Garland

Garland has always been fascinated by the impact of resilience on personal growth. After spending over two decades as a community center director in Austin, Texas, Garland has seen up close how fostering resilience can transform lives, not only for individuals facing adversity but also for the support staff who stand by them.

Driven by this firsthand experience, Garland embarked on a journey to deepen his understanding of psychological resilience. He pursued an advanced degree, focusing his research on innovative approaches to bolstering mental toughness among youth from challenging backgrounds—arguably one of the most inspiring and demanding groups to work with.

Garland's mission is to combine academic insight with practical wisdom about the real-world challenges that people face every day. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas and years of hands-on experience, Garland grasps the intricate dynamics at play when it comes to overcoming obstacles, the role of resilience in personal success, and the profound effect of community support on an individual's overall health.

In November 2023, Garland shared his insights at a national conference on youth development held in Seattle. He has also contributed numerous articles on resilience and leadership to platforms like Medium, Edutopia, and Psychology Today, aiming to spread awareness and offer practical advice to educators, social workers, and community leaders across the country.