Hope Grown - Sharmea Cousar, Humble Beginnings, Connections, Influence, Compassion, Education

Stuff that Matters, Ep. 45 - Michael Prelaske, Digital Game Based Learning, Teaching, Education, Engagement

Michael Prelaske is a high school social studies teacher in Wake County, NC, a Graduate Research Assistant at NC State, and founder of 1347 Games, where he designs immersive, multiplayer simulations for classroom learning. His work challenges the traditional model of passive instruction by exploring how digital game-based learning can improve engagement, deepen understanding, and increase long-term retention. Michael’s research focuses on the efficacy of game-based instruction, particularly how well knowledge transfers beyond the game environment and sticks with students over time. He is especially interested in how interactive systems can make abstract or complex content—like global trade, historical decision-making, and social systems—more tangible and meaningful for adolescents. Before entering the classroom, Michael served as a Community Youth Development Officer in Mongolia with the Peace Corps, an experience that continues to shape his perspective on education, culture, and access. He has since earned multiple Teacher of the Year recognitions in North Carolina and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at North Carolina State University. Through both his research and his company, Michael is working to redefine what rigorous, engaging learning can look like in modern classrooms—moving beyond memorization toward experiences that students can think with. Digital Gaming Based Learning (DGBL) technology as a whole – what is, when did it start to take shape and be recognized as a tool for students - has the potential to revolutionize how students learn by making education more interactive, immersive, and relevant to their lives. (00:01:31-00:20:37) - His background – when did he start to take an interest in this type of learning, Digital Gaming Based Learning (DGBL) as a whole. A little more about Thirteen Forty-Seven Games - which is the only game design firm specializing in standards-based multiplayer simulations for the secondary social studies classroom (00:20:38-00:33:20) – How the work that’s being done at Thirteen Forty-Seven is transforming modern education and how students have responded to this type of learning. (00:35:07-00:47:53) - The distinction between DGBL and typical video games on an XBOX or PlayStation – what makes this form of gaming so much more beneficial. The level of engagement amongst students who are participating in DGBL classes. (00:47:54-00:52:49) - Five-year outlook or maybe sooner - do you see this type of learning being utilized in other subjects – making math or algebra more immersive, and maybe even branching into the corporate world, during an orientation period for new hires at a company – what other possibilities are out there? (00:52:51) – The stuff that matters. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEGSntRmXvMS-wn6Pmd3lVMMgEFn0npwd]. Check out our  to learn more about New Hope on our WEBSITE [https://www.newhopetreatment.com/].

Stuff that Matters, Ep. 44 - Michael Chavis, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Rock Hill Police, Services, Community, Response, Care, Safety

Officer Michael Chavis, a Police Lieutenant for the Rock Hill Police department. Coming up on nearly 25 years of service, Officer Chavis has seen it all. Serving as a police officer, detective, a sergeant, lieutenant, public information and an executive officer. We discuss how he got into law enforcement, what role the Rock Hill PD has pertaining to mental health, substance abuse, homelessness and suicide prevention. The changes that he has seen over the years, and so much more. Officer Chavis, like much of the Rock Hill PD, has been a friendly face and resource in the community, attending various events and having a strong relationship with the likes of NAMI. Like all police in this country, serving while providing care and safety is their biggest duty. Michael along with the rest of the officers in Rock Hill do just that. (00:01:11-00:18:15) – His background, getting into law enforcement. The Rock Hill Police Department’s relationship with NAMI and how they respond to mental health emergencies. (00:18:17-00:37:38) – What a mobile crisis unit is, law enforcement providing both safety and care as it pertains to mental health, how the police department has changed over the years. Trends regarding substance abuse and homelessness in the community and what RHPD is doing to combat those issues. (00:37:39-00:49:34) – Calls and responses related to suicide intervention. The connection to the 988 lifeline and how texting 911 can either save lives or serve as a resource for those in any sort of trouble. The nature of law enforcement being a taxing job and the importance of police officers treating their own mental health. (00:51:25-01:01:02) – Law enforcements role in the community, attending events, being in the public eye and dictating the perception of how they’re viewed with their engagement. (01:01:03) – The stuff that matters. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEGSntRmXvMS-wn6Pmd3lVMMgEFn0npwd]. Check out our  to learn more about New Hope on our WEBSITE [https://www.newhopetreatment.com/].

Stuff that Matters, Ep. 43 - Ben Ingraham, Therapy, Veterans, Marine Corps, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

Ben Ingraham is a clinical social worker specializing in trauma-focused care for individuals in high-stress, high-responsibility professions, including military service members, veterans, first responders, and medical professionals. With over 12 years of clinical experience in the medical field both in the civilian realm as well as the military, his work centers on helping clients understand, process, and recover from the lasting effects of trauma in a way that is practical, respectful, and sustainable. Ben's commitment to trauma work is deeply personal. Prior to entering the clinical field, he served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, spending the majority of my time embedded with the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. That experience shaped his understanding of responsibility under pressure, moral injury, and the long-term impact of carrying others through their worst moments. It also instilled a deep respect for the quiet resilience—and often unseen suffering—of those in service-oriented roles. His mission is to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that meets people where they are, honors their lived experience, and supports real, lasting change. He is especially passionate about improving access to care, reducing stigma around mental health in service professions, and helping individuals move from simply surviving to living with greater resilience, clarity, and purpose. (00:01:58-00:15:17) - His experience working with the armed forces and how it relates to mental health, areas for improvement, potential gaps and lack of resources. (00:15:20-00:21:54) – The culture of mental health amongst veterans and active-duty military over the years. How things have changed and how things haven’t. Ben’s family history and view of what he does currently. (00:23:40-00:39:58) – Why there is a lack of resources for veteran mental health. Dissecting the 22KILL initiative which was implemented to combat roughly 22 veterans who take their own life every day due to mental health and struggles with PTSD. The state of today’s generation of incumbent military personnel. (00:39:59-00:54:04) – Diving into the VA system. (00:54:06-01:04:34) – How his lived experience serving the country has benefited him as a mentor and social worker. (01:04:36) – The stuff that matters. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPGZzYssslo]. Check out our  to learn more about New Hope on our WEBSITE [https://www.newhopetreatment.com/].

Stuff that Matters, Ep. 42 - Carlos Grant, Rock Hill Schools, Learning, Students, Programs, Mental Health

Carlos Grant is the Executive Director of Alternative Programs in Rock Hill Schools. He has the responsibility of leading efforts across all five of the district's alternative programs that support mental health services, virtual learners, and students at the elementary, middle, high school. (01:15-17:44) -His background and what the vision was when he became the Executive Director of Alternative Programs. The biggest changes he has seen in the school systems pertaining to mental health awareness and resources for students. (19:31-30:37) – Phones in schools, the downfalls, promoting more socialization. The advantages of technology and progression of AI tools, new programs to have a more efficient learning environment. Parents and the workforce impacting engagement with families/guardians. (30:40–37:01) What has Carlos hopeful looking at the future of our school systems and students in Rock Hill…his Goldfish Analogy. 37:02– the stuff that matters. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenters]. Check out our WEBSITE [https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenters] to learn more about New Hope.

Hope Grown - Sharmea Cousar, Humble Beginnings, Connections, Influence, Compassion, Education

Sharmea Cousar, known as Ms. Icey at our PRTF in Rock Hill, SC, joined New Hope originally in 2015. She has served multiple roles, but has been part of our education department as a teacher the last few years. Her story of compassion and her commitment to the mission, serving youth at New Hope is inspiring and amazing. She was recognized by her peers at our End of Year event with our first-ever Wanda V. Burris Compassion award. (00:00) - her intro, background, and a typical day and when she first noticed the impact she was having on the kids. (07:25) – what she wants those outside the organization to know about the work that she does and that work that is done at New Hope. (09:55) – what she does after a long or difficult day in her personal life that helps her reset and recharge and the unique opportunities that New Hope has provided her. (22:09) – how teaching at New Hope helps with teaching as a parent and vice versa. (27:46) – receiving the Wanda V. Burris Compassion Award a tour end of year event. Her connection with Mrs. Burris, who we sadly lost last year as a key member of the New Hope family. How she got into Education and teaching. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenters]. Check out our WEBSITE [https://www.newhopetreatment.com/] to learn more about New Hope.