Ep 33. Teen Mental Health, Nature, and the Power of Mentorship

Today, I’m opening up and sharing the heart behind my business, Guided Passages, and the journey that led me here. From leaving a stable teaching career to following a deeper calling, this has been a path of trust, courage, and listening to that quiet inner voice guiding me forward.

What I share in this episode: 

  • The moment I realized teaching was no longer aligned with my purpose
  • What I call “the roaring of the river” and how it led me to this work
  • How mentorship and rites of passage shaped my life (and why they matter so much for teens today)
  • The journey of building Guided Passages from the ground up
  • Why modern teens are struggling and what they actually need more of
  • The importance of connection, community, and being truly seen
  • How small, intentional spaces can create a life-changing transformation

This is a reminder that even when your path feels uncertain, following your purpose starts with one brave step, and that step is what begins to reveal everything else. 

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another parent who needs to hear this, or  DM on Instagram, let me know what resonated most with you

And if you’re ready to support your teen in a more meaningful way, explore the programs and take that first step today.

EXPLORE GUIDED PASSAGES:

If you feel called to support your teen more deeply, or you’re looking for mentorship, community, or transformational experiences…

Visit: https://guided-passages.com

Image of Guided Passages Founder Jasmyne Chandler next to the question, "Want a better connection with your teen?"

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Kerrick Gooden

Guide

Kerrick was raised in the Hill Country of Austin, Texas where he studied at the University of Texas. After some travel, he moved to the Rogue Valley of Oregon with a vision to farm and support youth. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Cultural Anthropology with Honors in 2004 at Southern Oregon University, and devoted over a decade supporting youth and their families navigate  local and state social service programs. During this time, he and his partner cultivated a food forest at their home and founded Verdant Phoenix as an educational mini-farm in 2016.

Verdant Phoenix Farm became an expression of a way of life for Kerrick. He is interested in the relationships between humans, soil, microbes, plants/trees/shrubs, food, culture, time, and the web of life. As these elements inform his horticultural practice, Kerrick enjoys supporting landscapes, gardens, farms, and their people who are interested in belonging to the land.