The Walking Tall Movement Story

The Walking Tall Movement started with one brave step forward

Helping people learn how to Walk Tall again until they can Walk Tall on their own.

The Walking Tall Movement is a mental health advocacy and awareness initiative founded by two courageous survivors of mass shootings and a renowned mental health doctor. Together, they share their stories of overcoming trauma and learning how to walk tall again after being knocked down.

Our movement centers on strength, resilience, and community support. We believe that in times of despair, hope shines brightest through togetherness. The Walking Tall Podcast features inspiring guests from the mental health space and people who continue to fight through their own struggles, sharing powerful stories of healing and mental health advocacy.

If you or someone you know needs a community that uplifts and empowers, the Walking Tall Movement is here to help you WALK TALL again with you, every step of the way.

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Vanetta LaRosa Ph.D,BCBA-D,LBA

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Furthermore, she undertook a Postdoctoral Respecialization in Clinical Neuropsychology under the mentorship of Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, a distinguished global leader in the field of Neuroscience. This additional training has enhanced her understanding of the intricate connections between psychology and neuroscience.

Dr. LaRosa's commitment to academic excellence is exemplified by her membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Gamma Beta Phi, prestigious honor societies recognizing outstanding scholastic achievements. Her passion for education extends beyond her own learning, as she spent two decades as a dedicated psychology professor. During her tenure, she served as the primary thesis advisor for students in experimental psychology, nurturing their academic growth and fostering a deep appreciation for the subject.

With her extensive knowledge, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Vanetta LaRosa is at the forefront of providing comprehensive support and care for individuals in need. She continues to make a lasting impact, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

Dr. Vanetta LaRosa is a highly accomplished and compassionate professional dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with neuro-developmental disorders and learning disabilities. As the founder and Executive Clinical Director of Helping Hands LBAS, she has made a significant impact in the lives of those facing learning and behavioral challenges. She is the co- founder of Goldberg & LaRosa Psychology Associates, a company founded with her cherished mentor Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg. Through GL Neuro, neuropsychological evaluations are completed for a variety of individuals with diagnoses such as ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury, ASD, memory concerns, work related issues behavioral and learning issues, and more. She and her team performs expert level IEE’s for families of school aged children.

Dr. LaRosa's impressive educational background showcases her expertise in the field. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, specializing in human learning and development, at Southern Illinois University. Her studies were supported by a full academic scholarship and a doctoral Fellowship at the esteemed ACHIEVE Center, where she had the privilege of learning under the guidance of the late Dr. Barbara Cordoni, a renowned figure in the field of Educational Psychology and ABA. As a licensed psychologist and behavior analyst in the state of New York, including a Board-Certification in Behavior Analyst with doctoral distinction, Dr. LaRosa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

Chris Maliszewski

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Chris Maliszewski, the Co-Chair of the July 4, 2022, Highland Park, IL Independence Day Parade, is a remarkable individual whose life took an unexpected turn during a tragic event. On that fateful day, a mass shooting shook the community, resulting in the loss of seven lives and injuring over forty people. However, it was Chris's selfless acts and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others that have since made him a true hero.

In the face of danger, Chris exhibited extraordinary courage and leadership. Working tirelessly with law enforcement for over seven hours, he orchestrated the rescue of parade staff and the swift evacuation of public areas immediately after the incident. His quick thinking and compassionate actions saved countless lives, earning him the admiration and gratitude of his community.

Since that harrowing day, Chris has become an emblem of resilience and recovery. Recognizing the importance of his own well-being, he embarked on a personal journey of healing. Through the practice of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Chris is learning to process the traumatic experience and navigate life with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His determination to overcome adversity is an inspiration to others facing their own challenges.

Before his remarkable involvement in the Highland Park community, Chris excelled as a NCAA Division I baseball coach. He honed his coaching skills at prestigious institutions such as The University of Iowa and Valparaiso University, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring athletes. Today, he continues to channel his passion for sports and community as the Director of Recreation for the Park District of Highland Park.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chris finds strength in his role as a loving father to two beautiful children. His life experiences have equipped him with captivating stories, and he effortlessly shares them to inspire others. Through his own journey of resilience and Walking Tall, Chris offers a shining example of overcoming adversity, instilling hope, and fostering a strong sense of community.

As we welcome you to explore the remarkable story of Chris Maliszewski, we hope you are inspired by his unwavering dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of the human spirit.

Todd Blyleven

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Todd Blyleven is more than just a survivor; he's a beacon of hope and resilience. As a heroic survivor of the Las Vegas mass shooting, Todd fearlessly risked his life to save others amidst the chaos of gunfire, spending eight harrowing hours on the ground, carrying injured individuals to safety. His unwavering bravery and compassion have earned him multiple courageous awards and accolades. Todd's story has captured the attention of global media outlets, from television to magazines to podcasts, all eager to share his tale of strength and resilience with the world.

​Beyond his heroic actions in Las Vegas, Todd is a TEDx Speaker, former Professional Athlete, Author, Poet, Song Writer, and has worked as an executive in corporate sports for over fifteen years.  Todd has emerged as one of the most inspiring speakers of our time. His speeches resonate deeply with audiences facing adversity of any kind, from sports organizations to schools, HR departments to corporations, churches, and first responder and military organizations. Todd's message emphasizes the power of positivity, vulnerability, and resilience, encouraging individuals to stand tall in the face of life's challenges and to ask for help when needed. As an advisory council board member for first responders in mental health and a sports technology and marketing expert, Todd brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to the stage. His ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, coupled with his powerful storytelling and unwavering passion, makes him the perfect choice to inspire and uplift at your next event.