Breaking the Stigma: How Fight Club and KidsTLC Are Changing Conversation Around Mental Health

A New Kind of Strength

For a long time, talking about mental health carried a stigma, especially for young men. Asking for help could feel like weakness. But Fight Club is changing that. Through our partnership with KidsTLC, we’re learning that real strength comes from knowing yourself, being honest about what you’re facing, and building the tools to handle it. This partnership has become one of the most meaningful parts of what we do because it reminds every student that they don’t have to fight their battles alone.

Our Partnership with KidsTLC

KidsTLC is a team of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of families in our community who are navigating challenges related to mental and behavioral health, developmental trauma, and autism. Their mission perfectly aligns with ours — to help young people grow stronger inside and out.

One of the greatest benefits of this partnership is our access to two incredible therapists: Malique Taylor and Lia Boone. Having these licensed professionals as part of our team has been a game-changer for both our young men and women. Both Malique and Lia have recently attended Fight Clubgroup meetings. Malique joining a boys’ group from Bishop Miege and Lia connecting with a girls’ group of Olathe South students. Their presence and involvement have already made an incredible impact, offering students a safe space to learn, share, and grow with professional guidance and genuine care.

Meet Malique and Lia

Both Malique Taylor and Lia Boone serve as therapists at KidsTLC’s Lotus Clinic bringing their expertise and passion directly into the heart of Fight Club.

Malique Taylor, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. He provides therapy to clients ages 14 and older and is the author of The Unbreakable Athlete: Becoming the Best Internal and Physical Athlete, a book designed to help athletes and their support systems build endurance from the inside out. When Malique joins our boys’ groups, he brings that same mindset, guiding them through breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and practical coping tools that help manage stress, doubt, and pressure. His calm, thoughtful approach helps the guys recognize that mental health care isn’t about fixing weakness but about building strength from within.

“These kids are taking a monumental step in their lives early, to set themselves up for success by being in an environment that promotes deep connection and a great support system,” Malique says. “Fight Club is what is needed in these kids’ lives to combat the constant negativity of social media but also help them develop healthy relationships with others as well as with themselves to carry with them the rest of their lives.”

Lia Boone, who is a Social Worker at KidsTLC’s Lotus Clinic, she brings warmth, empathy, and perspective to her work with our girls groups. She’s passionate about helping others feel truly seen and supported and believes there’s incredible power in in-person connection — sharing space, stories, and encouragement. That belief aligns beautifully with Fight Club’s mission to create authentic community and belonging.

“There’s something powerful about simply being together,” Lia says. “When students realize they’re not alone in what they’re going through, that’s where healing begins.”

“When feelings get confusing or hard to talk about, having real spaces and people to share them with makes all the difference. It reminds us we’re not alone, we’re not meant to do this alone. We heal through connection.”

Breaking the Stigma and Building Tools for Life

Through Malique and Lia’s involvement, Fight Club members are gaining a toolbox for life, learning that asking for help is not a weakness but a wise step toward growth. Whether it’s breathing through a moment of self-doubt, understanding emotions, or learning to pause before reacting, these lessons stick. By bringing professionals like Malique and Lia directly into Fight Club, we’re giving students the chance to connect, grow, and build lifelong habits for mental wellness.

Changing Culture, One Conversation at a Time

Our partnership with KidsTLC has shown that emotional and mental resilience go hand in hand with leadership and character. It’s changing how young people view strength, redefining it not as silence or stoicism, but as honesty, openness, and growth.

And that’s what Fight Club is all about, building stronger, more grounded leaders who are not afraid to take care of themselves and others. As long as that continues, we know we’re building something that truly lasts. By normalizing conversations with mental health professionals and encouraging students to seek help when they need it, we’re building something that will make a lasting impact.

Fight Club is a space where young adults can openly talk about the issues they’re facing, without judgment or pressure. Have questions or want to learn more about Fight Club? We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to join, a parent seeking more information, or someone interested in supporting our mission, don’t hesitate to reach out.