About Us

Karl has worked professionally for over 30 years in the fields of addiction counseling, mental health advocacy, higher education, and leadership development coaching. His broad experience enables him to connect with individuals and groups in a unique manner.

Mental health advocate, educator, speaker and coach, Karl Shallowhorn, has a proven track record of delivering engaging and informative presentations to wide-ranging audiences across the United States. His combination of lived experience and clinical expertise makes him a unique resource, whether you are looking for a keynote speaker, behavioral health trainer or leadership development coach.

Karl is the author of Working on Wellness: A Practical Guide to Mental Health, Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps and is the creator of a program for organizations based on the 12 Step Leadership concept. He has been a featured blogger and writer for BP magazine. Karl has received numerous awards for his work in the mental health field including from the National Federation of Just Communities and the Buffalo Association of Black Social Workers. He is a featured speaker for TedX Buffalo 2021 with his topic focusing on African American men and mental health. Karl is also the mental health expert for the docuseries, Reversed, which can be found on the YurHealthNetwork and Roku TV.

Karl is a much sought-after speaker and a member of the Black Speakers Network, He is the host of the YouTube podcast, Mental Health Verses.

As a person in long-term recovery from bipolar and co-occurring addiction disorder, Karl’s goal is to help people discover their unmet potential and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. He has educated diverse audiences, including behavioral health providers, law enforcement, youth, educators, veterans and faith communities, among others.

Karl has worked professionally for over 28 years in the fields of addiction counseling, mental health advocacy, higher education, and leadership development coaching. His broad experience enables him to connect with individuals and groups in a unique manner.

Karl received his bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY Buffalo State. He also earned his New York State Credential in Addiction Counseling and completed the University at Buffalo Online Trauma-Informed Clinical Foundation Program.

Karl is a Health Leadership Fellow, a program sponsored by the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York.

Karl has delivered over 200 trainings and workshops on mental health and addiction-related topics and is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. His passion for excellent emotional health and wellbeing is demonstrated by his ever-increasing desire to help others.

If you’re looking for a speaker who can connect with audiences, then you’ve come to the right place. Karl’s down to earth approach and relatable style sets him apart from other presenters. He will give your group actionable steps to both raise their awareness about mental health and addiction as well as the tools they can use to help themselves or someone they know.

Karl is also able to work with you if you are interested in growing as a leader, whether you are just embarking on your journey or are already serving in this role. Karl’s framework for leadership development is based on tried-and-true principles as well as his own professional experience.

Karl is happily married to his wife Suzy and is the proud father of two adult daughters, Sarah and Lillie. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting vinyl records and cycling.