Reaching new heights

STRYV365 builds resilience in youth

By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
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​What emotions and memories do you associate with 2020? For many, it is likely feelings of isolation and anxiety. Adults transitioned from in-person meetings at the office to video chats from the kitchen table. Kids moved to online learning. Social interaction quickly became social distancing.

​As we approach the pandemic’s five-year anniversary, it is safe to say it brought many challenges. However, for Dr. Brandon Currie, it presented an opportunity. In 2020 he launched STRYV365 Inc.

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His award-winning, non-profit organization takes a non-clinical approach to combating trauma. Through STRYV365 programming, children learn how to build positive relationships and strengthen interpersonal skills, increasing resiliency during challenging times.

“The pandemic forced us to focus on mental health,” said Dr. Currie. “It opened a door for us to build relationships with schools.”
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​The leader behind STRYV365

Dr. Currie’s commitment to transforming children’s lives started well before 2020. A Wisconsin native, Dr. Currie graduated from Brown Deer High School. He attended Butler University, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in school counseling and psychology. During his time at Butler, Dr. Currie not only excelled academically, but distinguished himself as one of the best tennis players in university history.

In the following years, Dr. Currie accepted opportunities that were aligned with his love for tennis and his passion for helping young people succeed. He spent two years playing tennis professionally, worked for a decade as a school guidance counselor, coached division one men’s tennis, obtained his doctorate in urban education and even opened West Indy Racquet Club, a tennis facility that serves kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Yet he had dreams of making an even larger impact. While participating in a tennis exhibition at Brown Deer High School, Dr. Currie crossed paths with a seed funder willing to invest in his ideas for STRYV365.

“I had this vision, but it took capital, support and resources to get it going,” said Dr. Currie.

Today STRYV365 serves Milwaukee, Chicago and Indianapolis, with a dedicated team of approximately 15 full-time and 10 part-time employees.

“It takes the collective effort of committed and caring individuals to create change in someone’s life.  We have been fortunate to have staff members that embody a passion for working with youth while creating positive childhood experiences,” said Dr. Currie.
 
Tools for success
STRYV365’s core program is Peak Team. Through a series of group activities focused on strengthening decision-making, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship skills, children feel better equipped to process change.

“The goal is to help them understand their triggers and then self-regulate,” said Dr. Currie.

The framework established through Peak Team has been implemented into several other STRYV365 programs. STRYVTime, an initiative focused on small groups and individuals, gives children the chance to collaborate closely with a dedicated mentor. The organization also launched Resiliency in Sports (RIS). Athletes, coaches and caregivers learn and develop skills surrounding mental health through athletics-related programming.

The organization is currently in the process of building an online learning platform called Think365. The digital tool will ensure that children continue to build resiliency skills even when they do not have access to a STRYV365 program facilitator or coach. Through this platform, children can play Brain Agents, STRYV365’s very own action-adventure video game that seamlessly blends game play and well-being exercises.

“The game is built to give them a sense of resiliency,” said Dr. Currie.

STRYV365’s ability to make a positive impact is a direct result of comprehensive research. Previously the organization partnered with the Medical College of Wisconsin to complete a two-year study on the effectiveness of the Peak Team program and Brain Agents. Now STRYV365 is in the process of launching a new study that will focus on the role of caregivers.
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Collective effort
STRYV365 is constantly looking to collaborate with other local organizations who are mission-driven and action-based. The organization hosts several events each year, creating opportunities for organization participation. A great example is STRYV365’s annual Trauma Symposium. The event raises awareness around trauma and gives attendees tangible ways to take action. This May, the organization is excited to host its second annual Fore the Kids Golf Outing.  Click here to learn more.

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