Meet ystark! YP: Jason Mogud

Name	Jason Mogud
Occupation/Title/Place of work	Owner/Center for Renewed Minds, LLC; Adjunct Professor - Walsh University
Age	37
Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?	I'm lifelong Stark County resident. I started my business here, and I want to build it into something that meets the mental and physical health needs of the community and make it a great place to work for other young professionals. My kids go to school here, and we love our community. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
What would you share to encourage other people to join?	ystark! is a great place to connect, to meet other young professionals, to explore new or different places to eat and play.
Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?	I grew up here. I've lived in downtown Canton, Canton south, plain township, and Sandy Valley.
Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?	Personally, I've connected and built relationships with a lot of people personally and professionally here. I've become a part of the diverse community of people working in mental health and addiction recovery. Stark County is a place where I feel like I can make an impact in my work.
What do you like MOST about Stark County?	I love the diversity of people, places, and experiences in Stark. You can spend a day with your kids at a butterfly garden in farm country outside of Alliance, eat at a new restaurant just about everyday of the year, or enjoy the urban nightlife of downtown Canton.
What would you change about Stark County if you could?	The thing I most want to change about Stark are the impact of mental health and addiction issues. Stark is not unique in having these needs, but we have experienced difficulties in those areas, especially with young people, in the last few years. I am actively learning and working to change these problems. That's why I started my therapy practice. That's why I am bringing research on these challenges to Stark. I want to be a part of the solution, and I want to engage others to help.
What do you see as valuable opportunities for YPs in Stark County when it comes to career opportunities, cultural access, leadership or community involvement opportunities?	I think there are a lot of opportunities here for young people. We have 5 major colleges and universities, we are literally the football capital of the world, and we have great entertainment and recreation for singles and families. Career opportunities exist in tons of small businesses and some very large ones. I've been fortunate to experience a lot of growth in my career in a short amount of time. Working in the mental health field I've been able to move from being a counselor at one site to being the training coordinator for 500 employees before opening my own practice. There are opportunities for career advancement in several industries. There are a plethora of nonprofit businesses that meet all kinds of needs, volunteer areas, and board leadership opportunities. Because of the diversity of areas and populations in Stark, the cultural diversity and experiences are plentiful. I especially enjoy the local music scene and venues.
What would attract more YPs to Stark County?	I believe if young people new about the opportunities available to them in work, volunteerism, and community in Stark, more people would come to live, work, and play.
What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?	I love taking my kids to Beechcreek Botanical Gardens to play and see the nature preserve. I also sneak in a date with my wife at El Rincon or El Campero any chance I get. We enjoy taking the kids to the different Stark Parks all over the county to play. We also take full advantage of volunteering at the Hall of Fame festival every year.
Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?	I expect to spend my lifetime in Stark County. My family, my work, and my passion are here. I short of a meteor hitting the place, we're not going anywhere.