The only way out is through.
Be courageous. Be vulnerable. Be responsible.
Be vulnerable.
Be responsible.
We are here to evolve the trauma conversation in popular culture.
The Movement
We envision a world where people are safe to express their most vulnerable stories and be proud of everything that makes them who they are.
We invite you to share your story about how you healed and accepted your trauma using the hashtag #oktrauma. We will then amplify your story by reposting it to our communities.
You are not alone.
Together we can make a difference.
It’s time to bring trauma out of the shadows and on to the main stage.
Destiny Now
It all started with this short film.
Watch Our Trauma Healing Discussion
The Healing Power of Storytelling:
Race and Intergenerational Trauma
A discussion featuring top trauma healing facilitators from around the world as we dig into the healing power of storytelling as it relates to race and generational trauma. This is an opportunity to learn about the origins Aparthied in South Africa, how it relates to Black Lives Matter today and how we can all facilitate healing.
The Panelists
Core people with The Institute For Healing of Memories Non-Profit Organization
Father Michael Lapsley
Organization Founder
Michael Lapsley, born in New Zealand, joined the Society of the Sacred Mission and was sent to South Africa in 1973. There he became active in the anti-apartheid movement, ultimately joining the African National Congress. After surviving an assassination attempt, he returned from exile to found the Institute for Healing of Memories in Cape Town.
Lynndi Scott
Los Angeles Facilitator
Co-facilitator for Healing of Memories. She attended a workshop in 2014 during an incredible time of grief and loss. It was then when she understood that trauma was what she was experiencing. As a professional actor, Lynndi knew all too well how to utilize her life experiences and truths to embody a character; it was fuel for her art. And now, having been profoundly awakened to the trauma that has impacted her life for a very long time by the systemic racism in our county, her healing journey continues. And it continues with strength, empowerment and acumen gained from her involvement with Healing of Memories. http://www.lynndiscott.com
Fatima Swartz
Program Director, South Africa
Fatima Swarz is the program director for The Institute of The Healing of Memories in South Africa. She has an extensive background as an educator and has worked in cross-cultural environments on issues of conflict transformation, organizational development, identity and diversity, mediation and social healing. She was a key trainer for the Coalition for Peace in Africa and is currently a core trainer for- Non Violent Peace Force on Unarmed Civilian Protection. For more info please see The Institute for Healing of Memories website.
Phyllis Rodriguez
New York Facilitator
Facilitator for the Institute of The Healing of Memories. Mother of son killed in 911 attacks. Founder of “11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows” In November 2002, they met with Aicha el-Wafi, mother of Zacarias Moussaoui who had been indicted in connection with the attacks. He was the only person tried on the US mainland in connection with 9/11 and faced the federal death penalty They were both bereaved mothers, each in a different way but joined by a common traumatic event. For more information on their journey please to: http://www.inoursonsname.com/
Gloria Hage
Executive Director, America
Holds a master’s degree in international relations from New York University, and an undergraduate degree in business and marketing. With Wagner Graduate School for Public Service, she studied international health policies and prospects at the World Health Organization in Geneva Switzerland, and conflict and development in The Netherlands. She has tenure in the biotechnology industry, as well as extensive non-profit experience. For more info please see The Institute For Healing of Memories website.
Sanyika Street
Panel Moderator
Sanyika “The Firestarter” Street’s is a POWERHOUSE.He teaches people how to stop negotiating with themselves, pick one path and go ALL IN, with his High Performance Coaching Program, The All In Method. The powerful product is greater resilience, revenue and relationships.
A High Powered Storyteller & Speaker, Sanyika uses spoken word storytelling as an innovative method to tell stories for some of the biggest brands in the world. He’s worked with Sony Playstation, FOX Network, The US Department Of Defense, Universal Music Group and now…INK Global. For more, you can reach the firestarter on IG @FirestarterLive
Our Partners
We are partnering with top experts and organizations around the world to make an impact on the healing of trauma.
Partner
Since the 1990s, The Healing of Memories has provided workshops around the world, enabling participants from diverse ethnic groups, races, and religions to reach a better understanding of themselves and each other. They are committed to individual and collective healing that creates a more peaceful and socially just future.
Partner and Fiscal Sponsor
Healing TREE advocates healing from abuse and trauma rather than coping with the symptoms, in order to transform lives and, ultimately, society. We achieve this by providing trauma-focused resources and education and by producing and partnering with relevant film, television, and theatre, empowering the social change necessary to create a healing movement.
About #OkTrauma
Inspired by the #metoo movement, we have been deeply moved to facilitate a new relationship with trauma healing in popular culture.
Our mission is for the OkTrauma framework to be a place where people learn healing and acceptance methodologies from experts, engage in supportive listening and where people are free and safe to express their deepest truth so that their trauma can be set free.
It all started with the "Destiny Now" film, but we quickly realized that this is so much bigger than a film. Today we are dedicated to raising money for non-profits who have been doing incredible healing work and to growing a community of resilient leaders who empower each other to find acceptance in their trauma story.
It's time for the world to speak their truth.
Your mess is your message.
🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Meet the Founders
Teddy Saunders
Teddy is a filmmaker and entrepreneur with a passion to empower the truth and beauty of humanity.
Michelle Barton
Michelle is a performer, content creator, and facilitator who knows tools to overcome deep trauma.
Get In Touch
We are committed to our vision and would love for you to join our team to create lasting change in the world.
Get In Touch
We would love for you to get involved, join our team and help empower others to create lasting change in the world.
Additional Partners
Join Our Journey
We invite you to share your trauma healing story in our communities. Simply use the hashtag #oktrauma when posting about how you turned your trauma into your triumph and we will re-post it in our communities to support you.
Follow us for advice from top trauma healing experts.