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Speaking

Combating the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

“When it comes to speaking to groups I always tell myself the same thing: Be honest, speak from the heart, and give them something to walk away with.”

One of the things Karl truly loves is both sharing his story as well as educating people about mental health and addiction. His personal lived experience and clinical background provides him with a unique perspective that he uses to inform people in a manner that both shows empathy as well as serves as a platform to increase their knowledge and shatters the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Karl has had many experiences of people connecting with him after his talks who tell him that they too live with mental illness and/or addiction or that they care for someone who does. It is through these conversations that he knows his story resonates with people. Many people call it courage. Karl simply calls it “being real.”

Karl has delivered keynote speeches and presentations for a wide variety of audiences, including youth serving agencies, individuals in recovery, high schools and colleges, and faith-based organizations. His passion for mental and emotional well-being is undeniable. Topics Karl has spoken on topics such as:

  • Youth Mental Health
  • Mental Health and African American Men
  • From Hope to Healing: A Mental Health Journey
  • Peers in Recovery
  • Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment During COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Wellness and Self-Care
  • Dementia, Caregiving and Mental Health
  • Intentionality: Where Social Justice and Self-Care Meet