ABOUT SAFE SPACE ORGANIZATION
Safe Space Organization is a non-clinical, community safe space that strives to change the conversation around mental health by educating, connecting and supporting others through a peer-to-peer network. Safe Space is a community hub with therapeutic alternatives that empowers individuals to self manage their mental health by accessing community resources, providing a space and empowering the process of healing.
Fundamental Purpose:
To provide a respite, a safe, peaceful place to breathe for individuals, and to educate and empower those individuals on how to self manage their mental health through creative outlets and traditional means by connecting them to community resources and other community members.
Fundamental Value:
That mental health care includes an element of humanity, we must take care of one another through empathy, vulnerability and guidance.
Fundamental Goal:
That everyone in the community feels that they have a sanctuary and community to find safety, connection and understanding that educates members on coping strategies, self care techniques and lifestyle changes. We strive to become a community hub of services that partners with other local medical facilities, treatment centers, non for profits and businesses to provide the best options for community members.
Honest, raw and accepting.
It wasn't until I surrounded myself with other individuals that were fighting the same fears that I started to let my guard down and feel safe to share my story. Magic happens when you put vulnerable people in safe space and allow them to remove their armor and try their true selves on for size. We aren't allowed to do that in any other environment. I truly believe that we rise as a community by coming together.
Tracy Mergler
Founder & Director
MEET THE TEAM
Niki
Author & Writing Coach
Writing is a great way to manage stress and upheaval in your life. The act of writing engages internal healing resources that affect your mental and physical health, and expressive writing has the power to transform your health. Sitting down with a pen, paper, and prompt helps you access your inner healing voice. No writing experience or aspiration required - in Writing as Healing, you will be lead through a progression of restorative writing exercises to employ a variety of different types
of writing that will help you heal in a way that is unique to your own inner voice.
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Emily
Registered Dietitian
I strive to empower young women to simplify life by moving away from the all-consuming diet mentality that holds them back from finding their inner confidence, so they can define their own path of health and happiness. It’s my goal to create a welcoming space for a community of confident women as they evolve and uncover their true selves through the stages of change that bring them joy and happiness. Together, we can build a healthier, happier lifestyle for you & everyone around you.
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Lena
Creative Arts Therapist
Licensed & Board Certified. After 8 years working in the residential setting with youth and their families, she has spent the past year transitioning to private practice in Syracuse, NY, working primarily with teens and young adults. She has always believed in the healing power of art, especially when painful experiences and overwhelming emotions may be too difficult to put into words. Art therapy allows for a powerful emotional outlet, encourages development of a stronger understanding of self and a stronger connection with one's identity and values, and helps a person practice mindfulness and acceptance.
Jenn
Art Therapy
Art helps me to say things that words never could. I am much more fluent in the “language of emotions,” and truly feel understood when I express through art. Through my own recovery process, I’ve found art to be one of the major factors in healing from my eating disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional disregulation. Knowing the healing power of art, I want to share that with as many people as possible. That is why I am pursuing my Masters in Art Therapy. When I’m not making art, I can be found playing with my pups, off-roading in my Jeep, napping, listening to music too loudly, spending time with my husband, and dancing like no one’s watching.
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Rebecca
Yoga Instructor/Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Sarah
Dance Therapy
Physical therapist and 200-Hour yoga instructor focused on guiding clients in the evolution of their journey with wellness. She believes that health begins from the inside out: begin by healing step by step. When we heal ourselves, even incrementally, we are positively contributing to our families, loved ones, and broadly impacting our communities. Dr. Alexander has training in MBSR and meditation through NYC’s Open Center and the Shambhala Center. She has learned so much through her own practice that she is passionate about sharing with others through the Safe Space CNY community. Visit her website at www.terraphysicaltherapy.com
Originally from Syracuse, Sarah Walter has returned to her roots after receiving her BFA in Dance from SUNY Brockport. She has performed and choreographed in various showcases across upstate New York, as well as in London and NYC, with her dance training being an eclectic mix of ballet and modern styles. Overall, she is interested in cultivating an environment which explores the capabilities that the body holds through anatomical alignment and strengthening, as well as mind-body connectivity. Sarah’s main goal is to lead her students to dig deep into the material with inquisitiveness and a deep yearning to know more.