The HIP ME Project

Bringing heart-centered conversation and embodiment tools to teens 

What does HIP ME stand for?

HIP stands for Highlands Integrative Pediatrics. HIP is a pediatric practice in Denver founded by Bryan Kono, MD.

ME stands for Matthew Emrick, a para-professional at North Middle School in Aurora, CO who died unexpectedly in 2006. 

Bryan and Matt were (and still are) brothers-in-law.

WHY are we merging HIP & ME? 

Highlands Integrative Pediatrics (HIP) is a pediatric clinic in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver that is bringing integrative healing modalities, alongside traditional care, to patients and families. Biofeedback tools (connecting the mind to the body) are being introduced to patients to better support their physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as address the impact of trauma on their health. We intend to bring this model into other traditional pediatric clinics. This is the HIP part.

Matt (ME) brought light and love to the students at North Middle School in Aurora, CO. He helped them with their sadness, their fears, their uncertainty, their doubts. He made them feel seen, heard, loved and important. He offered and expressed guidance, strength, confidence safety and equality. He was a parental figure, a mentor and a leader.

A memorial scholarship was created in 2007 at North Middle School to continue Matt’s legacy. In addition to the annual scholarship that honors two graduating 8th grade students every spring, biofeedback (mind/body) tools have been implemented at North to support the student’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as address the impact of trauma on their ability to learn. We intend to bring this toolkit to other middle and high schools. This is the ME part.

Currently there are two major tools in the toolkit. The first is HeartMath in the form of the Inner Balance tool (a biofeedback tool and incredible organization founded by Doc Childre in 1997). The second is our curriculum for middle and high school students based on the book, Thirteen Reasons Why You Belong: An Honoring of Adolescence by Tara Emrick. More information about the book can be found at the top of this page.

It is our intention to bring The HIP ME Project to schools first and then clinics in Denver and Aurora.