Rickey Gregory Jr., MSW
Vice Principal, Brighton Academy

I am a lifelong resident of Syracuse, New York. I grew up on the West Side of Syracuse with a single mother in the James Geddes housing projects. Without positive role models, I dropped out of school and fell into a cycle of drugs and violence. Unable to deal with my childhood trauma in a positive way, I ended up in Jamesville Correctional Facility for a year. During this time, I was able to get my GED, and upon my release, I tried to find a job. Without the necessary skills to navigate the workplace or the knowledge of how to present for a job interview, I had no luck and fell back into street life.

Years later, I experienced a very traumatic event that shifted my worldview, and I began to seek change that would allow me to be a father to my children. I enrolled in Onondaga Community College and received an associate degree in criminal justice. I transferred to Le Moyne College and graduated with a degree in sociology. Being able to view the world through a sociological perspective, I was able to find my true calling, which is helping people who are experiencing the challenges that I faced as a youth. I enrolled in Syracuse University’s School of Social Work and got a job at the Syracuse City School District.

As a school social worker, I was able to see that cultural competence and community ties could be strengthened between teachers and students. I knew that in order to do this work, I would have to work with and within administration. I enrolled in the CAS program for educational leaders at Syracuse University. I am currently a vice principal at Brighton Academy and hoping to get my Ph.D. in education and continue to support our children and the city of Syracuse in any way that I can.

Moderated by Dr. Reba Hodge

A panel of youth from Onondaga County high schools share their perspectives on youth mental health

• Onondaga County Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Youth and Community Advisory Boards

Speaker: Dr. Sarah E. Domoff (she/her), Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University at Albany

Session Description: The current research on social media and adolescent mental health will be outlined. Strategies for identifying risky or harmful social media use will be shared, as well as how both teens and adults can foster healthy social media use. The benefits of social media, particularly around building connectedness and community among youth who may feel isolated, will be emphasized. A balanced approach, weighing the benefits of safe online communities with risks of stressful online interactions, will be provided.

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Speaker: Kien Trease from Prevention Network

Session Description: Participants will learn about the relationship between substance use and mental health, as well as strategies for recognizing and addressing substance use issues in youth. Experts will share evidence-based approaches that can be implemented in local schools and community settings.

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Speakers from Syracuse University’s Psychological Services Center

• Kriti Behari (she/her; clinical psychology graduate student)
• Meg Milligan (she/her, clinical psychological graduate student)
• Dr. Afton Kapuscinski (she/her; Clinic Director & Associate Teaching Professor)
• Dr. Shannon Sweeney (she/her; Associate Teaching Professor)

Session Description: The Body Project is a scientifically-supported prevention program aimed at improving body image and related mental health problems.  Participants will learn about the effects of trying to adhere to the “appearance ideal” and engage in exercises to help them practice body positivity and resisting pressure to adhere to the appearance ideal.  Since girls and women are disproportionately affected by these pressures, cultural factors that put these groups uniquely at risk will be discussed as well.

Speaker: Jessica Costosa-Umina, PhD (she/her),  Program Director of Child and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University

Session Description: Self-harm is a way of coping with intense emotions, such as anxiety and depression. It is a dangerous behavior that can lead to long-term negative consequences. During this breakout session participants will learn some of the causes of self-harm behaviors, warning signs, some skills to help manage intense emotions and information about treatment. 

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Speakers:

• Krysta Broeker (She/Her/Hers) Mental Health Educator, Contact Community Services
• William DeSantis (He/Him) Mental Health Educator- Suicide Safety in Schools, Contact Community Services

Session Description: A training to introduce the idea of storytelling in a safe environment. This training is intended for members of the school community to learn about and participate in restorative circles, as well as get the opportunity to support youth in coping with the aftermath of tragedy and loss in a unifying way. The goal is to offer hope and healing for all affected by loss so that deep connections can be made when applying meaning to our students’ experiences.

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Speaker: Dr. Michiko Ueda-Ballmer (she/her/hers), Syracuse University, Associate Professor

Session Description: Suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-19 years and the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-14 years in the United States. This session will explore the underlying factors contributing to these premature deaths, such as mental health conditions and school-related issues. In addition, we will examine the influence of media, including social media, on youth suicidal behavior and discuss effective intervention strategies to prevent youth suicide.

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Speakers: Ashley Davis (she/her/hers) and Karen Fuller (she/her/hers), ACR Health

Session Description: This presentation covers basic terminology, statistics, health disparities, and misconceptions around the LGBTQ+ community and the role they play in LGBTQ* youths’ mental health. The training also offers suggestions on best practices on how to support LGBTQ* individuals and help improve their mental health.

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