Author Archives: Ty Schmidt

Voting For Better With Action in Northern Michigan

Every action we take is a vote for the kind of community we wish to become. And no single act will drive change, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of what’s possible. Evidence that our actions are making a difference. Evidence that builds the confidence and courage required to keep going.Continue reading “Voting For Better With Action in Northern Michigan”

Shandy Longcore to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3

Shandy Longcore grew up in a quaint small town in northwest Lower Michigan, thedaughter of two loving parents who never saw the day coming when she would retreatinto the basement of their home and try to kill herself. She was only 10 at the time. The night before, Shandy had determined that she just wasn’tContinue reading “Shandy Longcore to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3”

Ty Curtis to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3

Ty Curtis LMSW is passionate about helping young people remove the mental and emotional barriers holding them back from leading more successful and fulfilling lives. He is an LMSW practicing in Traverse City since 2007, and in that time has worked with a wide range of people and organizations, with particular focus on mental health/illness,Continue reading “Ty Curtis to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3”

Northern Michigan Youth Mental Health: Know Science = No Stigma

46 years old and I’ve said the words “anxiety”, “depression” and “suicide” more this past year than all of my other years combined. As a physical therapist, I get physical health, but the behavioral and mental health world is brand new to me. Learning is a systems change strategy. I have so much to learn.Continue reading “Northern Michigan Youth Mental Health: Know Science = No Stigma”

Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Ian McGurn – Educator

Ian is a dedicated educator, husband, and father. He was born and raised in Traverse City and is excited to be a part of any effort that helps position his community in a way that can better serve his students and their families.  Over the last 15 years, he has had the honor of teaching inContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Ian McGurn – Educator”

John Boonstra to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3

John Boonstra (he/him) is a local counselor, father, and stereotypical middle-aged Traverse City Man (sports a beard, drives a truck, and claims he enjoys biking while never actually seen biking). John graduated from Northwestern Michigan College in 2001; after graduating from NMC he drove south on 131 to claim his BS degree and then aContinue reading “John Boonstra to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #3”

Making a Promise To Do Better in 2023

“Young people don’t need to be our next crisis—but they do need us to do better.” One year ago, a small but mighty group of ordinary people came together to form We Fight Northern Michigan – a community with one agenda: leverage the Surgeon General’s Advisory to better protect the mental health of our young people. AndContinue reading “Making a Promise To Do Better in 2023”

6 Surprising Things About 2022 From a Traverse City Housing Advocate Newbie

What was surprising to you? BECOME A LIVE TC LEAD WITH YIMBY ACTION I attended my first National YIMBY Action meeting last week and it was fantastic. Learned so much. If you’re interested in becoming a Lead for Live TC, please let me know. It’ll be well worth your time and $ (about 1hr/week +Continue reading “6 Surprising Things About 2022 From a Traverse City Housing Advocate Newbie”

Sharing Power with Ordinary People For Safer Kids, Safer Schools in Northern Michigan

“Ordinary people are capable of wonderful things.” I admire ordinary people like my friend Jay Berger. Jay raised his hand in June after Uvalde to help keep our kids safe at school here in Traverse City. Jay took responsibility. Instead of saying, “That’s not my problem,” Jay asked, “How can I help?” ORDINARY PEOPLE LEADING SixContinue reading “Sharing Power with Ordinary People For Safer Kids, Safer Schools in Northern Michigan”