Eluna’s Teen Talks: Changing the Story (When Addiction Hits Home)

This virtual panel elevating teen voices took place on Tuesday, October 20 at 7pm ET. Please watch and share!

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 brought together five 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 panel helped to 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 conversation is supported by Aetna Better Health Kids, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and Communities Talk.

Related Resources:

• Supporting Teens Whose Families are Affected by Addiction
• Eluna Community Conversation on Supporting Youth Grieving an Overdose Death
• Eluna Community Conversation on Supporting Youth Impacted by Addiction in Rural Communities
• Prevention Tips at Every Age
• Talking with Kids about a Death from Addiction
• Saved by Sports, Coping with My Father’s Addiction
• Addictionary

Meet the Panelists: 

Larry Newsome-Shirah (Camp Mariposa St. Petersburg)

Hi. I’m Larry. I am 17 years of age, and I chose to be on this panel so that I can be a light to those who’ve felt the pain of addiction firsthand. For those who have watched it strip the luster from those around them.I have attended Camp Mariposa for 8 years from 2019 to now and it granted me a community I did not know I needed, I want to see that community expanded and flourishing.

Terrell Maybell (Camp Mariposa Sarasota)

Hi, my name is Terrell Maybell and I’m a freshman in high school. I like the rubiks cube, specifically the speed cube, and I recently competed in my first competition. I like to draw and write my own comic books, I’ve made 28 of them. I’ve always wanted to be able to talk in big crowds about my life. I was always too scared, but this is the best way to not be afraid of doing something new.

Alanna Parent (Camp Mariposa Nashua)

Hi my name is Alanna, I am a freshman in college, and I have been so interested in sharing my story with anyone who is willing to listen. Growing up addiction was all around me and from what I saw I thought I’d be stuck with it forever. I want to show teens that the addiction path is not the only option. And I am so grateful to be picked to share my journey.

Charlee Spitler (Camp Mariposa Dayton)

Hi I’m Charlee Spitler. I’m a high school sophomore. I’m into a lot of art and music, one of my biggest passions is music. I’ve been going to Camp Mariposa in Ohio for close to 8 years. Camp has been such an important thing to me and is so close to my heart. I wanted to be on this panel to help teens know they’re not alone. I think mental health and being open is very important.

Rita Stanley (Camp Mariposa Dayton)

I’m Rita, a high school senior. I paint and play tennis as extracurricular activities. I chose to be on this panel because I’m passionate about encouraging teens who have experienced the cycle of family addiction to achieve their goals, regardless of family history.I’ve been attending Camp Mariposa since 2019, and I am now a junior counselor. In the future, I plan to become a camp counselor while attending college for art and dentistry.

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.