Shattering Stigma on Mental Health

My audiences leave inspired and motivated to support those around them who are dealing with mental health issues. They laugh AND they learn.

Meeting planners say things like:
"Tara is approachable, sincere, real and direct... a powerful combination, allowing students to let down their guard enough to hear her message.”
—Rebecca, University Asst. Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Success

"Within the first few minutes of this engaging conference, Tara was able to ‘shatter stigma’ simply by sharing her raw and very relatable story. She puts people at ease through humor, her candid approach to sharing life’s difficult moments and by being equipped with a host of expertise and resources for those seeking support."
—Emily, school counselor

“Tara is great at engaging the audience with a call to action, which is critical for our mission.
Her presentations are always a draw for our events, and I know going into an event that she’ll take care of all of the details I need. She’s a pleasure to work with!”
—Michelle, Events and Outreach Manager

I use humor, my personal story and the lessons I've learned producing mental health conferences for more than 1500 people to help audiences understand the experiences of those who struggle with mental health issues, and their families. Because mental health affects everyone... with a brain.

What do you do if a coworker is experiencing a bipolar episode? Or if a friend's teen is admitted to the psych unit with suicidal thoughts, or your neighbor is fighting depression? What can you say, how do you help, and how do you not make it worse? How can your community become stronger and more effective in supporting families struggling with mental health?

Communities - whether businesses, schools or faith organizations - that have an open and understanding culture around mental health are communities in which people feel safe getting help. When people feel safe getting help, lives are saved. It really is that simple, and I'll help your community become that kind of safe, effective place for your people.

Whether you want a one-hour keynote or you want me to produce a half-day conference on mental health, your folks will learn more about mental health and mental illness, they'll feel more comfortable having tough conversations about mental health, and the stigma of mental health will be shattered.

Whether speaking to businesses, parents, faith communities, medical professionals, family members or general audiences, I help audiences feel comfortable and engaged while they learn.  I'm an advocate, author and comedian who left a career as a nonprofit executive to help raise nieces who lived with severe mental illness.

In addition to my primary focus as a professional speaker, I've also performed standup comedy at events and fundraisers for almost ten years, and I'm an effective emcee that can keep your event fun while achieving your goals.

I'm happy to do virtual presentations, and facilitate virtual events or panel discussions.