Meet SOS Trainer Coach Mike!
Sources of Strength, T4T
Insights from Sources of Strength Train the Trainer: Coach Mike
Mike Mabry, otherwise known as Coach Mike, is one of our newly certified trainers from the summer 2019 Sources of Strength certification program.
His uniquely insightful takeaways gave us a fascinating new perspective on how the Sources program can serve students beyond the classroom setting, such as on the lacrosse field and beyond. We’re excited to share them with you!
5 Questions With Sources of Strength Trainer Coach Mike
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What was your favorite moment or memory from the week?
Each day I would leave the training feeling rejuvenated and motivated to continue to strengthen myself so that in return I can help others. Being around other adults who are inspired and committed to improving the lives of the youth in their communities gave me a strong sense of hope that I wasn’t exactly feeling prior to the training.
As well, the general atmosphere and engagement in the training kept me feeling fresh and excited the entire week. I felt there was a healthy balance of learning about the program and learning about yourself by engaging in the training each day.
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How did you originally get connected to Sources of Strength? Compared to how you thought it would be, did anything about the T4T surprise you?
I got connected with Sources of Strength through the Ryan Bartel Foundation. During my first interaction with Sources of Strength, I immediately saw the potential impact it could have in my lacrosse program as well as the community as an SOS Trainer.
The T4T training only strengthened my understanding of just how big of an influence this program could have in the lives of my players as well as the Adult Advisors who get involved.
"Being around other adults who are inspired and committed to improving the lives of the youth in their communities gave me a strong sense of hope..."
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When you begin implementing Sources of Strength, what aspects of the program are you most excited to put into action?
Implementation has not yet begun in our club program. What I believe will work the best is the small group discussions and games after practices. My hope is that the consistent communication from our coaches (mentors) reinforcing the strengths on the wheel will push our culture into a heavily strength based, inclusive, resilient, and connected atmosphere.
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Beyond school settings, can you think of new applications of Sources of Strength that could make a positive impact?
Yes! I am hoping that our lacrosse club can be a leader in establishing Sources of Strength in a sports team environment. I believe Sources can be integrated into almost any program where adults and youth are connecting in some way.
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As a Trainer, what 3 Sources of Strength have you used today?
Today, I have engaged with these three strengths:
- Spirituality: I took time upon waking up to focus on my breathing and awareness with the world around me. During my breathing exercises I focused on connecting my thoughts and feelings with gratitude.
- Generosity: Although busy in my daily schedule, I took the time to connect with a friend who has recently been struggling. By listening to and sharing with him, I was able to see a sense of relief and calm come over him. Knowing that giving him my time and attention helped him gave me a great feeling of purpose.
- Healthy Activities: I went to the gym to work on my strength training. I physically feel better and my mind is much more clear after a work out!
Adult Advisors, Sources of Strength
We recently conducted our biggest training yet: 75 Peer Leaders at Robinson High School! Both of our trainings for the staff & faculty members who came on board as adult advisors, as well as our mutual effort training our student peer leaders, were incredibly fulfilling. Read testimonials from the amazing Adult Advisors of Robinson!
Sources of Strength
Our primary program is Sources of Strength, an evidence-based suicide prevention program proven to positively change school culture. Using an upstream approach, it enhances access to protective factors by pairing students with trusted adults & resources. Learn more about our trainings!
Adult Advisors, School Safety, Sources of Strength
Meet Adult Advisor Luis Contreras, and read about his research report. School Violence: Prevention and Intervention takes on the critical topic of violence in schools, including bullying, gang violence, and shootings.