Program Overview

Amaris is the School Based Mental Health First Aid Coordinator co-leading this initiative since June 2024, on behalf of Behavioral Health Springboard. Amaris champions the Mental Health First Aid program, advocating for its potential to dismantle stigma and forge connections to vital mental health resources for young individuals. Before embarking on this initiative, she completed her Masters of Social Work at North Carolina State University. Amaris has worked in a multitude of clinical settings ranging from inpatient hospitals, community mental health agencies, and most recently Durham Public Schools as the District Mental Health Specialist. Amaris has supported many community health initiatives including: the oversight of the co-located mental health program that helps provide school based mental health services, evidence-based clinical consultation to student support services staff, supporting students in both short-term and long-term suspension settings, and advocating for the implementation of Youth and Teen Mental Health First aid within school systems. Amaris championed the implementation of Teen Mental Health First Aid at a high school in Durham Public Schools. One of the first in the state through the initiative. Amaris is trained as an Adult, Youth, and Teen Instructor is a Certified Restorative Practices Trainer through IIRP. When not coordinating this initiative, Amaris can be found spending time with friends, doing community service within her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir at her church, and spending time with her dog Gisele.

Feel free to set up a time to speak with me! Book time with Sampson, Amaris Gabrianna

Tiffany works as the Program Coordinator for the Behavioral Health Springboard MHFA program. She works to support the implementation Mental Health First Aid the community, providing over arching program implementation, and trainer support. She came to the team in June 2024 after working in UNC School of Public Health.

In her free time, Tiffany can be found enjoying her community here in the triangle, or going on walks and discovering all of the Greenways North Carolina has to offer.

Nina works as the School Behavioral Health Program Specialist for the Behavioral Health Springboard. She works to support the implementation of Teen and Youth Mental Health First Aid in high schools state-wide via coordination, technical assistance, implementation support, and as a trainer. She came to the team in September 2023 after working in schools in Denver, Colorado as a school social worker/EC specialist and school-based therapist. During her time in the schools, Nina saw firsthand the need for evidence-based, comprehensive, and engaging material that teaches adults and youth how to support, and connect with resources, young people who might be struggling. In her free time, Nina can be found reading, daydreaming about her future (one day!) therapy farm, or going for strolls with her retired therapy dog Fuego.

You can connect with her on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/nina-muller-lcsw-84b84115b

Javan Emanuel Richardson, an emerging leader, executive strategist, and evolving coach was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. At four years old, he would sit outside and speak with a spatula serving as his microphone. His grandmother listened, encouraging him to remain humble, obedient and focused. He’s lived by these principles and recognizes that they’ve been instrumental to his achievements. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his nephew Eli & niece Elani — they are his pride & joy. With a burning passion for achievement, Javan’s ardent desire is to help the next generation tap into their potential and recognize unparalleled success in every area of life. Trained under the tutelage of Dr. Haywood and Dr. Wanda Frazier-Parker, he now walks out his calling as a public speaker, author, visionary, executor, and innovator inspiring audiences both in ministry and the marketplace. His charismatic style delivers practical truths that empower his listeners to live authentically and grow spiritually — in fact Javan released his first book in 2019 entitled “Your Wealth Is In Your Hands”. In 2022, Javan released his first coursebook “Write the Story, Make it Plain” providing aspiring authors essential steps to compose their book. Javan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University and recently earned his Master’s in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina Central University. Javan is now currently pursuing his Doctoral degree as well. Javan loves academia and has held positions at Duke University, Wake Forest University, & North Carolina State University. Along with public speaking Javan is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.