t’s crazy to think that Mental Fitness completed its 7th year this year.
Of all the cool accomplishments we’ve had throughout the years, seeing the message spread, and the positive impact it’s had on people’s lives, has undoubtedly been the best part.
A close second, however, has been seeing the team expand. And it’s not just our direct team that I’m referring to- it’s our key support people, such as…
The team at Penn State including Melanie, Megan, James, and Charisse(pictured Above), the team at Pitt including (formerly) Molly, and Allene, Joe, and Patrick, our website developer Rob who does way more than just our website, our (former) intern, Kay, who has been and is still an incredible advocate, Christa at SRU for encouraging Mental Fitness to be part of student orientation, Teri at PSB and Erie McDowell, The Merriman Foundation(pictured below).
I could on and and on, but the main message to convey is my gratitude. Mental Fitness is more than just a business to me, it’s a message and mission, and it doesn’t spread without the trust and support of an amazing team.
Speaking of amazing team, let’s not forget those who have been with us nearly from the beginning- Howard, Jessica, Anna, Jamie, you guys are rock stars and I couldn’t be more thankful for your ongoing support and service!
Now, let’s check out some of the highlights from this year!
2024 saw…
Sam Anthony and I spoke to the FBI (yes, the FBI) on substance abuse prevention. We released the Mental Fitness Workbook and Personal Journal. Sam helped create an app for Mental Fitness.Erin Cameron joined the team as a nutritional coach and certified Mental Fitness Life Coach (Also we developed a life coaching certification program and certified our first three coaches this year!)
We spoke at…
Steubenville high school in Ohio, 2x at Slippery Rock University, I spoke at the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Winter Scientific, Sam and I spoke to 5 schools over the course of three trips to New Jersey, Jamie and I spoke to Independence Health System and their leadership team, Sam and I spoke at NCLS to college student leaders in Orlando, Florida, I spoke the Penn University (pictured below).
Other highlights include…
We finished filming at Pitt and will soon have a CE Intensive being released in 2025 (pictured below).
Mental Fitness is being researched with and by Penn State University
We were able to be a sponsor at Baierl Ice Rink, the Josh Merriman Golf Tournament, and the Frank Anthony Softball Tournament
Hockey Team Mental Fitness is still going strong in their 5th year!
Multiple high schools are looking to implement Mental Fitness into the curriculum based on state SEL standards.
And lastly, we saw hundred of counseling and coaching clients and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with everyone.
All in all, it’s been a pretty awesome year. Every long journey comes with obstacles and set backs, but with a strong “why” it’s possible to overcome any question as to “how.”
Our mission is that just like every school teaches physical fitness, we won’t stop until every school is teaching Mental Fitness as well, and we’ve both expanded and de-stigmatized mental health education for all!
Thanks for being a supportive part of our journey. We’re eager to carry all this momentum forward to the new year.
I hope the New Year brings you many blessings. If there is anything Mental Fitness can do to support you in your dreams and goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
