Teen Talks: Changing the Story (When Addiction Hits Home)
Join Camp Mariposa alumni as they share experiences growing up impacted by addiction in their homes, and how they’ve persevered. Moderated by Lauren Sisler!
Teen Talks: Changing the Story (When Addiction Hits Home)
Teen Talks: Changing the Story (When Addiction Hits Home) is a one-hour, teen-led Community Conversation designed to amplify and empower youth voices on the topic of substance use prevention and family addiction impact. This event will bring together courageous teen panelists — all Camp Mariposa alumni — who will share their experiences growing up impacted by addiction in their homes, the challenges they’ve faced, and the strategies that have helped them persevere through Eluna’s prevention and mentoring program.
Crafted by teens for teens, this conversation centers authenticity, connection, and the belief that young people are powerful agents of support and change. Through honest storytelling, reflection, and peer-to-peer encouragement, this live event will raise awareness about how substance misuse impacts youth and spark meaningful conversation about prevention, resilience, and how communities can come together to support children and teens affected by family addiction.
This Teen Talk is part of the Eluna Resource Center’s 2026 vision to elevate youth-led content and conversations across our programming. Insights from the panel will contribute to our Teen Resource Hub and inform best practices shared with Eluna’s national Camp Mariposa and Camp Erin networks.
Event Details
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- 4 – 5pm PST | 7 – 8pm EST
- YouTube Live (link will be sent after registration)
- Free
MODERATOR: Lauren Sisler – ESPN Reporter and Advocate
I’m a former collegiate gymnast, an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker. Whether I’m on sidelines or on stages, my purpose lies in helping people tell (and love) their stories, live more courageous, resilient lives, and find their own sideline shimmies.
However, I didn’t always know how to own MY story. As an 18-year-old college student, I lost both of my parents to their hidden battle with prescription drug addiction within hours of each other — and I spent years and years living in the throes of grief, shame, and fear. I was devastated, I was angry, and I was confused…and it took a long time to find the courage and strength to stand up again.
When I finally learned to fall in love with my own story, I took hold of my shame — a universal feeling we all share — and repurposed it into something meaningful. Now, when I’m not reporting live from the sidelines, I’m taking the stage as a keynote speaker who helps others fall in love with their stories, harness their authenticity, and revolutionize their approach to life by leading with purpose.
This conversation is supported by Aetna Better Health Kids, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and Communities Talk.