Rogers in the news in 2024: Rogers shares information and inspiration

01/09/25 12:30:pm

The stigma surrounding mental health thrives in silence. But the more mental health enters the conversation at any level, from around the dinner table to on television, the less people suffer alone. Simply talking about mental health can break down barriers and build up connection, and Rogers is committed to sharing both information and inspiration.

As we enter 2025, we can look back at Rogers’ highlights in the news in 2024. From a Paralympian chasing her dreams to a mother devoted to overcoming her addiction, Rogers broadcast an overarching message of resilience and hope.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Rogers started the year giving advice on how to tackle winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder in January and came full circle back to the topic in December when a former patient also shared her personal journey.

“My brother didn’t have access to a lot of mental health resources and ended up dying by suicide,” said former patient Stephanie Carlin. “I feel incredibly lucky that I had access to Rogers facilities.”

Eating Disorders Awareness

At the end of February through the beginning of March, Eating Disorders Awareness Week provided an opportunity for Rogers experts to share important information live over the airwaves from Milwaukee to Chicago. A former patient, Jordan Kernen, also shared her personal recovery journey with NBC15 and News 3 Now in Madison.

"Going to Rogers changed my life, being able to reshape who I am today,” Jordan said. “I would not be a teacher. I would not be living on my own. I wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

Rogers’ advocacy extended beyond Eating Disorders Awareness Week. For example, Dr. Nicole Stettler, PhD, executive clinical director of eating disorders services, was featured in a CNN article bringing light to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID.

Substance Use Recovery

In April during Alcohol Awareness Month, Rogers’ former patient Chris Sontag shared his journey to sobriety, while addiction counselor Pam Eichler stressed there’s always help available for those going through addiction, as well as for their loved ones.

“The hardest thing anybody can do that suffers with a substance use disorder is recovery,” Pam said. “Using is the easier answer. Doing the exact opposite and working on yourself is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but the most rewarding.”

Rogers is a voice against stigma, too. Michelle Maloney, PhD, LPC, CAADC, CRPS, executive director of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services, spoke about how stigma impacts people seeking treatment in a Public Good News article.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May brought a busy Mental Health Awareness Month, when Rogers’ team members joined WISN in Milwaukee live each week to highlight a different mental health topic.

Fox6 also shared a regional Emmy-nominated story featuring Christina Mundschau, who began her addiction recovery journey with Rogers and now works in the same place that she says saved her life.

"I get to help watch that light come back, that life inside of them return, and to me there’s nothing more powerful or beautiful than that," Christina said.

Petunia the Therapy Dog

You can never get enough stories about dogs, and this one about a Texas stray is extra special. Petunia, a therapy dog who visits Rogers, got a lot of love in this WISN story.

"There is just something about the understanding and unconditional love of an animal who is there just to bring you joy and comfort,” said Jenifer Waite Wollenburg, Adult Residential Eating Disorder Recovery operations manager. “It's so needed by so many people, both inside and outside of the hospital. We're incredibly grateful for our canine comfort teams. They do such wonderful work, and they're deeply appreciated."

Paralympics in Paris: Team Member Competes

In the summer, it was off to Paris for Becca Murray, clinic support coordinator with Rogers. But first, she took part in a Fox6 story ahead of her trip to compete in the Paralympics in wheelchair basketball for Team USA, which brought home Silver.

"It’s pretty rare that you have an employee that is an Olympian or a Paralympian, so [at Rogers] they’re just like, ‘Whatever you need, we’re behind you,’" Becca said.

OCD Awareness

To help raise awareness about OCD, a Spectrum News 1 story featured Rogers and a former patient grateful for her recovery journey.

“Knowing I have OCD, I know I can conquer anything that comes my way,” said former patient Marissa Baylerian.

Navigating the Holidays

While they can bring a lot of joy, the holidays can be tough, too. Our Dr. Amanda Heins, PsyD, supervising psychologist for OCD and Anxiety Center Adolescent Residential Care, gave advice on WORT 89.9 FM Radio in Madison for gathering around the turkey at the table talk about the elephant in the room: politics.

When food is often the focus for holiday gatherings, it can bring about challenges for those with eating disorders. A Spectrum News 1 story with Rogers highlighted that and what people can do.

“When we are talking about food in a negative light, by how many calories it has or how unhealthy things are, that can be really triggering,” said Sam Cares, PhD, clinical psychologist. “Even if we don’t mean it in a negative way, someone who might be having these difficulties can internalize that.” 

“Having a great holiday is something you can have with an eating disorder and recovery,” said former Rogers patient Jordan Kernen. “It is a time to wrap around those who love you and when you’re able to get that support you need and really reach out for that help, it can be such a fun time.”

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Those stories and many more in 2024 showcased Rogers’ voice in the vital conversation surrounding mental health. We look forward to featuring your important work and sharing stories of recovery and hope in 2025! If you have any ideas for possible news stories Rogers could bring to light, please email Maddy O’Neill at Madalyn.ONeill@rogersbh.org.