Episodes

  • SummerTime Routines

    SummerTime Routines
    Jun 3 2026
    Summer break brings fun, flexibility, and family time — but how important are routines for kids during the summer months? In this episode the Hope, Health and Happiness podcast,, C&A Lead Trauma Specialist Mary Kreitz discusses why maintaining healthy summertime routines can make a significant difference in children’s emotional well-being and behavior.

    Mary shares helpful guidance for families, including:
    • Age-specific tips for summer structure and routines
    • How balance, flexibility, and fun can work together
    • The importance of discussing expectations and rules when children stay at other households
    • Ways to help children transition back into school routines as summer winds down

    Her thoughtful insights provide practical strategies parents and caregivers can begin using right away. This is a great conversation for families preparing for a healthy, successful summer. Be sure to watch, like, and share this valuable discussion with other parents and caregivers.
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    32 mins
  • Mental Health Walk In Clinic_1

    Mental Health Walk In Clinic_1
    May 28 2026
    When your child is facing a mental health challenge, getting help quickly matters. C&A’s Walk-In Mental Health Assessment Clinic offers families another pathway to access support and services in a timely, caring, and compassionate environment.

    This podcast shares important information about our Walk-In Mental Health Assessment Clinic.

    Families will learn:
    • What to bring to the appointment
    • What to expect during the visit
    • How the assessment process works
    • How our team helps connect families to services and support

    At C&A, our staff is committed to welcoming families with compassion, understanding, and no judgment as they take an important first step toward care.
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    16 mins
  • Leadership classes for student-athletes that go beyond the athletic field

    Leadership classes for student-athletes that go beyond the athletic field
    Mar 26 2026
    In this episode of the Health, Hope and Happiness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between leadership development and mental health in student-athletes. At Jackson High School in Stark County, Ohio, the softball program is taking a proactive approach—integrating weekly leadership sessions into their fall and winter conditioning routines.

    Led by senior players, these peer-driven classes create space for mentorship, accountability, and personal growth. The result is more than just improved performance on the field—it’s a stronger sense of resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

    Tune in to hear how this unique approach is shaping student-athletes into leaders, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the game and preparing them for lifelong success.
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    24 mins
  • The Emily Program - Anorexia_1

    The Emily Program - Anorexia_1
    Aug 19 2025
    C&A's Health, Hope and Happiness podcast concludes our three-part series in collaboration with the Emily Program, focused on healthy eating and the mental health of young athletes.

    In our first two episodes, we had powerful conversations with Brittany Davis and Megan Merrells about balanced nutrition, bigorexia and the pressure many athletes feel around body image.

    Now, in this final installment, we turn our attention to anorexia nervosa—specifically, how it impacts girls and female athletes. This is a serious and often overlooked issue, and we dig into how it affects not just performance, but overall well-being and mental health.

    Brittany, the Midwest senior regional director, and Megan, a registered dietitian, return with insightful, practical advice for coaches and parents. They break down what signs to look for and how to support athletes who might be struggling.

    It’s an important, eye-opening conversation with potentially life-saving takeaways. Let’s get into it.
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    45 mins
  • What is the affect of bigorexia on male athletes?

    What is the affect of bigorexia on male athletes?
    Aug 11 2025
    The Health, Hope and Happiness podcast continues it's three-part series with the Emily Program discussing healthy eating habits for athletes. Today, Brittany Davis, the Midwest senior regional director, and Megan Merrells, a registered dietician, discuss bigorexia, and how this eating disorder affects male athletes.

    Although the term may sound new, 'bigorexia'—or muscle dysmorphia—is a growing mental health issue among male athletes. These are individuals who, despite being muscular or in peak physical condition, believe they’re never big or strong enough. Many continue to lift excessively, rely on supplements, and in some cases, even purge food in pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

    While eating disorders in female athletes have been extensively studied and discussed, male eating disorders often fly under the radar—overlooked by parents, coaches, and even athletic trainers. In today’s world of strength training, performance enhancement, and image-driven social media, it’s time we shift the conversation.

    In this episode, you'll hear a unique perspective on how male athletes view themselves—and learn how to spot the signs when self-image becomes self-destructive. It’s an important and eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss."
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    44 mins
  • What should athletes be eating — and how much?

    What should athletes be eating — and how much?
    Jul 29 2025
    Welcome to this episode of Health, Hope and Happiness podcast, the first in a special three-part series focused on youth and athletic wellness.

    Today, we're joined by two guests from The Emily Program, Brittany Davis, Midwest regional director, and Megan Merrells, a registered dietitian, who bring years of experience supporting young athletes and youth navigating eating disorders.

    In this episode of Health, Hope and Happiness, Dan Mucci talks with experts from the Emily Program about building healthy eating habits, hydration, and spotting early signs of nutritional disorders.

    In this episode, we take a closer look at healthy eating habits for athletes. Brittany and Megan break down what proper nutrition really looks like for developing athletes, how eating impacts both physical performance and mental health, and the subtle signs parents and coaches should watch for when it comes to disordered eating. We also dive into the unique challenges posed by some sports that involve extreme weight components and how these can contribute to eating distorders.

    Brittany offers valuable reminders throughout the conversation about the importance of bringing joy and “fun” when eating, even in competitive environments. Plus, we explore how supplements can either support or hinder nutrition, and why food should always be the foundation for any athlete’s health.

    Whether you're a coach, a parent, or an athlete yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights and compassionate advice to help build healthier, stronger young athletes on and off the field. Let’s dive in.
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    36 mins
  • How do Stark County's Student Mental Health Champions feel about mental health?

    How do Stark County's Student Mental Health Champions feel about mental health?
    May 1 2025
    Welcome to the Health, Hope, and Happiness podcast—where we dive into the issues that matter most to our community’s well-being. I’m your host, and in today’s episode, we’re asking a big question: How do students feel about mental health?

    In this special edition, we turn the mic over to the real experts—our students. Led by Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's Trauma-Informed Specialist Mary Kreitz, this honest and powerful panel discussion gives us a window into the lives of Stark County teens.

    From the pressures of academics, sports, and part-time jobs, to the mental toll of social media and cell phones, these students share what it's really like to grow up in a digital world—a world vastly different from the one their parents knew.

    You’ll hear firsthand how they navigate stress, cope with anxiety, and find moments of hope in the chaos. Their insight is raw, real, and more relevant than ever.
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    23 mins
  • How do athletic trainers help athletes stay healthy and prevent injuries

    How do athletic trainers help athletes stay healthy and prevent injuries
    Mar 31 2025
    Welcome to the Health, Hope, and Happiness podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to be joined by GlenOak High School Athletic Trainer, Alex Shaheen, as part of our Athletes Strong for Mental Health initiative. Alex is here to talk about how athletic trainers play a vital role in keeping athletes healthy, and how they assist when injuries occur. We’ll also dive into how the role of an athletic trainer is continually evolving.

    As a sports medicine teacher at GlenOak and someone who oversees more than 24 athletic teams, Alex shares his insights on staying up-to-date with the latest treatments and modalities. This is a must-listen for both coaches and athletes, as we explore how the collaboration between trainers and teams truly benefits the athlete."
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    36 mins