Meghann's Portfolio
Explore Meghann’s portfolio to see her work in action across various platforms and partnerships. This page features a collection of her public appearances, keynote speeches, webinars, media interviews, and collaborative projects with agencies and advocacy networks. Her contributions span diverse spaces—community events, professional trainings, policy discussions, and media platforms—demonstrating her commitment to elevating lived experience, advancing youth mental health, and driving systems change. Each activity reflects her role as a trusted voice, educator, and changemaker in the fields of peer support, trauma recovery, and community empowerment.
Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence - Addressing Domestic Violence
The Intersectionality of Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking
I had the opportunity to speak at the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence – Addressing Domestic Violence event, where I shared my personal story and raised awareness about the intersection of domestic violence and human trafficking. In this video, I open up about my experience in an interpersonal violence relationship and provide insight into the foundations and dynamics of violent relationships. I also discuss the overlapping strategies used by perpetrators and explore how the patterns of control and exploitation connect domestic violence and human trafficking.
I provide an overview of the 15 types of abuse to illustrate how abuse can extend far beyond physical violence. I also offer practical suggestions for domestic violence providers on how to better support human trafficking survivors who may be in or leaving a DV relationship. I close with a heartfelt message of encouragement for survivors and advocates, reminding them that sharing their stories can inspire healing, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change.
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Let's talk D.R.E.A.M.S - Podcast
Breaking the Silence
I was honored to join Carla on her podcast, Let’s Talk Dreams, where I opened up about the mental health impact of being sexually abused and how those experiences shaped my journey. I spoke about what it was like to live with the invisible scars of trauma and the toll it took on my emotional well-being. I shared my personal challenges, including the struggles I faced with my mental health, and the small but powerful steps that helped me begin to heal. Throughout the conversation, I discussed the coping skills and support systems that guided me toward recovery, self-acceptance, and inner peace. My story is one of pain transformed into purpose and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, healing is possible.
We also discussed Now She Speaks, the nonprofit I co-founded, which is dedicated to empowering survivors, influencing systems, and educating communities. This episode is a testament to resilience and a reminder that recovery is possible and that by speaking our truth, we can inspire change and healing in others.
Listen to the full conversation here
Behavioral Health News
Hope, Healing, and Peer Support: A Path Through Depression
In this article, I describe how peer advocates—individuals with lived experience of mental illness—can bridge the gap between traditional clinical services and people struggling with depression. In this article, I explore the barriers individuals face such as stigma, isolation, and limited access to care, outline how peer support models operate including youth peer advocates, family peer advocates, certified recovery peer advocates, and adult peer specialists, and show how such roles offer validation, empowerment, and connection to community resources. I argue that by modeling recovery, reducing shame, and complementing formal treatment, peer support can foster hope, healing, and systemic change in how we address depression.
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Spectrum 1 Rochester News
New Yorker Breaks Silence To Help Others Heal From Sexual Abuse
I recently shared my story as part of Spectrum News’ Victims & Survivors series, opening up about experiencing sexual abuse from a young age, the years of silence that followed, and the lifelong impact it has had. I spoke about my healing journey—how I’ve worked to move from surviving to thriving, and how that path inspired me to co-found Now She Speaks, an organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and community healing. This piece highlights both the personal and community impact of sexual abuse, as well as the importance of breaking the silence and supporting survivors in their paths toward justice and peace. To other survivors, I say: you deserve to speak as loudly as you need to. No matter what you’ve been through, how long it happened, how severe it was, and how painful it still is; you can and will live a happy, successful, and fulfilling life.
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Watch the full Interview Here.
WKBW Buffalo News
'I believe you': WNY sexual assault survivor working to empower victims and educate communities
In this featured interview, I share my personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse to raise awareness and advocate for youth sexual abuse prevention. This conversation centers the importance of believing survivors, breaking the silence, supporting parents, and educating communities.
Through sharing my lived experience, I hope to inspire healing, foster understanding, and encourage open dialogue around sexual abuse and healing from abuse. My advocacy is rooted in the belief that every survivor’s voice matters—and that sharing our stories can drive change.
Watch the full interview to learn more about my path of triumph after trauma and how survivor-led advocacy can make a lasting impact.
WKBW Buffalo News
'It is critical to have dialogue': Demands for safer school environment after BPS allegations
I partnered with Bury the Violence to organize a community forum aimed at elevating concerns around school safety. The event welcomed parents and guardians, educators, youth, and community stakeholders to voice their thoughts on the recent allegations of sexual abuse cover-ups within the Buffalo Public School District.
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During the forum, I gathered qualitative feedback from participants and shared the findings with Families Together in New York State (FTNYS) as a call to action to expand their advocacy efforts for youth safety. As a survivor of sexual assault, I stressed the importance of open dialogue and awareness—particularly among those in leadership roles—and underscored the urgent need for action to ensure that schools are safe and supportive spaces for all students.
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Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence 40-Hour Training
Through my nonprofit, Now She Speaks, I had the privilege of researching, developing, and co-facilitating a 40-hour Human Trafficking Case Management training and a separate 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate training at the International Institute of Buffalo. These comprehensive and engaging trainings went beyond the basics, covering often-overlooked topics in traditional case management and advocate curricula. We explored foundational knowledge of human trafficking and domestic violence, intersectionalities, culturally responsive care, trauma-informed practices, case management & advocate responsibilities, crisis intervention, strategies for provider wellness, and much more. Participants consistently shared that this was the most in-depth and informative training on human trafficking and domestic violence they had encountered in their professional careers.
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To request this training, reach out to Now She Speaks at info@nowshespeaks.org.
Newsletter Article
Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Supporting Youth Who Self-Injure
In this article, I explored the significance of Self-Injury Awareness Month, which takes place each March, and aimed to bring attention to the increasing number of young people who have engaged in self-harming behaviors. As of 2024, research showed that around 1 in 6 youth had harmed themselves at least once. I clarified that, contrary to popular belief, self-injury is more often a method of managing overwhelming emotions than a sign of suicidal intent. Contributing factors I discussed included emotional pain, social isolation, and limited access to supportive resources.
I also highlighted the importance of recognizing potential warning signs—like wearing long sleeves in warm weather, withdrawing from others, or having frequent unexplained injuries. By promoting open dialogue and encouraging the use of healthier coping tools, I emphasized how we can begin to build a safer, more understanding space for those who may be silently struggling.
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Saprea Group Facilitator
Using Lived Expertise To Promote Healing In Others
The Saprea Support Groups are free, peer-led gatherings that offer a safe and supportive space for adult female survivors of child sexual abuse. These groups focus on recovery and healing through shared experiences, connection, and trauma-informed resources, helping participants recognize that they are not alone in their journeys. Members are encouraged to explore their recovery and healing at their own pace, while being supported by others who understand the lasting impact of trauma. The environment fosters empowerment, validation, and hope.
As a group facilitator, I use my lived experience as a survivor of extensive childhood sexual abuse to model recovery and healing and promote it in others. I share my personal journey with openness and vulnerability to create connection and trust among members. Through peer support, I acknowledge each person’s unique path and provide encouragement, coaching, and guidance to help them move forward in their recovery and healing. Attending these groups has been a meaningful part of my own journey, inspiring me to give back and lead others in theirs.
To learn more about Saprea and the support groups, click here.
Peer Supervision Summit
Collaborative Approaches for Leaders of YPAs
At PeerTAC's Supervision Summit, I presented on “Collaborative Approaches for Leaders of Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs),” sharing strategies to effectively support and supervise YPAs in the workplace. I spoke about the importance of building authentic relationships, starting with intentional hiring practices and rapport-building. I discussed how defining clear role expectations while honoring the peer role helps create a supportive and empowering environment. I emphasized the value of accommodations that recognize lived experience, the role of mentorship in professional growth, and how collaborative supervision fosters both personal and organizational sustainability. Through my presentation, I aimed to equip leaders with tools to nurture the development of YPAs while centering youth voice and lived expertise.
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Technical Assistance Training
The Role of YPAs in Residential Settings
In this training hosted by CTAC, I addressed the unique challenges Youth Peer Advocates face when working in residential settings. These environments—such as Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs), Children’s Community Residences (CCRs), inpatient hospital units, and youth group homes—require a specialized understanding of both the setting and the complex needs of the youth served.
I provided YPAs and their supervisors with a deeper understanding of the peer role in these spaces, including expectations, responsibilities, and how to navigate them effectively. I also covered key topics such as collaborating within a multidisciplinary team, setting and maintaining professional boundaries, supporting youth during crises, and prioritizing personal wellness in high-intensity environments.
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Technical Assistance Training
YPA Crisis Intervention
During this Technical Assistance call, I explored practical approaches for supporting youth through mental health crises. Because every young person’s experience is unique, I examined a variety of crisis scenarios and shared strategies for responding effectively to each one.
I helped Youth Peer Advocates develop an understanding of how a mental health crisis can unfold—highlighting the different stages and how youth may respond at each phase. I introduced peer support techniques rooted in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention models, offering tools they could use to provide calm, confident support.
I also addressed common challenges that YPAs may face when offering crisis support and discussed ways to care for themselves while doing this important work. By the end of the session, participants left better equipped to support youth in crisis with empathy, awareness, and a strong sense of safety.
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ACEs Panel Discussion
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
CTAC hosted a powerful panel discussion on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—which refer to potentially traumatic events in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, that can have lasting impacts on a person's health and well-being. As someone deeply familiar with this topic, I shared my personal journey of surviving multiple ACEs, along with my ongoing path of healing and recovery. I also offered practical strategies for addressing ACEs and supporting young people who have experienced trauma, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and compassionate advocacy.
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Youth Civic Engagement
Youth Mental Health Listening Tour
These listening tours were statewide forums conducted by New York State in 2023 to hear directly from youth (ages 13–18) about how the COVID-19 pandemic, social media, school environments, and adult supports have shaped their mental health. Participants discussed themes such as the mixed effects of the pandemic, the dual nature of social media, challenges in peer relationships, trust in adult helpers, and the need for effective supports in schools. Youth voiced recommendations to be involved in policy and program design, expand culturally competent and low-cost mental health care, and improve adult training in confidentiality and empathy. The tours sought to ground future mental health investments and services in the real, lived experience of young people.
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At this event, I led a group of youth in discussions about mental health and the diverse factors that impact it among young people. I collected qualitative data, facilitated engaging group conversations, and shared the findings with OMH.
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Read more about the the listening tours and the outcomes here.
