the harris project

10/23/2026

Thirteen years.

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time with the little boy Harris was.

As I’ve been preparing presentations and videos, I’ve found myself looking back through photographs and remembering the baby with those enormous eyes, the little boy who loved Halloween, the soccer player, the son, the brother, the relative, the friend. The funny, thoughtful, sensitive boy with the beautiful smile that lit up the room.

For thirteen years, I’ve shared Harris’s story, the struggles he faced, the opportunities that were missed, and everything I wish we had known sooner.

But more and more, I find myself wanting people to know not just what happened to Harris, but who he was.

He loved his family, his friends, his life. He had dreams, plans, and so much ahead of him. He also struggled in ways that weren’t always visible.

All these things were true.

Thirteen years later, I still wish I could change the ending. And I will never stop working to change the trajectory for other young people and families.

But today, I just want to share Harris.

The boy who will forever be 19. The boy who will be forever loved. The boy who will be forever missed 💚🤍🖤
Stephanie Alan Harris Marquesano Memories

09/20/2026

Magic happened in London and I’m not just talking about on Platform 9 3/4 thanks to the most incredible team. Can’t wait to share the details about our 3rd campaign with Havas NY. Thanks to everyone who made this possible 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎭💚🤍🖤🎭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 xoxo Stephanie

08/20/2026

30 years.

Two degrees. Two marathons. Countless adventures. Filled with family, friendship and love.

And somehow, an entire decade went by while you were becoming the incredible woman you are today.

You are exactly where you should be. And I can’t wait to see where the next decade takes you. I love you 💚🤍🖤

Happy 30th, Jensyn Victoria.
Stephanie Alan

06/24/2026

One of the greatest rewards of this work is watching young people discover their power to create change.

Through the harris project, I’ve had the privilege of watching Shahak lead as a volunteer, researcher, presenter, and innovator. On June 13, he brought together students from across Westchester for the Chappaqua Youth Mental Health Hackathon, creating space for young people to develop solutions for the challenges they see every day. Looking forward to mentoring some of those ideas into actionable opportunities!

The future of prevention, mental health, and co-occurring disorders isn’t something we build for young people. It’s something we build with them.
Congratulations, Shahak, and congratulations to every student who spent their sunny Saturday turning ideas into action 💚🤍🖤

06/23/2026

What happens when a young person is given an opportunity to lead?

On Friday night, more than 45 young people, neighbors, family members, and friends gathered for a Backyard Open Mic to raise awareness about co-occurring disorders.

This event was inspired and organized by Lucas as part of his Ardsley High School senior externship with the harris project. Over the past few weeks, he attended several of our events, learned about our work, and helped bring this evening of music and community to life.

We’re incredibly grateful to Lucas for his enthusiasm, creativity, and his willingness to coordinate this meaningful evening. We are equally grateful to his parents for opening their home and backyard and welcoming our community so generously.

The night was filled with talented performers, supportive friends and neighbors, meaningful conversations, and one unexpected gift from above, a beautiful rainbow after just a few raindrops fell.

As Alan and I looked around, we couldn’t help but think of Harris. Music was such an important part of his life, and if you scroll to the end you’ll see a throwback to Harris in middle school with his band “Tracing Static.”

Connection matters. Community matters. And sometimes a simple evening of music reminds us why.

Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and helped make this special evening possible.

05/14/2026

Big ideas start with young people💡🧠

Westchester high school students gather your team for the Chappaqua Youth Mental Health and Wellness Hackathon - a youth-led creating, problem-solving, innovation contest. Thank you Shahak!

We’re also proud to partner with the Greeley Photography Club for the 2026 Annual Photo Contest: Capture the Light, Share the Hope - empowering students to use photography to raise awareness for teen mental health and co-occurring disorders. Thank you Ari and Charlie!

📣 Both will only be successful if you participate.
Hackathon:
🎨 Bring your creativity on June 13 from 1pm-5pm
🤝 Build a team
🧠 Share your ideas
💚 Help create change for your peers and community
 
📸 Submit your photography now through October 1
Teen minds. Teen solutions. Real impact.
Tag a student who should get involved.

05/12/2026

Deeply honored to have been recognized by President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins as her 2026 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

To have Harris’s life, our family’s journey, and the work of the harris project recognized in this way is profoundly meaningful. This honor also belongs to the countless young people, families, school districts, and communities impacted by co-occurring disorders, the intersection of mental health challenges and substance use issues.

It also reflects the collaborative efforts of so many dedicated individuals and organizations, including local and state government, educators, clinicians, prevention leaders, advocates, faith and community partners working together to advance awareness, prevention, early identification, and an integrated system of care for young people and families.

Leader Stewart-Cousins, thank you for your thoughtful leadership, your genuine support of this work, and for the extraordinary kindness and warmth you showed throughout the day and every time we meet. I will carry this honor with me always🌻💚🤍🖤🌻
Stephanie

04/20/2026

4/20 is everywhere. The facts matter.

Today’s ma*****na isn’t just stronger, it shows up in more forms than ever: smoking, va**ng, dabbing, drinks, edibles. That means higher THC concentration, easier access, and harder-to-gauge dosing.

For teens, that can impact memory and learning, mental health, judgment, motivation, sports performance, and driving safety.

This isn’t about fear, it’s about understanding what’s actually at stake 💚🤍🖤
Know the facts. Start the conversation. Be the link.

04/13/2026

Thank you Dan Wakeford for launching Celebrity Intelligence and for your commitment to thoughtful reporting. Your sensitivity when breaking the news on Britney Spears entering a rehabilitation program is what all journalists should strive for. I am honored to have contributed to this piece, sending love and light to Britney and her family. Hope you will read and subscribe!
Stephanie

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