S5E1 - Promoting Resilience and Proactive Mental Wellbeing, with Elysia Butler

In this podcast episode, Dr. Angela Schill and Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talk with Elysia Butler about promoting resilience and proactive mental wellbeing.

Elysia Butler (Ee-lee-sha) is a passionate advocate for proactive mental well-being and suicide prevention, especially among youth. As the founder of the Hope Hero Foundation, Elysia is dedicated to equipping young people with the tools and resilience needed to become the heroes of their own stories. Drawing from personal experiences and over 14 years as an educator, Elysia has created innovative programs that combine the Hero's Journey framework with cutting-edge resilience research, empowering teens to thrive through adversity.

The Hope Hero Foundation has made significant strides under Elysia’s leadership, reaching thousands of kids and families through educational outreach, hero camps, and a growing ambassador program that certifies teens in suicide prevention. Elysia's work has been featured on multiple platforms, including TV channels and podcasts, highlighting the foundation’s proactive approach to mental health.

Elysia's commitment to this cause is deeply personal, fueled by a journey of supporting their own child through mental health challenges. This experience has driven her to create a movement that bridges gaps in mental health services, ensuring that no child feels alone in their struggles. With a vision to create communities of thriving, resilient youth, Elysia continues to inspire and lead with compassion, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

In addition to their work with the Hope Hero Foundation, Elysia is an engaging speaker and best-selling author, sharing insights on resilience, mental well-being, and the power of proactive prevention in various forums, including an upcoming TEDx talk. Elysia's leadership and vision have made them a prominent voice in the fight against youth suicide, with a mission to catch kids before they fall and empower them to live their best lives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehopehero/