About Me

My name is Tayla and I am a graduate student from American College of Education as well as a physical education and health teacher. I have a passion for health and wellness, more specifically mental health. From the time I could remember I was dealing with mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and depression, to stress and anger. It has been challenging over the years, but I am working on myself each and everyday. In 2020 I lost one of my closest friends and my godfather to suicide only 6 days a part. It was the worst year of my life. Having always focused on mental health in high school, I knew more needed to be done to bring awareness to this issue. From the moments there after finding out the terrible news, I dedicated much of my time to bringing more awareness to mental health, and stressing the importance of it to others. Through my writing I hope to educate or help just one person who may know someone suffering from mental health, who may have heard of it but aren't entirely sure of the meaning, or even someone who is suffering themselves. 

YANA ~ You Are Not Alone. 

While currently in the planning stage, one of my biggest goals is to create peer mentor programs that schools and the community can use for youth and adolescents. Peer mentor programs allow for youth and adolescents to receive a mentor that can lead as a role model and helping hand. Mentors are leaders who encourage others, share knowledge and skills, and contribute to safe environments for everyone. 

In order for this dream to come true, I must continue building my own personal knowledge as well as utilize the knowledge already gained in program design, evaluation, and implementation. My peer mentor programs will come alive in the future, and I look forward to changing and influencing just one person in the most positive way.