UMass SPARC

12/09/2025

This clip comes from STAY Tuned Podcast Episode 28: Overcoming Systemic Barriers in Mental Health and Education with Ty Smith. In this episode, Ty talked about their powerful story of resilience and advocacy. From difficult experiences in the mental health system to designing their own college degree and becoming a policy advisor, Ty’s journey challenges the stigma around mental health and disability while shining a light on the importance of peer-led support and meaningful, dignified employment for all. Check out the full episode for their full story: https://buff.ly/JAdt0Rp

Don't forget to follow iSPARC and the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research for more Learning & Working RRTC content!

11/24/2025

There are many different ways to build communities. Sometimes, even something as simple as just slowing down for a moment to talk with your cashier can make a difference. Would you use a chat lane if your local grocery store had one?

You can learn more about chat lanes here: https://buff.ly/bELswqi

And don't forget to follow iSPARC and Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research for more CIRC Center content!

10/30/2025

Did you know that every $1 invested by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in FY25 yielded a return of $25.81 to the Commonwealth to fund our portfolio of research, training, technical assistance, and service delivery?

We leverage DMH funding to sustain a broad portfolio of research and community-focused activities that strengthen the Commonwealth’s behavioral health services.

You can learn more about our work in our 2025 Annual Report (see the link in the comments below 👇📄)

10/14/2025

Volunteering offers individuals a meaningful way to engage with and contribute to their communities while also supporting personal and professional development. To learn more, check out our latest tip sheet, Get Involved, Get Inspired: How to Start Volunteering Now, available for free on our website (https://buff.ly/2DQFFFn).

For more information about The CIRC Center, visit our website (https://buff.ly/AVvd330).

And don't forget to follow iSPARC and the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research for more CIRC Center content!

10/07/2025

This clip comes from STAY Tuned Podcast Episode 24: Bridging the Gap in College Mental Health: Peer Academic Supports for Success and features Paul Cherchia, assistant director at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University. In this episode, Paul talked about PASS (Peer Academic Supports for Success) — a peer coaching program supporting college students with mental health challenges. Paul shared how PASS was developed, its evidence-based success, and its unique model that pairs trained student coaches with other students to foster academic and emotional well-being. Check out the full episode for his full story: https://buff.ly/ez3PFAz

Don't forget to follow iSPARC and the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research for more Learning & Working RRTC content!

10/07/2025

This clip comes from STAY Tuned Podcast Episode 24: Bridging the Gap in College Mental Health: Peer Academic Supports for Success and features Paul Cherchia, assistant director at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University. In this episode, Paul talked about PASS (Peer Academic Supports for Success) — a peer coaching program supporting college students with mental health challenges. Paul shared how PASS was developed, its evidence-based success, and its unique model that pairs trained student coaches with other students to foster academic and emotional well-being. Check out the full episode for his full story: https://buff.ly/ez3PFAz

Don't forget to follow TransitionsACR for more Learning & Working RRTC content!

10/07/2025

Hot off the Press is our FY25 Annual Report: "Improving Lives & Strengthening Communities"!

We continue to leverage the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health investment to rapidly translate research findings into their implementation within best practices for individuals with lived experience, their families, and the providers who serve them across the Commonwealth.

This year's achievements include our extensive technical assistance (TA) to support the DMH and its partners in strengthening clinical practice and workforce development, and diversifying the portfolio of innovative, community-engaged research to improve the lives of people with behavioral health conditions.

Read the report in our eLibrary. https://lnkd.in/ebVnhN3D

10/06/2025

We are excited to have iSPARC members Debbie Nicolellis and Robin Tasca presenting at this year's Center on KTDRR virtual conference taking place October 20-23rd.

Debbie will be presenting on Participatory Action in Action: Involving the Youth Voice in Knowledge Translation through Online Training, and Robin will be discussing Accessibility by Design: Creating Inclusive Electronic Products.

Visit the Conference website to learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eZsgbGss

09/29/2025

This clip comes from STAY Tuned Podcast Episode 24: Roots and Change: Youth Advocacy in Rural Communities and features Young Adult Advisory Board member Wyatt Wagner. In this episode, Wyatt talked about his experience creating and running a non-profit to support youth in the rural county he lives in. Check out the full episode for his full story: https://buff.ly/g71ilSc

Don't forget to follow iSPARC and the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research for more CIRC Center content!

09/22/2025

This clip comes from STAY Tuned Podcast Episode 26: Body Talk and Belonging: Eating Disorder Recovery in a Social World and features Young Adult Advisory Board member Jamie Yang. In this episode, Jamie talked about her journey of resilience and growth in navigating recovery from an eating disorder. She highlighted the powerful role of community in fostering healing through friendships and hobbies. Check out the full episode for her full story: https://buff.ly/GJET7yu

Don't forget to follow iSPARC and the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research for more CIRC Center content!

09/16/2025

Upcoming Webinar Alert:

Join the UMass Chan Medical School Law & Psychiatry Program, CSG Justice Center and Risk Resilience Research for the third webinar in their Youth Protective Factors Study series, "Key Findings on Risk-Reduction Services," on Sept. 24, 2025, from Noon-1:15 PM EDT.

During this webinar, they will share key findings from the study, including detailed service and outcome tracking of thousands of youth across three states, highlighting which risk factors predict serious reoffending, how services align with best practices, and strategies to improve supervision and resource use.

This webinar is intended for juvenile justice professionals, policymakers, and community leaders.

Register for the webinar today: https://csg-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4DUFrWezTkayeQAOQn8XYA #/registration

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09/10/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Don't miss Audacy radio's broadcast "I'm Listening" featuring Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Commissioner Doyle discussion with radio personality and mental health advocate Kennedy Elsey.

Tune in tonight Sept. 10th at 7 PM on Mix1041.com, Big103.com, Magic1067.com, and Weei.com.

Sports are life but talking about mental health is more important now than ever!

Tune into Audacy I'm Listening broadcast on 9/10 from 8-10pm right here on 93.7 WEEI! Don't miss the special LIVE hour with Kennedy Elsey from our sister station Mix 104.1 from 8-9pm!

Brought to you locally by Massachusetts Department of Mental Health!