproject

Email 16 Strong Project: [email protected]

Our partners:

ACEs Aware: acesaware.org

Every Neighborhood Partnership: everyneighborhood.org

Saint Agnes Medical Center: samc.com

Truth Work Media: truthworkmedia.com