Patrice Boyakins

Activist, Brainstormer, Change Agent, Christian, Event planner, Explorer, Life mentor, Philanthropist

Patrice A. Boyakins loves family, faith and sports. She has a heart for people and has empowered them to face uncertainty, embrace healing, and create meaningful change. Working in the mental health field, Patrice shares over 15 years of experience assisting individuals through substance abuse recovery/prevention, life changes and cognitive/behavioral obstacles. Patrice's work has expanded across schools, the juvenile sector, community programs, behavioral agencies and private practice; working with both adults, families, couples and adolescents in diverse levels of care. Patrice believes in people and their ability for growth and healing through any experience. She brings compassion, insight, and practical tools to guide individuals, families and communities toward resilience.

I am passionate about the lives and hearts of people. This is not because I work as a Psychotherapist, but rather this concept drives my work. This field found me, as my desire to cultivate change in the individual lives of others, helping them grow into the person they have been seeking has moved my purpose and personal convictions. Connection is the strongest force among us, and yet we find ourselves spending more time alone, rejecting, isolating and lacking belonging. It's tough. I am passionate about my family and family in general, quality time, physical health, relationships, support... real support, ministry, philanthropy, faith/hope, joy and the human experience. We can live with exuberance and great intentionality, while creating whatever we would like in our path as our portion.

- Human Kindness - Cultural Equity - Self versus Selfishness - The continued discussion of purpose - Spirituality and Mental Health

For the last couple of years, I've developed this idea of wanting to do a TedTalk. While I have no idea where this urge came from, it seemed like a good idea. A platform to share knowledge, educate, connect and impact whatever areas of people's lives that are meaningful. The tricky portion for me is, I am nowhere near where I would like to be to do that and I have no clue what I would talk about if I had the chance (smile). So, this TedNext interaction is the starting point of "My TED story." I am very excited to have been afforded the opportunity to attend. I am ready and eager to learn, have told all my close family, friends and pretty much anyone that will listen about this invigorating opportunity! I am ready to begin my Ted story with this event and onward!

Roller-skating, Event Planning, Cooking, Public Speaking, The art of communication/influence, Creativity, Crocheting, Innovation, Organization, Finding my Way