Break the Cycle of Children's Mental Illnesses

The Riders

Andres Martin
Andrés Martin, MD, MPH
Washington State to Washington DC
4,604
August 16 – October 23, 2017
I'm making this effort to help raise awareness and support for children's mental health. I, along with the other 9,000+ dedicated and passionate members of AACAP, know that mental illness are real, common, and most of all - treatable. It's my hope that this effort can draw attention, raise awareness, and help raise funds to support new generations of child and adolescent psychiatrists so children in need get the treatment they deserve. From immigrant to citizen and west coast to east coast, this ride is the perfect opportunity to not only explore and experience our great nation but to test my mettle. Endurance. Strength. Perseverance.
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Suman Baddam
Suman Baddam, MD
Seattle, WA to Astoria, OR; Portland, ME to Washington DC
975
August 17 – 19, 2017; October 16 – 23, 2017
I am child psychiatrist and a sleep specialist, and a recent graduate of Yale Child Study Center. My long standing passion is to improve the mental health of children and adolescents through my involvement in clinical care, research and teaching. My specific interests are in understanding the neurobiology of depression, anxiety, trauma based disorders and sleep problems in pediatric psychiatry to develop effective feasible ways to treat the disorders and foster resilience that can last into adulthood.
In my travels around the world, it was difficult to see that a significant number of children lack the basic emotional and economic stability, and safety for healthy growth and development. Enhancing the awareness of the child mental health problems, needs and the associated social ills contributing to the disorders is an initial step to bridge this critical gap. Participating in "Break the Cycle" and Dr. Andres Martin's drive to raise this awareness about child mental health, and also physical activity is my small way to contribute to this goal, in the activity that I like.
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Joseph Bensen
College Park, MD
10
October 22, 2017
I’m on the club cycling at UMD.
To fundraise.
Michael Benusic, MD
Ellicott City, MD to Washington, DC
33
October 22, 2017
Canadian Family Physician and resident in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, currently an MPH Candidate at Johns Hopkins.
Adverse childhood events are determinants for so much of what I see in clinic.
Jeff Bostic, MD
Ellicott City, MD to Washington, DC
33
October 22, 2017
Child psychiatrist and supporter of the cause
Children are our future and I want to help ensure their healthy development....or black, white, brown, yellow, red lives matter?
Kristie Boyce, MD
Seattle to Portand
250
August 17 – 19, 2017
I am a child adolescent psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco. I love the outdoors, the Pacific Northwest, and lead an active lifestyle which includes running and biking. I often dream of riding across the country some day myself for a good cause so I am excited to see this ride has been organized.
Children are our future and I want to help ensure their healthy development!
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Justin Carestia
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
I am a Junior finance major at the University of Maryland College Park, I am a triathlete, cyclist, and marathon swimmer.
My motivation is that I have a relative who has a mental illness and I feel that there is not much knowledge or focus on these problems in children, teenagers, and even adults. After doing research on mental illnesses, I was shocked by how uninformed I was and how little I knew, this is a major issue that needs more focus.
Ignacio Cerdena
Boston, MA to Washington, DC
620
October 16 – 22, 2017
I am a fourth-year medical student at Yale aspiring to become a psychiatrist. As an immigrant from Peru, I have focused much of my work on serving immigrant communities through education-based mentoring, mental health interventions, and community organizing. I am also a former triathlete who is thrilled at the idea of using my flexible last year in medical school to jump back on the saddle.
To raise awareness for childhood mental illness. Through a three-week clerkship in Dr. Martin’s Winchester 1 unit, I glimpsed the immensity of challenges faced by children with mental illness. The work was eye-opening and motivating. Efforts like this, those that break the mold of what is done to raise awareness, are what I believe is needed to get more people excited to talk about mental illness. I hope that my participation in this ride, the conversations it sparks, and the small financial support it brings can further along this cause.
Julie Chilton
Julie Chilton, MD
Boston, MA to Washington, DC
640
October 16 – 22, 2017
I am a child psychiatrist, trained by many wonderful mentors, including Dr. Andres Martin, while at the Yale Child Study Center for fellowship. I'm an avid cyclist and can't wait to get on my bike for such a good cause! Come train with me this summer in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, where I am moving in June.
Decreasing the stigma surrounding mental illness has been a passion of mine for many years, and I look forward to joining Break the Cycle's efforts in this regard. There is nothing more important to me than helping kids feel better about who they are, and increasing the dialogue about children's mental health is a great way to do it.
Winston Chung, MD
Ellicott City, MD to Washington, DC
115
October 21 – 22, 2017
I'm a child psychiatrist at The University of Vermont and a recent graduate of Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families (VCCYF).
I believe strongly in raising awareness and support for children's mental health since too often discussions of social and health policy do not prioritize children's needs. Also, wellness as a prescription for building childrens' brains is a large part of my practice, and what better way to show my patients I practice what I preach! My girlfriend (Merelise Ametti) and I are excited to join the cause and help break the cycle!
William Coe
Ellicott City, MD to Washington DC
39
October 22, 2017
Third-year MD/MPH candidate at Johns Hopkins. New member to AACAP. Originally from Raleigh, NC. Graduated from NC State with a degree in philosophy. Interested in pursuing a career in academic CAP. In addition to biking around the city, I enjoy deep conversation, political advocacy, ultimate frisbee, camping/hiking, and rock climbing!
Improving mental health services for our children is vitally important. I see this ride as a great opportunity to raise awareness and engage my friends and family in the effort to make a difference.
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William Craig
College Park, MD
10
October 22, 2017
UMD grad student and cyclist.
I want to help the kids!
Juan Cruz
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
University of Maryland Graduate student, coming from Chile and proud to be part of the UMD Cycling Team.
Being involved creating awareness of the huge impact that we can make treating the mental illness in the childhood stage.
Jack Cullen
Milwaukee, WI to Holland, MI
40
September 20, 2017
I'm a 26-year-old reporter for the Quad-City Times, a daily newspaper in Davenport, Iowa. I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, but have spent the last 8 years in the Quad-Cities, where I call the Shore of the Rock River home. I also coach tennis at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. I try to spend most of my free time around a pingpong table or outside biking, hiking or stand-up paddleboarding.
I'm always searching for new, purposeful adventures, and this sparked my interest for numerous reasons. My father is a longtime child psychiatrist, and I have a family member who is schizophrenic, so I know how much of a need there is for quality mental healthcare, especially for children and adolescents. I believe our mental health is equally as important as our physical health. Although I'm only riding one day, I'd like to spread that message to others.
Scott Daubert
Columbia, PA to Ellicott City, MD
82
October 21, 2017
I am a psychologist by background. In my current job, I oversee behavioral health benefits for Medicaid plans in Pennsylvania. The majority of Medicaid recipients are children, and I am glad to be a part of this effort to raise awareness and highlight the importance of children's mental health issues. I am also the proud father of AACAP employee, Alex Daubert. We are both avid cyclists, and I am glad to join the group on this tour through my home area.
Reducing stigma, raising awareness, and increasing access to needed services for children.
Suman Baddam
Synthea Devery-Grennan
Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
200
August 17 – 20, 2017
I'm a mother of a 40 year old son who has struggled with mental health his entire life. My Mother was mentally ill and committed suicide. I ride my bike for adventure and for charity whenever I can!
I want to see more public awareness and have the stigma removed from mental health issues.
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Naomi Gorfinkle
Ellicott City, MD to Washington, DC
33
October 22, 2017
My name is Naomi and I'm a fourth year medical student at Johns Hopkins applying into triple board programs this year!
Mental health awareness and advocacy.
Mark Gross
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
I am a former mental health patient who has been on medication and free of delusions since 1981. I have a wife, two kids, and a dog. I have owned a courier service for over 30 years, a linestanding business for almost 20 years, and a real estate business for 15 years. I enjoy playing golf, boating, fishing, and cycling in my free time.
As a person who has personally suffered from mental illness, I want to help in any way I can. I am living proof that modern healthcare works and that people suffering can find relief. The mental health community literally saved my life.
Danielle Hyatt
Seattle, WA to Centralia, WA
100
August 17, 2017
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who trained at Yale School of Nursing, spending many of my clinical hours at Yale Child Study Center. Prior to nursing, I worked in psychiatry in New York. I have been working at Seattle Children's for the last 2.5 years in three different patient care settings, with the most recent setting being the autism center.
I am determined to help every kid and family I see. Every child deserves a fair chance at happiness.
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Dave Jeffery, MD
Kelso, WA to Portland, OR
105
August 18, 2017
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Portland working with youth at a number of levels of care since 2001. I am currently serving as President of the Oregon Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for 2017-18. I love working with kids and families and also love biking. I am excited to join, albeit briefly, in this momentous ride.
Raise awareness of child and adolescent mental health needs and point toward needed resource development.
Heather Jones, MD
Centralia, WA to Portland, OR
105
August 18, 2017
Child psychiatrist and cycling enthusiast from Portland.
Love biking and kids!
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Chris Keosian
College Park, MD
20
October 22, 2017
President of the UMD Cycling Team.
Supporting a great cause.
Amelie Kjellstenius
Amelie Kjellstenius
Boston, MA to Washington, DC
640
October 16 – 22, 2017
I'm a third year resident in child and adolescent psychiatry at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. I'm active in the board of the Swedish Association for Residents in Psychiatry (STP) and European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees as GM Exchange Coordinator of an exchange programme for European residents in psychiatry. In EFPT our main goal is to improve the psychiatric training in Europe. I'm also a passionate cyclist with a passion to discover new roads and countries. I have cycled in Europe to raise money for child cancer. Taking part in Break the Cycle is a way to combine my passions.
There are a lot of young people who suffer from a lack of treatment and lack of knowledge. Getting the right help at the right time can be the difference between being included in society, having work and a family or to struggling with chronic mental illness and exclusion up through adulthood.
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Josh Korbelak
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
I am a Senior Government and Politics Major from the University of Maryland and a member of the University of Maryland Club Cycling Team.
I want to do my part to raise awareness of Children's Mental Illness to ensure that proper care and attention is given to every child who needs it.
Douglas Kramer
Douglas Kramer, MD, MS
Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI
88
September 19, 2017
I am a “retired” child and adolescent psychiatrist. Because the family is the bio-psycho-social-spiritual foundation of every human life, I emphasized treating children in the context of their family during my career. Since August 2015, I have been working two days per week at the women's prison (Taycheedah) in Wisconsin. I am treating women who had no access to mental health treatment as children, and 85% of whom experienced severe childhood trauma resulting in unimaginable PTSD. For these women, their only ‘safety net' was running away at age 14. For these women, the only relief available for PTSD was heroin. Can we not do better? We need to break-the-cycle.
Despite all the talk about "children being our future," and the "importance of mental health," our society has not made either issue a priority. This is my 37th year as a child, adolescent, and family psychiatrist. I believe children are at greater risk for mental illness than when I began my career. Treating children and adolescents reduces the incidence of mental illness in adulthood, and reduces adult morbidity and mortality from mental illness. Dr. Andres Martin has provided a vehicle (pun intended) for people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and every locality, to begin putting their time, energy, money, and political influence into "breaking the cycle."
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Chris Kratochvil, MD
Omaha, NE
150
July 29 – 30, 2017
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Omaha, Nebraska. Although my current work focuses primarily on research administration outside of psychiatry, working as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical Research at University of Nebraska Medical Center and Vice President for Research at Nebraska Medicine, I remain devoted to supporting the mission of AACAP. Proud to be a part of the Break the Cycle initiative here in Nebraska!
For the kids!
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Jillyn Kratochvil, MD
Omaha, NE
150
July 29 – 30, 2017
I am a pediatrician with Children's Physicians in Omaha, Nebraska. I am on faculty at Creighton University and in addition to practicing in a busy general pediatrics practice I am active in teaching students and residents.
As the primary care provider for a large number of children and adolescents, I care for many patients with mental illness. I want to participate to help raise awareness, support research, and increase access.
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Jennifer Munley
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
Student and cyclist at University of Maryland.
Improve mental health awareness among the public.
Anirudh Nanduri
College Park, MD
25
October 22, 2017
Grad student at UMD.
Showing support for a great cause.
Maria Ontiveros
Milwaukee, WI to Holland, MI
40
September 20, 2017
I am an ESL teacher and community organizer. I love traveling, cooking, exercising and listening to music. Now that I'm living in one place, I enjoy meeting people from different countries in my community!
Increased access to children's care and treatment of mental illness will foster healthier and more connected individuals and communities!
Andi Pearl
Andi Pearl
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
Environmental professional, mom, sister, baker, reader, outdoor enthusist, biker ....
Looking to improve the conversation about mental health.
Joe Perez-Rogers
Boston, MA to Boston, MA
50
October 15, 2017
I work in the biotech industry in Boston. I am an avid cyclist and also the brother of AACAP staff member, Lisell Perez-Rogers.
I am riding to raise awareness for children's mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Carol Rockhill, MD
Seattle, WA to Centralia, WA
100
August 17, 2017
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working at Seattle Children's Hospital and passionate about the need to improve Child Mental Health, locally and nationally. I'm also an admirer of Dr. Andres Martin and what he has done over the last 10 years to improve the national child psychiatry journal and to inspire child and adolescent psychiatrists to do excellent clinical work, research, and advocacy. I'm inspired to combine this excellent cause with bike riding in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and intend to get some others to come along too!
The children and adolescents I treat inspire me. The accomplish a lot, often with significant disadvantages. I want to help others get treatment, and help raise awareness of child mental health issues nationally.
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Jonathan Rubin
Jonathan Rubin, MD, MBA
Boston, MA to Washington, DC
525
October 16 – 22, 2017
I am a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician with a long-standing interest in the care of special needs children, including children with mental health disorders. After 15 years of private practice in Florida, I went to work for Shire in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. Currently, I am the Chief Medical Officer of Alcobra, which is committed to developing safe and effective products for the treatment of cognitive disorders including ADHD and Fragile X Syndrome.
Problems related to child development, behavior and mental health have been called the "new morbidity". Despite concerted efforts to address these problems, significant challenges remain. Limited access to care, limited supply of trained clinicians, poor reimbursement for addressing child mental health issues, lack of adequate time to diagnose and treat child mental health issues, and a paucity of available therapeutic choices are just some of the outstanding barriers that limit society's ability to care for child mental health disorders. It is time to “break the cycle” of child mental illness and advocate for a group that can not advocate for itself.
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Pablo Pereira dos Santos
Ellicott City, MD to Washington, DC
10
October 22, 2017
I am Brazilian and work at the Inter-American Bank in Washington DC.
I love biking. I was drawn by the idea that I can support the cause and do what I love at the same time!
Jerry Schwartz
Jerry Schwartz
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
I am a professional working in DC that never gave much thought to this issue until I experienced it personally with my child.
I want to raise awareness of the needs in this area. I was fortunate enough to have the resources to help my child get through a very difficult time, but not everyone has these resources.
Hanna Stevens
Hanna Stevens, MD
Omaha, NE
150
July 29 – 30, 2017
I'm a child and adolescent psychiatrist and developmental neuroscientist in the University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry. I run a research program investigating how events during early brain development may increase the risk for psychiatric disorders. I also work clinically with children and families, helping them manage the challenges of childhood psychiatric disorders and, through this, training students, residents, and fellows in how to make the world a better place for children and families.
Children with mental health problems are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country. There are so many factors working against them: lack of resources, no voice in society, a lack of investment in the institutions that support them (schools and young families). But they have many strengths and with our help, can reach their potential.
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John Thomas
John Thomas
Boston, MA to Washington, DC
620
October 16 – 22, 2017
I'm a writer, musician, cyclist, and law professor, in that order.
Bringing attention to the mental health needs of children at a time when our politicians and citizenry appear to be turning their backs on this important cause.
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José Miguel Uribe
College Park, MD
10
October 22, 2017
I am a psychiatrist from Bogotá, Colombia, and I have been living in the DC are for the last 5 years.
After working in mental health for quite some time, it is very clear that children and adolescents have a lot of unmet mental health needs, and it is a key life stage for mental health promotion, prevention and early interventions. And when you look into LMIC, the need for mental health programs in children and adolescents is even greater.
Craigan Usher, MD
Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
200
August 18 – 19, 2017
Program director for child and adolescent psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University and a daily bike commuter!
In cycling, one finds freedom, a unique forwardness--I hope that all children and families have the opportunity to feel this as well.
Andrew Valdesuso
College Park, MD
15
October 22, 2017
Maryland cycling team.
Maryland cycling team.
Michael Vitulano, MD
Seattle, WA to Centralia, WA
100
August 17, 2017
I am an attending child psychologist at Seattle Children's Hospital and active in Children's bike to work initiative. I try to model healthy behavior in my life as I encourage exercise and other healthy lifestyles choices in the patients that I see.
I am a new psychologist and have been looking for active ways to increase awareness of child mental health and promote healthy development by example. I am a strong believer in physical health as a way to promote healthy development in children.
Sasha Waring, MD
Seattle, WA to Centralia, WA
103
August 17, 2017
Child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist working in collaborative primary care/mental health at Swedish Medical in Seattle. Avid trail and ultra runner, aspiring climber and once-across-the-country cyclist. Father of three great boys and husband to stellar physician wife.
Raise awareness for child mental health, importance of protecting existing resources and expanding these further to better meet needs of all children and families. Get outside and demonstrate that physical and mental health and exposure to nature are all closely linked.
Daniel Webb
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
10
October 22, 2017
I am on the UMD cycling team.
As someone who has been friends and classmates with children with mental illnesses, I have seen the negative effects it can have on a community. I am riding today to raise awareness.
Joseph Wolenski
Joseph Wolenski
Boston, MA to Newtown Square, PA
428
October 16 – 19, 2017
I'm a Cell Biologist in the Department of MCDB at Yale University in New Haven, CT. My primary interests include using advanced light microscopic imaging technologies to understand fundamental issues in cell and molecular biology in normal and diseased tissues. I'm also interested in biotechnology and give several lectures each year in my MCDB 370b course on HIV, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's disease and development of biofuels for alternative energy sources.
I'm honored to support Dr. Martin for 428 miles of riding (~9% of his total trip distance) to help raise awareness for childhood mental illness. My motivation for this ride derives from the work of my wife, a Child Psychologist at the Yale Child Study Center and close colleague of Dr. Martin. Her unwavering effort to quash stereotypes, increase access to mental health services, and develop productive strategies leading to integrated plans of therapy and care makes my bicycle ride seem small by comparison.
Kirk Wolfe, MD
Centralia, WA to Portland, OR
105
August 18, 2017
One of the Oregon Council organizers, we will be doing our part to help make this great event even greater!
Many, this event highlights our goals as child psychiatrists and community members.
William Woodruff
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
I'm a member of the UMD cycling team.
We want to help as a team
Zepeng Ye
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
Want to join the ride and have fun.
Go with Terp Cycling Group.
Maggie Yuan
College Park, MD to Washington, DC
15
October 22, 2017
I am a junior at the University of Maryland. I recently joined the club cycling team because I got really into biking this past summer and want to get more involved!
Mental health is something that is very important and interesting to me. I think that recognizing the implications of healthy mental health in children can help shape many future generations to come.
Karl Zhao
Washington, DC
10
October 22, 2017

 

 

BREAK THE CYCLE

August 17 – October 23, 2017
Seattle, WA – Washington, DC

 

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

RICHARD BARTHEL, MD
SHANIK BERMAN (IN LOVING MEMORY OF DANIEL BERMAN)
BRUCE BLACK, MD
CAPS GW
GABRIELLE CARLSON, MD
JULIE CHILTON, MD
JOE COUFAL
PAUL CROARKIN, DO
NAM DONG
HEIDI B. FORDI, CAE
CHI HEALTH
CONDUIT FOUNDATION
JANA FOUNDATION
THE HAWKS FOUNDATION
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION

JEAN FRAZIER
THE EMPATHY FUND
MICHAEL HOUSTON, MD
PARAMJIT T. JOSHI, MD
DEBRA KOSS, MD
DOUGLAS KRAMER
CHRIS KRATOCHVIL, MD
DANIEL & MICHELLE LUBETZKY
DEVANAND MANOLI, MD, PHD
ANDRES MARTIN, MD, MPH
MARYLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
SALLY MCDERMOTT
KAYE L. MCGINTY, MD
SABOOH MUBBASHAR, MD
NEBRASKA MEDICINE

NEW YORK COUNCIL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
OPTUM
OREGON COUNCIL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
MICHAEL PEEL
RACHEL RITVO, MD
JOHN B. ROBERTSON, JR., MD
AMY SAPERSTEIN
JOHN SCHOWALTER, MD
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION
FRED SELIGMAN, MD
EYAL SHEMESH & JACKIE EWENSTEIN
DOROTHY STUBBE, MD
MICHAEL SHWARTZ
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
KIRK D. WOLFE, MD

 

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