Keynotes & Speakers
Keynotes
“Healing Generations: An Individual and Systems Approach to Addressing Childhood Trauma and Preventing Suicide”
Presented by: Corey Jones
Program Description:
From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s landmark study, we understand the profound impact of childhood trauma on adulthood and its connection to suicide intensity. This transformative presentation leverages the power of storytelling to argue for a dual individual and community approach to suicide prevention. Speaker Corey Jones equips participants with crucial knowledge and practical skills to address childhood trauma, fostering healing and resilience in individuals and communities alike.
In this keynote, Corey Jones shares his story of surviving childhood domestic violence and a suicide attempt at age 10. He is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a guiding light for those seeking recovery and transformation after enduring profound hardship. Corey’s mission is deeply rooted in transforming lives and communities, and he intimately understands the devastating impact of childhood and adolescent trauma. He also shares his experiences of community support from sports and faith, which have been a source of strength and inspiration and helped him shift his mindset from pain to purpose.
Join us as we explore the path of recovery, resilience, and empowerment with Corey Jones, a beacon of hope for individual and community approaches to healing from childhood trauma.
Participants will be able to:
Unravel the Link Between Childhood Trauma and Suicide Intensity: Delve into the intricate relationship between childhood trauma and suicide risk, explore the underlying factors and risk factors that contribute to heightened intensity, and discover proactive individual and community strategies to intervene and prevent tragedy.
Trace the Trauma Pathway: Through Corey’s story, attendees will see how certain events exacerbated or alleviated his mental health challenges and how his lessons learned now inform his parenting.
Empower Systemic Change: As agents of transformation, participants will develop the skills to instigate positive systemic changes to address childhood trauma in their communities. From designing trauma-informed policies to establishing supportive environments, we will collaborate to create lasting, impactful changes that break the cycle of trauma and promote well-being for future generations.
Join us in “Healing Generations,” where we unite as advocates, learners, and champions of change, working together to create a compassionate and resilient society for all.
About Corey Jones:
Corey Jones, also known as CJ the Empowerment Speaker, is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention and trauma recovery. After graduating from Texas Lutheran University with a major in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology, Corey is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Our Lady of The Lake University. For the past 18 years, he has dedicated his life to serving and empowering people, igniting change, and guiding them toward becoming their best selves.
Corey’s impact on the world has been nothing short of remarkable. Through intense and creatively-styled presentations on resilience, mental health, and leadership development, he has taken the stage by storm. As a Les Brown Certified Professional Speaker under the “Your Power Voice Program” and a Life Coach, Corey’s insights and transformative messages have reached global audiences. You can find him featured on the #1 motivational speaking app in the nation, Pep Talk, alongside esteemed figures like Les Brown, Eric Thomas, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Myles Munroe, and Tony Robbins. He has been interviewed by reputable media outlets such as NBC, and CBS News, and his remarkable journey has been showcased in Buzz Magazine.
“Transcend and Transform: The Role of Honoring and the Arts in Shifting the Paradigm of Suicide Prevention”
Presented by: Swil Kanim
Program Description:
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Swil Kanim, an indigenous man, US Army Veteran, classically trained violinist, native storyteller, and trauma survivor from the Lummi Nation. Swil Kanim’s extraordinary journey from facing racism and suffering to becoming a student of honor is deeply rooted in his discovery of the violin in the 4th grade. Through the power of music and storytelling, Swil Kanim found healing and embraced the responsibility to express himself honestly and authentically. In this transformative discussion, Swil Kanim will share how the arts played a crucial role in his recovery and how engaging in the arts and the practice of honoring can shift the paradigm of suicide prevention.
Learning Objectives:
The Role of Dignity, Respect, and Honor in Suicide Prevention Discover the profound connection between dignity, respect, and suicide prevention. Explore how cultivating self-honor can lead to a higher degree of self-respect, fostering resilience and a sense of purpose that can protect against suicidal thoughts.
Shifting Perspectives on Engaging in Crisis Services as an Act of Self- and Other-Honoring Challenge existing perceptions of seeking help during mental health emergencies. Understand how embracing crisis services and the new 988 helpline can be seen as acts of self-honoring and compassion towards others, fostering a culture of support and understanding.
Appreciating the Role of Arts in Recovery from Mental Health Emergencies and Suicide Intensity Recognize the transformative power of arts in the healing journey from mental health crises and suicidal experiences. Explore how music, storytelling, and creative expression can provide catharsis, hope, and renewal for individuals facing emotional challenges.
Join us in this enlightening conversation with Swil Kanim as we delve into the harmonious intersection of arts, healing, and suicide prevention. Discover the profound impact of music, storytelling, and self-expression on mental well-being, and let’s collectively shift the narrative towards a more compassionate and empowering approach to supporting one another through life’s challenges.
About Swil Kanim:
Swil Kanim, a US Army Veteran, classically trained violinist, native storyteller, and actor, is a member of the Lummi Nation. Swil Kanim is renowned for his ability to inspire audiences to express themselves honorably. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he captivates audiences in conferences, workshops, school assemblies, and rehabilitation centers across the United States. His enchanting original compositions and native storytelling touch the hearts of people from all walks of life. Swil Kanim attributes his musical journey to the support of a well-established public school music program, which helped him process the traumas associated with his early placement into the foster care system.
Swil Kanim’s compositions beautifully blend classical influences with personal interpretations of his transformation from depression and despair to spiritual and emotional freedom. His music and stories have touched and transformed countless lives, making him an influential advocate for the healing power of the arts.
Speakers
Sarah Gaer, MA – “Soul of the Survivor”
Sarah Gaer holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has 24 years of experience in the field of mental health care. Sarah has been an outpatient clinician, crisis clinician, and member of trauma response teams responding to homicides, suicides, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters.
Sarah was the Senior Team Leader for MassSupport Network, the FEMA-funded Crisis Counseling Program responding to COVID-19 in Massachusetts. She is a Master Trainer for the QPR Institute and has trained over 1000 first responders in Massachusetts. Sarah currently works as a consultant in suicide prevention and trauma recovery and is spearheading long-term recovery efforts at Holyoke Soldier’s Home, which experienced a mass causality event during COVID-19. Sarah also holds a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health creating and providing training for Law Enforcement on topics such as suicide prevention, toxic stress, and resilience building.
Justin Azbill, Milwaukee Tool “The ME in Team – “Overcoming Workplace Mental Health Challenges through Selfcare”
Mr. Azbill is currently the Director of National Environmental Health and Safety for Milwaukee Tool. He has over 27 years of experience in Safety and Risk Management, having held key management positions with Kiewit Power, Suffolk Construction, Cannistraro, and Callahan Construction.
Throughout his career, Mr. Azbill has created a reputation of success by leveraging a collaborative leadership style which has helped him achieve consistent industry-leading results and build successful partnerships that continue to impact the construction industry. Mr. Azbill has advocated for Trade Professional Health and Wellness through a “Do What’s Right” leadership style zeroing in on the importance of having simple conversations.
He currently leads several Peer-to-Peer groups focused on Professional Psychological Safety as he is an industry advocate for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. He leads from the front in the Mental Health space as he currently is a sitting member of the Working Minds Construction Suicide conference, a Keynote speaker on the importance of preventative measures “Selfcare”, and a Founding Member of the Safety Social S4S (Safety for Safety) Peer Group meeting.Sarah Gaer holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has 24 years of experience in the field of mental health care. Sarah has been an outpatient clinician, crisis clinician, and member of trauma response teams responding to homicides, suicides, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters.
Sarah was the Senior Team Leader for MassSupport Network, the FEMA-funded Crisis Counseling Program responding to COVID-19 in Massachusetts. She is a Master Trainer for the QPR Institute and has trained over 1000 first responders in Massachusetts. Sarah currently works as a consultant in suicide prevention and trauma recovery and is spearheading long-term recovery efforts at Holyoke Soldier’s Home, which experienced a mass causality event during COVID-19. Sarah also holds a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health creating and providing training for Law Enforcement on topics such as suicide prevention, toxic stress, and resilience building.
