Theme: Zero to Hero

Behind every hero, there was a zero that decided to confront his own monsters. Most of our monsters that are trapped inside our head...preventing our potential to be revealed. It all comes to one word: Mental health.

Fear, trauma , depression...we all experienced them at a certain point in our life. Ever wonder how to get past those issues? Want to understand to the roots of mental health issues? Want to feel inspired ? Watch the recorded talks of a selection of mental health professionals and students brought to you by TEDxRiceU

Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston, Texas, 77005
United States

Douglas Calvillo

Student at Rice University

Entering college, Doug thought he had to make the choice between science and humanities, but he didn’t like that. He believes that what hard science can’t tell us, more nuanced social sciences can, and the humanities direct the questions that need to be answered in the first place. He is majoring in neuroscience, psychology, and health science, on the pre-Md/PhD track. Because that’s not enough to manage, he currently does research at UTHealth’s Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, work at the Moody Center for Arts, and is part of the Rice Owls Cheerleading team! He plans to pursue psychiatry with a focus on the biopsychosocial aspects of trauma and comorbid psychiatric disorders, taking what he learns in the clinic to his lab to answer practical questions, instead of pursuing knowledge for the sake of knowledge. His work and his personal experiences shaped the talk he plans to give.

Sogol Pahlavan

Founder & Managing Partner of ABC Pediatric Clinic

Dr. Sogol Pahlavan is a board-certified pediatrician and founder & managing partner of ABC Pediatric Clinic established in 2008. After struggling with burnout Dr. Sogol embarked on a journey of mindfulness living & became certified as a mindfulness physician coach working with female midlife physicians. She utilizes mindfulness tools, meditation, yoga, reiki, and breath work to connect to the present moment to find self-fulfillment and JOY. She teaches physicians to fully take back responsibility for their life by reclaiming their power and committing to being their most authentic selves. She is also an avid podcaster of mindful living with Dr.Sogol. She shares her own personal story with other midlife female physicians struggling with finding authenticity and fulfillment in life. She co-founded CPR for the SOULS, a community exclusive for midlife female physicians wanting to find calm, feel free, and live an authentic life.

Tammer Malaty

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

Tammer has dedicated his career to helping adolescents and young adults navigate the complex world of mental health. With over 16 years of experience in the field, Tammer has made a difference in the lives of those he works with since 2007. His passion for mental health was sparked at the young age of 17 when he faced his own struggles with mental health. This personal experience has allowed him to understand the challenges many of his clients face and given him a unique perspective on the power of seeking help. In 2016, Tammer founded his private practice, Malaty Therapy after spending the previous 10 years working in non profit. He continues to work with teens and adults. His practice provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their mental health needs and develop strategies for coping with the challenges of everyday life. When Tammer isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Tyler Kinzy

Student at Rice University

Tyler Kinzy is a sophomore at Rice University. Majoring in sociology, his academic and research interests include studying sociopolitical correlates of mental health as well as critically conscious approaches to mental health research/treatment. Tyler’s TEDxRiceU Talk will discuss Liberation Psychology, a paradigmatic shift away from the largely individualistic nature of mainstream Western psychology. Tyler argues that mental health scholars and care providers can leverage their positions to challenge oppression and address the root causes of poor mental health, especially among marginalized groups. This TEDxRiceU Talk arrives as Liberation Psychology grows around the world in its clinical and scholarly significance, prompting us to confront our existing assumptions about what constitutes effective approaches within the field of mental health.