Mia Flegal is a Human Development and Family Science major with a minor in Public Health and a concentration in Child Life at Syracuse University. She is passionate about youth mental health, children’s wellness, and family-centered care. She plans to pursue a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist, helping children and families navigate healthcare experiences with compassion, education, and play.
As a speaker, Mia delivers professional and personal experience in a relatable and impactful manner. Mia’s mental health advocacy journey began in high school and continues as her college experiences provide access to pediatric units where she engages with children from 5 weeks to 5 years old and their caregivers. Mia’s college experiences fuel her commitment to promoting mental health, reducing stigma, and helping children and families feel seen, heard, and empowered during life’s most challenging moments.
Through her work as a student assistant at the Bernice M. Wright Child Development Laboratory School, where she supported children ranging from 5 weeks to 5 years old, and her volunteer experience at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in various pediatric units, Mia has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of developmentally appropriate care and emotional support. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to promoting mental health, reducing stigma, and helping children and families feel seen, heard, and empowered during life’s most challenging moments.
Beyond her academic and clinical experiences, Mia serves as a founding member of NAMI New Hampshire’s NextGen Advisory Board, where she collaborates with fellow advocates to reduce mental health stigma, promote help-seeking, and encourage meaningful conversations about mental wellness among young people. Through advocacy, education, and community outreach, she is dedicated to creating spaces where individuals feel supported and understood.
Mia is passionate about using her voice to educate others on the importance of mental health, resilience, and compassionate care. She hopes to inspire others to prioritize emotional well-being, foster supportive communities, and advocate for children and families. Following graduation, Mia plans to pursue certification as a Child Life Specialist and continue making a positive impact in pediatric healthcare.
If you would like to learn more about Mia and other NAMI New Hampshire Youth Voices Speakers, please reach out to Deb Jurkoic at djurkoic@naminh.org
