CHANDLER, Ariz. - July 21, 2026 – Embark Behavioral Health announced that Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Sharnell Myles will present at the Daniel Memorial Institute 38th Annual National Independent Living Conference, where the organization is also serving as a sponsor.
Hosted by nonprofit organization Daniel Kids, the conference will bring together youth service professionals, independent living specialists, and other professionals across the field dedicated to helping young people build the skills and support they need to thrive.
For many older teens and young adults, becoming independent means more than learning practical life skills. Some are navigating trauma, behavioral health challenges, foster care, or family disruption without the consistent support of a caregiver or trusted adult. As providers look for new ways to meet young people where they are, there's a growing understanding that lasting independence depends on not only practical preparation but also on building strong, healthy relationships.
Those efforts closely align with Embark’s mission and ongoing approach. In addition to providing behavioral health treatment for teens and young adults, Embark has expanded its focus on supporting lasting healing for youth - including those who come into treatment with limited or absent family systems in place. Through initiatives such as Forged Families and the Embark treatment framework, Embark Integrated Treatment Approach (EITA), Embark continues to address this gap in youth mental health treatment by strengthening connections and resources for young people who may not have traditional family supports to rely on during and after treatment.
Dr. Myles, a licensed psychotherapist and certified clinical trauma professional specializing in trauma, adolescents, and family systems, will provide attendees with a comprehensive relational framework that integrates cultural responsiveness, developmental science, systemic care, experiential healing, and outcomes-driven practices to help teens and young adults achieve lasting mental health, meaningful connections, and successful independence. Her presentation will open conversations and offer strategies for professionals working with older teens and young adults preparing for life beyond care.
Earlier this year, Dr. Myles presented at Daniel Kids’ regional conference in Orlando. Following that session, she has been asked to return as a presenter for the organization's national conference, where attendees from across the country will gather for more than 50 educational sessions, workshops, and leadership activities focused on strengthening independent living programs and improving outcomes for youth.
“At Embark, we've seen that lasting mental health outcomes are built through trusted, therapeutic relationships,” said Dr. Myles. “When young people experience genuine connection, safety, and support, they're better able to develop the emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, and confidence needed to navigate adulthood. Our outcomes consistently show that healing extends beyond symptom reduction - young people leave treatment with stronger skills, healthier relationships, and a greater capacity to thrive long after care ends.”
As a conference sponsor, Embark will also have team members on site to connect with attendees, share resources, and discuss collaborative approaches to supporting adolescents and young adults.
The 38th Annual National Independent Living Conference, Growing Pains, will take place Aug. 18–21, 2026, in Reston, Virginia.
About Embark Behavioral Health
Embark Behavioral Health is a network of mental health treatment programs serving adolescents, young adults, and families. The organization provides a continuum of care, including outpatient, residential, and virtual services across the United States. For more information about Embark or its treatment programs, including virtual services, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and residential treatment centers, visit www.embarkbh.com.
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Company Name: Embark Behavioral Health
Contact Person: Kathryn Carroll
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Phone: 866-290-5881
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Website: https://www.embarkbh.com/
