2025 Hero’s Journey Symposium

We hosted our 8th annual Hero’s Journey Symposium at the American College of Surgeons Conference Center on 30 September 2025.

Read 2025's Report

The Theme for 2025 was Moving from D (Disorder) to G (Growth).

Changing the narrative on mental health and well-being by understanding impacts of trauma and building the right pathway from wounds to wellness for all. With greater emphasis on early interventions, meet people where they are and use technologies to support opportunities to offer patient centered care.

The event is available on this site and our YouTube channel. Previous years’ symposiums are also available online.

Program

The Hero’s Journey Symposium comprises facilitated panel discussions and a closing synthesis session. The panel discussions bring together a wide array of stakeholders, including brain health researchers, physicians, military leaders, public policy experts, and community advocates. Our outcomes include shaping a “call to action,” providing a collective sharing of best practices, identifying policy and research gaps, and summarizing the current state of affairs to create “better pathways to recovery, from wounds to wellness.”

  1. Opening Remarks, Award Presentation
    Mary Lowe Mayhugh, and Susan I. Wranik, Mistress of Ceremonies

  2. Opening Keynote, 2025 Hero’s Journey Advocacy Leader Award
    Dr. Keita Franklin, Chief of Behavioral Health, Leidos Health and Civil Sector

  3. Health Defender Award
    Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., 7th District of New Jersey

  4. Panel 1: Improving Mental Well-being for Children and Families
    Chris Shea, Facilitator. Panel: Lisa Jaycox, PhD, Rachel McFadden, Kelly Skala

  5. Panel 2: Innovative Approaches to Mental Health to improve Patient Centered Care
    Dr. Kimberly Albero, Facilitator. Panel: Dr. Tamara Campbell, Dr. Ajus (Jus) Ninan, Joshua (Josh) Otero, Sonia Phythian

  6. Fireside Chat
    Stephen L. Ondra, MD, Vice President, MITRE Center for Transforming Health, Director, Health FFRDC

  7. Panel 3: Healing Arts Community- Building Wellness and Strengthening Resiliency
    Colonel (Ret) AnnMarie Halterman, Facilitator. Panel: Gail Ann Kelsey, Sgt. Luis Rosa-Valentin, Terese Schlachter, Leila Hertzberg

  8. Panel 4: Changing the Conversation on Mental Health Care from Stigma to Strength
    Anna Yusim, Facilitator. Panel: Tyler Grey, Dr. Victoria McCausland, Tito Torres