Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Sean Perry, founder of We R H.O.P.E. Inc., is a pioneer in youth mental health coaching. With over 20 years of experience, he's an expert in addressing mental health support inequalities. As a certified Life Coach, Cognitive Behavioral Coach, and specialist in various mental health disciplines, Sean is adept at tackling key issues faced by young people. Notably, he introduced youth Emotional CPR in schools. Additionally, his roles on the Board of Directors for the NEC and MHTTC showcase his leadership in mental health. Sean's dedication to empowering youth and his innovative methods make him a standout figure in his field.
To start, could you take us back to the initial spark that led to the creation of We R H.O.P.E.? What inspired you and James Reinstein to establish this organization and embark on a mission to transform the way society addresses mental health?
In December 2016, James and I were working at a youth residential center for teenagers struggling with severe anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. During this time, we served approximately 24 to 25 students for 60 to 90 days. What struck us was that the cost was roughly $90,000 per student. This raised a critical question for us: What happens to everyone else? If we're only assisting 25 students every 60 to 90 days at such a high cost, where are the other kids getting help? We realized we were only supporting the top 1% with financial means, while the mental health crisis was worsening among students nationwide. This didn't sit right with us.
One evening in December, during our weekly conversation – James managing the back half of the week at the facility, and I manage the front half – I shared that I had been surveying the clients at the residential center. I asked if they believed they would need residential care if they had proper support outside. I had been struggling with the thought of helping only a small, select group while so many others were struggling. James responded, saying he had been having similar thoughts. That's when I suggested, "Why don't we start a company and help kids in schools long before they ever need residential care?" That's how We R H.O.P.E. was born.
I want to emphasize that James and I are deeply passionate about mental health because it's personal to us. I've personally faced mental health struggles, including significant anxiety, and I'm a suicide survivor. With five children of my own, I realized that I couldn't financially support one of my children going into residential care. This inequality in mental health support, not just for my kids but for children everywhere, especially in the U.S. at that time, was the tipping point for me. We believed we could do better, so we created a company to make a difference.
The mission of We R H.O.P.E. is to bring education, normalization, and hope to those struggling with mental health. Tell us more about that.
When we entered this field, one glaring issue stood out: there was a lack of education about mental health. Think back to your school years; can you recall being taught about mental health? Chances are, the answer is no. Mental health wasn't prioritized in our education system until recently, and some people still struggle with its importance today. Early on, we recognized the need for improvement. To create significant change, people needed to understand mental health disorders. That's why mental health literacy is at the core of our program. You can't make positive changes in your life, whether you're a child or an adult, without understanding what might be going on within you. It's not just about learning coping skills; it's about comprehending why those coping skills matter and how they specifically help you manage your challenges. So, education is our foremost priority.
Normalization is another crucial aspect for us. For far too long, we've been told that our feelings aren't okay, but the truth is, it's perfectly okay to not be okay. Stigma is a pervasive problem in our society. In the educational part of our work, we focus on breaking this stigma. We want kids to know that what they're feeling and experiencing is normal—it's part of the human experience. We have a responsibility to ourselves and future generations to teach them that there's nothing wrong with struggling emotionally and getting help for it.
For instance, in some of the schools we work with, some educators still believe that kids should just "get over" anxiety, or that depression isn't real. They might think a child with suicidal thoughts should be hospitalized, or a child who self-harms should be admitted. This is a problem. Suicidal ideation is normal, it's part of being human. We shouldn't punish children, or anyone, because what they're going through makes us uncomfortable. We need to do better and normalize the human experience. This isn’t to say there are not times when higher levels of intervention may be needed but these things do not happen overnight and can be supported early on. The problem we have is that most people do not feel comfortable sharing what they are going through due to the stigma in our society.
As for hope, early on, working with these children, their parents, caregivers, and families as a whole, we saw they had lost hope. They felt unsupported, with schools sometimes lacking necessary services, and parents not knowing where to turn. We believe that the most precious gift you can give to a child and a struggling family dealing with mental health issues is hope. We wanted to ensure in everything we do, in every conversation we have, we give these children and families hope.
Could you elaborate on how your coaching sessions help normalize anxiety within school communities and equip students with skills to manage challenges?
This is an excellent question, and it's crucial to understand how our coaching sessions differ from standard support in schools. Typically, in a school setting, a student might see their guidance counselor for a brief drop-in session, visit the school psychologist once a month, or have weekly sessions with a school therapist. Our coaching model takes a distinct approach that stems from my prior experience working in residential care before founding this company. In residential care, I learned the secret to success lies in consistent support. While they had skilled therapists and clinical directors, the day-to-day work with the residential staff was what made the difference. Everything the students worked on with their therapists and psychiatrists was reinforced daily in their activities. This is the key distinction of our coaching model compared to standard school support.
Our model supports students five days a week, every day, for half an hour, continuously for 60 to 90 days. We begin by assessing their anxiety using the GAD-7 Screener at intake and continue to track it every 30 days thereafter. By placing anxiety at the forefront of our program, we help normalize discussions about anxiety. We understand that anxiety is often the root cause of various behaviors. Thoughts give rise to emotions, which, in turn, influence behavior. By having students come to us every single day for 60 to 90 days, anxiety and conversations about anxiety start to become commonplace within the school community. We're creating a culture in which students feel comfortable leaving class to address their anxiety concerns. Their peers notice this and begin asking for help too. Teachers become more adept at identifying students who might be struggling and refer those who need support with anxiety or any other mental health challenges.
In essence, our level of consistent support not only normalizes anxiety but also all mental health struggles and, most importantly, encourages students to ask for help and receive it when they are struggling. The Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat seems like a unique initiative.
Can you provide more details on how the retreat addresses youth mental health and well-being through traditional camp activities and specialized training such as Emotional CPR?
Absolutely, the Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat is a unique endeavor that complements our work by extending support to youth for an additional month. It offers a more immersive approach to the work we do throughout the school year. This program operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, four days a week, for three weeks, and is priced at just $25 per day or $100 per week. What sets this retreat apart is its foundation in the core principles of Emotional CPR (eCPR), with a strong emphasis on Connection, Empowerment, and Revitalization.
Each of the three weeks of the retreat revolves around one of these core concepts. In Week 1, our focus is primarily on Connection. We start each day with a large group meeting, attended by approximately 65 to 75 students. During these meetings, we explore the theme of the day and discuss various ways to establish connections—both with oneself and with others. Week 2 follows a similar pattern, emphasizing Empowerment, and Week 3 focuses on Revitalization. The immersive nature of this retreat aims to teach students that they have the power to shape their identities beyond their mental health struggles. They are encouraged to recognize that they are more significant than social anxiety or the fears that may have been holding them back.
All our coaches have received training in Emotional CPR, and it forms the core foundation of our work. Emotional CPR isn't just a program for helping others; it's a way of being, a philosophy that guides how we support people in all relationships and aspects of life. By teaching students how to connect with themselves and others, empower themselves and others, and revitalize after crises, we believe we offer one of the most powerful interventions for youth. It's essential to note that while many camps can naturally help improve a child's social skills and confidence, the Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat distinguishes itself by its unwavering focus on the mental health and well-being of each participant. Every module throughout the day revolves around self-empowerment, improvement, connection, and related themes. Moreover, this retreat is a one-of-a-kind initiative in the country, offering a holistic approach to youth mental health that combines traditional camp activities with specialized eCPR training.
Education and Training Services are a part of your offerings, including presentations and training on mental health and anxiety for teachers, faculty, and parents. How do these services contribute to creating a more informed and supportive environment for mental health within educational institutions?
Absolutely, our Education and Training Services are instrumental in fostering a more informed and supportive environment for mental health within educational institutions. As a member of the Mental Health Literacy Collaborative or the MHLC, the importance of mental health literacy cannot be overstated. In our evolving society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the essential societal needs and desired outcomes for our children. Education plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. However, it's not just about supporting the students; it's about ensuring that parents and educators are equally informed and engaged in the process.
Some parents may, understandably, prefer a straightforward solution for their child's challenges, seeking a quick fix. Similarly, some teachers may be hesitant to embrace the educational aspect of mental health literacy due to their already demanding responsibilities. Their primary concern may be addressing disruptive behavior in the classroom. This disconnect between our intentions and their expectations poses a significant challenge in our society. However, what we've noticed is educators and parents who actively engage with our training programs and genuinely desire to learn thrive and evolve. They become more empathetic and understanding of their children's needs, as well as their own. They begin to comprehend mental health literacy is not a mysterious concept but rather a form of education. They also realize the struggles these children experience are not unique to them; adults experience similar challenges but may lack the language to articulate them.
Mental health literacy is a movement—a way to ensure we all share a common understanding and language regarding the collective human experiences we encounter. To answer your question directly, when parents and educators actively participate in these training programs, it cultivates an environment of normalization. It fosters understanding, empathy, compassion, and love. Most importantly, it places all of us on the same page, acknowledging that we all face challenges because it's an integral part of the human experience.
Our Education and Training Services help bridge the gap between our efforts and the understanding of parents and educators. They contribute to creating an environment within educational institutions that embraces mental health, encourages dialogue, and acknowledges that we're all in this together as part of the human experience.
What can you tell us about Tabula Rasa?
Tabula Rasa is a project that holds a special place in my heart. The idea for Tabula Rasa emerged after spending about two years working closely with schools through our We R H.O.P.E. initiative. What I observed was that many schools were sending students to programs that, unfortunately, often became their permanent placement. These students would never return to mainstream education, and schools were spending substantial amounts, sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, to place students out of the district.
The core mission of Tabula Rasa is to disrupt this status quo in support systems. We aim to help students realize their full potential in an environment that offers them the necessary support to reintegrate successfully into a public or private school setting. Tabula Rasa is not merely about creating a day or residential treatment center; it's about instigating real societal change. It's about giving a voice to families and students to say, "This is just a brief moment in my life, and I too shall overcome." The vision for Tabula Rasa is to have it replicated like our We R H.O.P.E. program in all 50 states. We envision multiple Tabula Rasa locations throughout each state, ensuring that all children have access to a school or retreat center that focuses on their mental health while concurrently addressing their academic needs. Our goal is to bridge the gaps in education, much like We R H.O.P.E. does for underserved children in schools.
We firmly believe that Tabula Rasa can help fill the gap in our educational society by offering a combination of residential and day school programs. It's a visionary project that aims to change the way we think about education. We want people to rally behind this initiative and recognize that education should not be confined to a rigid box. Some of our children have needs that surpass what conventional schools can provide, and we need support to fund this visionary endeavor. There are so many exciting aspects to this program, such as standardized building designs across the country, making it instantly recognizable as a Tabula Rasa facility, no matter where you go. We aim to revolutionize society and how children access the support they need. In essence, Tabula Rasa is not just a project; it's a movement, a vision for a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and overcome their challenges.
The Vermont Airbnb initiative is an interesting way to support your mission. Can you share more about how accommodations directly contribute to empowering students and advancing the goals of We R H.O.P.E.?
Sure, I'd be happy to talk about our Vermont Airbnb initiative and how it fits into our mission at We R H.O.P.E. When I started We R H.O.P.E., I noticed many nonprofits often struggle to sustain themselves. I have a cousin, a seasoned business leader, who gave me some valuable advice back in the day. He asked me a simple but important question: "Why start a nonprofit?" It got me thinking about what we were trying to achieve and why we thought a nonprofit structure was the way to go. His point was, at its core, a nonprofit is a business and should be managed like one. As I got deeper into the nonprofit world, I saw many organizations were always out there with their hands open, constantly seeking donations or grants. Don't get me wrong; those fundraising efforts are essential, but they can also leave nonprofits dependent on external funding, which can be uncertain.
So, I wanted We R H.O.P.E. to be different. We created a product, our coaching model and training services, which bring in revenue. But we also had these other cool projects, like the Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat, where we aimed to keep the cost super low at $25 a day. To pull that off, we needed a way to offset the expenses. That's where the Vermont Airbnb idea came in. We thought, why not buy a property and turn it into an Airbnb? The money we make from those stays goes directly into funding initiatives like the Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat, therapy for kids, equine therapy—you name it. We're all about consistency too. For the past four years, we've stuck to that $ 25-a-day price at the Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat, and we plan to keep it that way, no matter how things change.
The Vermont Airbnb initiative is all about keeping the ball rolling. We want We R H.O.P.E. to be around for the long haul, and we want to make a real impact in communities across the country. Right now, we've got one Airbnb, but our dream is to have several across different states. Each one will help us fund initiatives specific to that area, keeping our mission alive and well. So, in a nutshell, our Vermont Airbnb project is a smart way to fund our programs, empower students, and make progress with We R H.O.P.E. It's all about creating positive, lasting changes in the lives of kids and families.
We R H.O.P.E. was recognized as a 2021 CNN Champions for Change. How has this recognition impacted your organization, and what future goals do you have in mind to further your mission of transforming the way society addresses mental health?
CNN recognizing our work was truly a fantastic moment for us. I want to start by saying a big thank you to CNN for acknowledging all the hard work we've put into this. It was an absolute honor to be among such deserving recipients, and I must admit, it caught me by surprise. I felt so humbled by the whole experience. As for how it's affected our organization, it's been a mixed bag, to be honest. On the one hand, it's given us a newfound sense of legitimacy. We can proudly share this recognition with potential schools, parents, and clients, and it opens doors. We did land an extra contract right away in Arkansas, which was fantastic. However, I'll admit I thought my phone would be ringing off the hook non-stop, but that wasn't quite the case. I think it's a reflection of the ongoing struggle many people still have when it comes to seeking and accessing mental health support. So, while the recognition was incredible, it didn't create an overnight revolution in our work, which is perfectly okay; that day will come.
Looking ahead to our future goals, it's pretty exciting stuff. As I'm doing this interview, I'm actually in Nairobi, Kenya, collaborating with Onyango Otuoma, the founder of the Mindful African Initiative. We're working on bringing We R H.O.P.E.'s coaching support and mental health literacy to children and families here in Kenya. We kicked off this project in June of 2022, and over the past year and a half, we've been shaping what this can look like. You know, the human experience is universal, no matter where you are on this planet. Children in Kenya face mental health challenges just like kids in the United States. So, we're thrilled to be working on bringing mental health support and mental health literacy to Kenya in the near future. Something exciting to note is that we introduced the Upper Valley Youth Wellness Retreat model right here in Kenya in September 2023. It was a pilot program, and it was incredible to see the kids here access our support with some cultural adaptations, focusing on the concepts of connection, empowerment, and revitalization over three days. It's been an amazing partnership, and it's incredibly gratifying to witness the program we envisioned being utilized on the other side of the world.
Our goal moving forward is to keep pushing ahead, raising awareness about We R H.O.P.E. and ensuring that all children, regardless of their financial circumstances, have access to the mental health support they need. That's what drives us every day. So, that's where we're headed, and we're excited for what the future holds!
In closing, what message or piece of advice would you like to share with individuals who may be struggling with mental health challenges, and how can they connect with We R H.O.P.E. for support?
In closing, I want to emphasize that it takes immense strength and courage to reach out for help when you're going through a tough time. Remember, seeking help is a powerful step toward healing. In today's world, it's essential to acknowledge our kids and parents are facing unique mental and emotional challenges. The landscape has changed, and our children are navigating uncharted territory. We often hear, "Back in my day, we did things differently." But today's challenges require a fresh perspective and understanding.
So, if you're someone who's struggling right now if you feel like you're in a dark place, please know that you are not alone. Many people understand the pain and turmoil you experience every day—the difficulty of getting out of bed, facing a crowd, or even just stepping out of your car when it feels overwhelming. You don't have to go through life alone, and you certainly don't have to suffer in silence. Whether you reach out to We R H.O.P.E. or another support network, help is available. We have a team of caring individuals who are ready to lend a hand, and if you ever feel like you have no one else to turn to, you can reach out to us. We're here to make sure you no longer have to bear your burdens alone.
If you're looking to connect with We R H.O.P.E., if you believe our support should be in your community or school, if you want to learn about mental health literacy, anxiety, or how to support yourself and others during emotional crises, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You won't be talking to some random person—I personally answer all calls.
Remember, like my business partner James often says, “It's okay to not be okay,” and seeking help is a courageous step toward healing and well-being. You're stronger than you know, and there's a community of support waiting to embrace you.
For more info, follow We R H.O.P.E. on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, and visit their website!
