In the bustling heart of Las Vegas, where the neon lights shine as bright as the dreams they fuel, a powerful movement is taking shape. It’s not just about changing lives—it’s about transforming them from the inside out. And behind this movement is a couple whose love for each other is matched only by their dedication to healing their community: Nate McCrary, also known as Temel Karango, and his wife, Marsaidees Burney-McCrary.

Together, they founded The AUM (Alternate Ultimate Mindfulness), a trailblazing mental wellness initiative that blends innovative technology, holistic healing practices, and deep-rooted passion for helping underserved communities. The AUM isn’t just another mental health organization; it’s a movement that’s rewriting the narrative of mental wellness. Born out of both personal experience and a deep-seated desire to give back, this power couple has created a space where mental clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual growth come together to provide an entirely new approach to self-awareness.

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"We’ve always been passionate about helping others," says Marsaidees Burney-McCrary, co-founder of The AUM. "And creating something like The AUM is a reflection of that passion. We didn’t just want to talk about change—we wanted to be the change."

The couple’s mission is deeply personal. Temel, who grew up in challenging circumstances, including witnessing the impact of addiction in his family and overcoming the grip of violence and trauma in his hometown of Chicago, has always understood the value of mental clarity and spiritual elevation. His journey is one of resilience, shifting from a high school dropout to graduating at the top of his class with a 4.0 GPA, and later becoming a mentor, author, and speaker who now empowers thousands of people to take control of their own mental health and lives.

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"The AUM isn’t just about fighting mental illness—it’s about embracing mental wellness," Temel says. "We’re focused on the empowerment of individuals through thought control, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness."

Marsaidees, a visionary in her own right, has always been a fierce advocate for community-driven change. As the co-founder of The AUM, she brings her rich background in business and philanthropy, combined with her in-depth understanding of mental health, to drive the organization’s success. Together, they’ve woven a vision for The AUM that blends love, knowledge, and innovation into something that’s both tangible and transformative for those who need it most.

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At the heart of The AUM’s offerings are its two flagship programs: "Hear 2 Help" and "Upgrades".

• "Hear 2 Help" is an audio-based program designed to provide immediate relief and guidance to those in need. With a unique mix of meditation, mental health tips, and empowerment exercises, this program is a beacon of hope for anyone looking to recalibrate their mind and spirit in times of crisis.

• "Upgrades" speaks to the youth, especially middle and high school students, giving them the tools to use thought control to succeed academically and personally. Temel, who knows firsthand the importance of education and self-belief, uses his own story—from dropout to straight-A graduate—to inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and aim higher.

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"Our goal has always been to give back," says Temel, reflecting on the creation of these programs.

 

"We want to provide tools that help people unblock their potential, because we’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is when you shift your mindset."

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The love story between Temel and Marsaidees is one that has weathered storms, celebrated victories, and continuously grown stronger with time. Their relationship isn’t just built on mutual admiration, but on a shared vision of making a lasting impact. They’ve woven their love for each other and their community into The AUM, creating a powerful force of healing, empowerment, and transformation.

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The AUM is not only changing lives locally in the Las Vegas valley, but also pioneering a new digital approach to mental health. With technology and new methods of mental enhancement at the core, they’re showing that mental wellness is no longer just a topic of conversation—it’s an actionable journey that anyone can embark on, regardless of their background.

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As Temel and Marsaidees continue to build and expand The AUM, their vision is clear: they are on a mission to bring mental wellness into the digital age, erasing stigmas and creating new pathways to healing that empower all individuals to create the life they desire.

"We’re just getting started," says Marsaidees with a smile. "The world needs this, and we’re here to make sure it happens—locally, globally, and digitally."

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Together, Temel and Marsaidees Burney-McCrary are not only redefining the conversation about mental wellness—they are leading a movement that’s here to stay, and The AUM is just the beginning.