Jake Ross - Empowering Appalachian Communities through Mental Health Support and Resilience

Jake Ross is a seasoned licensed independent social work supervisor and therapist, practicing in Ohio with additional licensures in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida. With over 20 years of experience in social work and child welfare, Jake currently serves as a senior trainer and consultant at Presidential Consultants, where he facilitates dynamic learning experiences aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in helping professions. Jake is also the founder of the Ross Wellness Group, focusing on empowering millennial men to manage stress and lead fulfilling lives.

Episode Summary:

Join Amanda Hampton in an insightful episode of School Wellness as she chats with Jake Ross, a dedicated professional from Presidential Consultants. With a focus on mental health and child welfare, Jake shares his journey and profound commitment to making a difference in the Appalachian region and beyond. From anecdotal experiences to strategic insights, Jake offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and strengths present within the communities he passionately serves.

This episode delves into the core mission and vision of Presidential Consultants, an organization dedicated to improving helping professions through education and training. Explore the unique challenges and cultural characteristics of the Appalachian region, including geographic isolation and resource scarcity, that impact mental health and wellness. Jake emphasizes the importance of shifting language and mindset around mental health, transforming stigma into supportive dialogue, and adapting evidence-based practices to suit regional needs. Learn about the protective factors and resilience inherent in Appalachian culture and discover how community collaboration and self-care play a vital role in fostering mental wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Jake Ross brings over two decades of expertise in social work, advocating for mental health and child welfare across the Appalachian region and beyond.

• Presidential Consultants aims to equip helping professions with the necessary tools and knowledge through dynamic and accessible training programs.

• Appalachian communities, while facing unique challenges such as geographic isolation and resource scarcity, exhibit remarkable resilience.

• Shifting the dialogue around mental wellness from crisis-oriented to proactive and preventive can help dismantle stigma and encourage community engagement.

• Emphasizing self-care and community collaboration are essential strategies in strengthening mental health across various populations.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I'm really big on trying to leave this world a better place than I came into it." - Jake Ross

2. "Often Appalachian folks don't ask for help. They figure it out." - Jake Ross

3. "I woke up first thing in the morning and say, what am I going to do to take care of myself so that I can pour into others the best that I can." - Jake Ross

4. "It's all about that general awareness. If we're all generally aware of what these issues look like, what these red flags are, then we can start to keep an eye out." - Jake Ross

Resources:

• Presidential Consultants: PresidentialConsultants.com (Website not explicitly mentioned, but inferred as a resource for more information)

• LinkedIn: Follow Presidential Consultants for blog posts and their Work Live Wellness series.

• Ross Wellness Group: Founded by Jake Ross, focusing on millennial men's well-being.

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