About Us
Thank you for visiting our site and reading this short passage about the mission of Self-Worth.org.
Our non-profit organization was founded in 2018 by Jeff Hastings and Giselle Ontra. As a student through the Extension School at Harvard University, Jeff organized a team of researchers dedicated to improving the lives and mental health of others.
How we see the world is more than just a simple fact of light particles entering our eyes and sending signals to our brain; how we see the world is influenced by our attitude, experiences and perception of our future. Tragic events happen to all of us. It’s a fact of life. And while we may not be able to avoid many of life’s challenges, we can alter our reaction and understanding of why these events occurred.
Our website is dedicated to exploring new ways to uncover the complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, perception and life events which influence cognitive processes in memory retrieval. Left unresolved, traumatic events can cause anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
For more information, please contact us at:
info@self-worth.org
Dedication
This website is dedicated to Danielle Aimee Ontra (1982-2007) and the millions who suffer from severe depression. Danielle was a beautiful young woman who touched many lives in her short 25-years on this earth. The beloved daughter of Houston Psychotherapist, Giselle Ontra and friend to many, the memory of Danielle will be honored and her life celebrated through our work at Self-Worth.org.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8.1% of American’s suffer from depression in a given 2-week period. And in a 2016 study by Blue Cross Blue Shield, it is estimated that 9-million millennial’s (age 18 – 34) suffer from depression which is a 47% increase compared to the same time in 2015. As BCBSA Chief Medical Officer Trent Haywood, MD, JD, explained, “Various studies and measures all suggest that there is an underlying trend that depression has been and continues to be a growing problem.” Haywood mentioned that “increasing social isolation, utilization of social media, competition between people, divorce rates, and other issues” may be helping fuel the upward trends.
Danielle Ontra took her own life after battling depression which was escalated after the loss of her brother Brian in September 1997. “I’ve noticed an alarming increase in the number of our young children who are finding it difficult to deal with the challenges of daily life after leaving the comfort of their own home. It is time we shed light on this epidemic and find new ways to identify early signs of depression before it’s too late”, insists Giselle Ontra.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from depression, please seek the help of a licensed and certified counselor or call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Meet the Team
Jeff Hastings, LUTCF, CIC
Founder & CEO
Jeff Hastings is a published American author, business consultant, motivational speaker and Harvard University student. As the current C.E.O. of ContractCoach.com, his certified coaches have helped thousands of businesses around the world.
Using data analytics, statistical modeling and conditional logic, his company creates new and exciting profiles to bridge the gap between computers and human behavior. Using his own history of success and failures, he has authored three books which focus on redefining success and human values.
Giselle Ontra, MA, LPC, LMFT, CGP
President, Licensed Psychotherapist
Giselle is a licensed psychotherapist, specializing in PTSD, cranial-facial deformities, children with disabilities, family and marital counseling. She has a range of experience working in hospitals, fortune-level companies and national workshops.
Over the span of her 30 + year career, she has maintained her private practice, GiselleOntra.com.
She has held numerous staff positions and is a sought after speaker conducting workshops, covering topics of trauma, PTSD, rape, psychological aspects of physical disfigurement, suicide prevention and job-related stress.
Aaron Wagner
Chief Technology Officer
Aaron has spent more than a decade sourcing data and developing enterprise applications to solve problems. He is a proud technology “geek” who is passionate about the work he does for Self-Worth.org.
Education: MIS, Texas Tech University (2008)
Join Our Team
We are looking for great researchers and partners who share our vision!
Contact US today to find out more.