In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Staten Island Technical High School
480 Clawson Street
Salvatore J. Eretto Auditorium
Staten Island, New York, 10312
United States

Alyssa Simone

Student

Alyssa is a freshman at Staten Island Technical High School. Through her experiences in a highly competitive environment, she has noticed the toll it may take on a student’s mental health. She has worked diligently to promote a healthy balance of academic success and mental health within her school community.

Ginny Mantello

Physician + Director of Health and Wellness for the Borough of Staten Island

As a doctor and as a parent, Dr. Mantello has been able to see the ways technology impacts youth. The influence of technology on students is astounding and through her research of trends she has seen some startling results. Further, as Director of Health and Wellness, she has been a key force behind promoting mindfulness and both mental and physical health among our youth.

Larissa Schiano-Gonzalez

Yoga Instructor + Mindfulness Practitioner

Through her experiences, both in her personal and professional lives, Larissa has gained insight on the importance of mindfulness and the need to practice it. From taking the leap and becoming a yoga teacher, to spreading mindfulness through her lessons, she has been able to encourage others to believe in themselves and their capabilities. She will discuss her journey in greater depth and the important takeaways she’s learned throughout her life.

Luke Nasta

CEO of Camelot Counseling

Luke is a soldier on the front lines of our nation’s drug epidemic. This is a fight he has been waging for nearly half a century. As CEO of Camelot Counseling, he conducts outreach to and supports members of our community who have fallen prey to drug addiction. Through his years of experience, he has been able to develop a clear understanding of the root causes of addiction, the way in which society may misinterpret it, and potential ways we can go about helping addicts.

Mark Erlenwein

Principal of Staten Island Technical High School

Along his pathway from Staten Island Tech Student to educator and now a principal, he has gained a unique perspective on the challenges many teenagers face related to school. He has been working to make his school a more healthy and mindful community, whilst still promoting academic excellence. Throughout this process, he has been open to trying to adopt new ideas and accommodate everybody’s thoughts that he drove himself past his limits. He will be speaking on the art of saying “no”.

Sukaina Shivji

Student

Sukaina is a freshman at Staten Island Technical High School. Throughout her life and educational career, she has had many personal experiences with anxiety. She has developed practices and a mindset to keep her in a more positive state. She is constantly spreading her positivity and hope to all of those around her.