Attitudes in Reverse

Attitudes In Reverse® or AIR® offers a comprehensive mental health plan to educate youth, from elementary level through college-age. AIR'®s programs are wrapped in messages of understanding, empathy and kindness towards all. At AIR®, we believe that good mental health programming makes the best anti-bullying and suicide prevention plans. Breaking down stigma allows AIR® to help identify youth who are at risk. Programs are also available for parents, teachers and all school staff. Certified AIR® Dogs, therapy dogs, accompany all program presenters.

Attitudes In Reverse® is partnering with The College of New Jersey's Testing and Assessment in Psychology Lab. AIR®

is grateful to the staff and students at the TAPlab who are performing an evidence-based program evaluation of AIR®'s programs.

AIR® continues to achieve greater success each year with its Taste of Hope℠ event. Adding to the excitement of this year's affair was media coverage on News 12.

Congratulations again to Champions of Hope Jennifer D. Garofolo, MPH, MPA, US Head, Oncology Key Customer Marketing, GlaxoSmithKline, and Michael D. Mumola, Esq., Founding Partner of Kalavruzos Mumola Hartman & Lento, and Partner in Hope Chelsea Allen, Student Assistance Counselor, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.

Coming Up for AIR® Student Presentation Program

The AIR® student presentation is mental health education geared towards students, middle school through college age. It is a peer-led multi-modal presentation: PowerPoint, video, interactive discussion. It can be 45 to 60 minutes, depending upon class length, and can be offered during Physical Education, Health, Science, Social Studies/Humanities classes. The presentation can be delivered to individual classes, as well as a full auditorium of students. It is also available and recommended for Parent-Teacher-Student Associations and parent-only audiences. Click for more information

AIR® Awareness Outreach

Attitudes In Reverse® volunteers attend many different types of events to help start conversations about good mental health. These can be college health fairs, local community events, state mental health conferences and Supernatural conventions. Since therapy dogs are involved in our non-profit, we often find ourselves at dog events, where people normally do not talk about mental health or suicide. Click for more information. The coming up for AIR Student Presentation Program has a response rate of 35% of students ask for help after the presentation.

January is National Train Your Dog Month
Importance of Training your Dog By Katelyn Baker, AIR® Co-Founder January is National Train Your Dog Month. As we close out the month, Katelyn Baker shares some thoughts on the importance of training, and building a relationship with your dog. Consistent, positive training from the start will significantly benefit you and your dog...and will start you on a path to having a future therapy dog! Most…Read More »
Remembering Emily Murillo: From a Sibling’s Point of View
Kaylee, an AIR® team member, shares with us a powerful point of view from a sibling's perspective in remembering her sister, Emily, whom we lost too soon. On January 29, 2021, my little sister Emily Murillo chose to end her life. In her short 17 years here, she suffered a lot, from dealing with ruthless bullies…Read More »
Outta The Darkness Into the Light An interactive play to raise suicide prevention awareness
OCEAN BEACH, NY — Anthony Montes, an award-winning actor, writer, director and producer, will perform his semi-autobiographical “Outta the Darkness Into The Light” to raise awareness about suicide prevention. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR®), a Princeton-based nonprofit. There will be two shows on August 20 and 21,…Read More »

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Presentations to Date

130,000+

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Testimonials

It was such a wonderful visit! Just taking the dogs to the office, we were stopped multiple times by students and adults in the building who just lit up and asked to pet them. The students were so excited to see the dogs and were so amazed that we were able to have them in the school for them.
One young man said “This is the only time you will see my sensitive side – when I am with animals, I am happy.” Another student came back to our office upset later in the day and said she had been having a really rough day but when she came during lunch and saw the dogs, they made her feel calm and happy and she was okay to make it through most of her day. Our staff members said it was like a gift for them to have the dogs in the office during the day – they said they thought is meant as much to them as it did to the students. Our principal said she wants the dogs here all of the time!

Lauren Balkan, teacher at Carteret High School

I have such a strong connection to these animals and I truly believe they positively affect people of all ages. They seem to have an innate sense and so many of our students truly come alive when interacting with the dogs. They truly are furry little healers. Thank you again for coming to our school and sharing. So many students came to my office to tell me how much they loved the program and how hearing Kenny’s story moved them. Keep doing what you are doing. It helps so many.

Lori Ann Roland, LPC, LCADC, Student Assistance Coordinator at Brick Township High School

It is I who should be thanking you! The presentation brought a few students to Guidance, all of whom decided it was time to talk. We took it one step further with one senior girl who is having suicide ideations. She will be getting treatment immediately.

PrincipalTrenton School

During my time as Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, I personally witnessed the power of the AIR program, and its positive impact on young people. It was palpable, it was real, and there is no doubt in my mind that it made a difference in the lives of every participant, not just students, but parents and faculty as well.

Celina GrayActing Director of the NJ Governor's Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse; Former Executive Director of the NJ Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma

Attitudes In Reverse^® has provided our students with a most important resource. Due to the work of the AIR volunteers, our students know that they are not alone. They learn that the stigma associated with mental illness need not close them off from normal functioning….from happiness. There are people out there who will listen and help them when all seems lost. AIR tells them that they can…that they deserve the help they need.

Mrs. Baker has related to me emails from our students thanking them for opening their eyes to the resources available, and perhaps more importantly, how to be that good listener for others. We hope to continue our relationship with AIR in the future for the benefit of our students.

Michael ZapicchiPrincipal, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

AIR’s presentation in my high school building received overwhelming support from both faculty and students. Its message regarding erasing mental illness stigma and letting students know it’s okay to ask for help seemed to break down the barriers as several students came up after each presentation to ask for more information. Faculty members, including teachers, guidance counselors and administrators, have requested AIR to come back and present again. I look forward to continuing my relationship with AIR and helping our students get the support they need to achieve overall health and wellness.

Julie SchickDirector of Athletics, Health & Physical Education & Nurses at Perth Amboy Public Schools

Click here for more testimonials.