Facets of Connection

Ep. 16: Building Resilience in the Next Generation: Supporting Teens & Preventing Suicide


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In this episode of Facets of Connection, host Sarah Melissa Oswald sits down with Iuri Melo to explore the urgent youth mental health crisis and the power of proactive solutions. 
Iuri is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience and the proud father of five. He’s the co-founder of SchoolPulse, a nationwide student support service that delivers positivity, optimism, and growth mindset tools to students, parents, and faculty via text and email. After several teen suicides in his community, Iuri co-created SchoolPulse in 2017 to proactively support student well-being. He’s also the author of Mind Over Grey Matter and the teen best-seller Know Thy Selfie, and the developer of “Adventure Based Therapy.” With over 300 schools in 25+ states, Iuri’s mission to “bless the human family” is inspiring students every day through kindness, psychology, and powerful weekly videos.
Together, Sarah and Iuri dive into:

  • Why positive relationships are the #1 protective factor for student well-being.
  • How proactive, daily check-ins can prevent crises before they escalate.
  • The role of positive psychology and growth mindset in helping teens thrive.
  • How schools, parents, and communities can build stronger systems of support.


This heartfelt conversation is filled with optimism, practical strategies, and a shared commitment to ending the epidemic of loneliness by fostering connection at home, in schools, and across communities.


  • Learn More About School Pulse: 2 Minute Video
  • All School Pulse Videos
  • School Pulse: Most Comprehensive Mental Health Resource Page in the Country (for every school, parent, and student)
  • Know Thy Selfie Book
  • Mind Over Grey Matter Book
  • Email Iuri at [email protected]


  • Connection Compass
  • Community Conversation Series
  • RLT Relationship Skills Bootcamps
  • Sliding Scale RLT 
  • Relationship Revival Course


...more
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Facets of ConnectionBy Sarah Melissa Oswald