Brain Health = Mental Health

22 FOREVER is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes the prevention of mental health disorders and adolescent substance misuse starts with early “brain health” education – and that knowledge has the power to save lives.

An Innovative and Engaging Middle School Brain Health Curriculum

Rather than allow this loss to be in vain, Kristen is transforming her grief into purpose by developing a middle school Brain Health curriculum to reach youth during a critical time in brain development.

The 22 FOREVER peer-led middle school brain health curriculum empowers students to:

Understand and take advantage of the structural changes happening in their brains during adolescence
Harness the power of neuroplasticity to enhance well-being
Recognize and navigate real risks to brain health
Build practical, evidence-based skills for lifelong brain health

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“Few programs and people have as timely and as helpful of a message as Dr. Kristen Gilliland who is the Director of Outreach and Advocacy and a Drug Scientist for the Warren Center at Vanderbilt University. We all intuitively know that there is a strong connection between emotions and substance abuse, but Dr. Gilliland has given us new and powerful tools in our arsenal to understand, decrypt, and most importantly fight addiction.”

– Beth Eberl – Director of Counseling, University School Nashville (K-12)

Clear and Compelling Scientific Presentations Grounded in Lived Experience

Dr. Gilliland’s presentations examine how the developing adolescent brain responds to stress, screens, THC, and other substances. Grounded in current scientific evidence, she explains how neuroplasticity influences mental health, substance use disorder, and behavioral outcomes. Together, these insights highlight why adolescence is a critical window for protecting brain health and promoting lifelong well-being.

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Audience Testimonials from Dr. Gilliland’s Presentations at National Conferences

"I loved it because it’s such a relevant conversation we need to be having with our young people. And the presenter brought such real information."

"Glad to learn how cannabis impacts brain and Mental health and something I can take home and share with my youth clients."

"This was a beautiful talk both for its personal introduction and communication of complex neurotransmission processes in an approachable manner. This remains important information to communicate to patients."

"This was outstanding!!! Dr. Gilliland is just the best, it’s like having Michael Jordan on your team."

"She brings a wealth of knowledge and research to unpack the interaction between neuroscience, emotions, and substance abuse but she unpacks it in a way that is understandable, approachable, and most importantly actionable."

Educational Documentary – Speaking Through Me

Speaking Through Me empowers teens and young adults to understand and protect the most powerful supercomputer they will ever own: their developing brain. As rates of depression, anxiety, addiction, overdose, self-harm, and suicide continue to rise among U.S. youth, the film calls for a necessary paradigm shift. Through the journey of a grieving mother-scientist and three courageous young adults, it offers hope, healing, and a powerful message: you have the ability to change your story for the better.

“It’s an absolute must watch for parents of young teens and young adults, and should be showcased in schools too, to continue these essential conversations on brain health and mental health.”

“I think this is a great documentary. The tone is one that is not preachy or stigmatizing, which I believe is very important when reaching adolescents. I appreciate the analogies when explaining some of the science behind addiction. Overall, it’s just a great tool to use with adolescents. I also believe parents would benefit from learning this information. Great job. And thank you to each person willing to share your journey to help others.”

“I appreciated the blend of stories with hope, tied together with the science behind the hope. It had natural breaks for discussion, so I can see this being presented to high school (or even middle school?) students over a period of several days — but not too many days — more like a week than a month. Then some kind of periodic “refresher” — with other videos or curriculum materials.”

“Love it! Such an important film all parents and students should see. I have a non profit for addiction and recovery. Will implement this film in our outreach. Most schools are not doing their part to educate students and their families but we are trying to change that. Thank you for this film!”