Step into the heart of connection and expression with the audio from our 4th Annual Words Are Hard Event, recorded live on May 17, 2025. Focused on "Art as a Means of Expression and Self-Care: Sharing Stories of Mental Health", this episode brings you the raw honesty and vibrant spirit of the day. Hear incredible moments from our open mic, where participants bravely shared their lived experiences through creative expression. Immerse yourself in the discussions from our expert Q&A panel, as they explore the profound impact of mental health and the transformative power of art through the lens of 'ID Stolen,' 'Fighting the Darkness,' and 'Spark of Hope'. This is more than just an event; it's a testament to how art helps us connect, heal, and share our stories.

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We welcome Morgan Pickering, a trauma specialist and certified peer counselor, to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed care within the public service system. Morgan shares her unique perspective as a first responder with lived experience, highlighting the importance of crisis intervention, harm reduction, and efforts to decriminalize mental health challenges.

Morgan Pickering, a Gainesville/Hall County native, graduated from Lanier Technical College's EMS program in 2012. Starting her EMS career in Hall County in 2015, she transitioned to the mental health field in 2019 and in 2023, joined NAMI Hall County and its Steering Committee. Now living in Pickens County with her family, Morgan retired from ambulance service in August 2021 to focus on EMS education. She currently serves as a National Level LEO/EMS/Fire Educator and a Trauma Informed Mental Health Specialist. Equipped with seemingly countless certifications, she specializes in trauma studies, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and harm reduction. Morgan established her own counseling office in 2023, collaborating with her husband, a Christian Counselor. Committed to improving crisis response and understanding trauma in mental health crises, she works with various organizations and volunteers with law enforcement and mental health support groups. In late 2024, Morgan founded a Crisis Intervention enhancement course, Trauma Informed Care for Crisis Intervention (TIC4CIT), to equip first responders with in-depth knowledge of trauma /PTSD for de escalation practices and rapport improvements as well as tangible resources to utilize and equip the public that is served. In addition to Peer Counseling and Christian Counseling, Pickering Support Services, LLC offers an array of training options for the general public and first responder agencies, including, but not limited to, Trauma Informed Care for Crisis Intervention (TIC4CIT), Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Fire/EMS, Basic Life Support/CPR/First Aid, Community Resilience Model (CRM), as well as free trainings offered in collaboration with NAMI Georgia including, but not limited to; Crisis Intervention Training - Youth, Ending The Silence, In Our Own Voice, Share Your Story w/ Law Enforcement (SYSLE), NAMI Frontline Wellness Stronger Together Workshop for Fire Couples, and 1 on 1 Peer Support Leadership training.

For questions or to schedule an appointment or training you may contact:

Morgan Pickering

mpickering112213@gmail.com

pickeringcounseling@gmail.com

morganp.namihallga@gmail.com

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

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We're hanging out with Tanyel Aviles again, and this time, we're diving deep into the heart of Kennesaw! Get ready for an energetic conversation about her work, the city's unique community spirit, and the importance of fostering connections. Join us for a fun and insightful discussion.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

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