The Upward Spiral Lived Experience Leadership initiative at the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH) held the last event of its 2024 summer series September 25 which was based on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (P. Swarbrick/SAMHSA).

The hybrid event, sponsored by Let(s) Lead Academy, titled, "Meet the Authors," was hosted at PRCH and featured 12 authors who have written and published works about their lived experiences/expertise including their successes facing mental health, addiction, trauma, and stress including social injustices.

The writers, both local and beyond, included: Rev. Dr. Odell Montgomery Cooper; Lanea Collins (a.k.a. Nea Knows); Teaching Artist Kahseim C. Outlaw; Wellness Educator Christine Zangrillo, LCSW; Nzima Hutchings, poet laureate-Enfield; Claire Bien; Sylvia Cooper; Mitzy Sky, human rights advocate; Tona Buck, filmmaker; Kim “Goodlook” Seabrook; Miranda Newman, bestselling author from Canada; co-founder Annette Diaz; and certified sound healer Kelvin Young.

Nancy Navarretta, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) warmly welcomed attendees and expressed the importance of celebrating Recovery and Recovery Month.

Chyrell Bellamy, PhD, director of PRCH, facilitated a Q&A session full of lived expertise wisdom and writing/publishing advice for attendees.

Bellamy also presented awards, along with the Upward Spiral team. The “Spirit of Leadership” award went to Nicole Hampton for her leadership and community work while Upward Spiral planning team member Cheri Bragg was presented with the “Spirit of the People” award for support of the Upward Spiral initiative the last four years.

Attendees had the opportunity to purchase books/published works and speak with the authors as well as view a new art exhibit by local artist Will Brady. There were calls to make this successful event an annual celebration of lived experience.

For information contact Cheri Bragg at cheri.bragg@yale.edu.