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Powerful. Engaging. Informative.

Beneath the Surface: The Pain Killing Our Kids

Description: Teen suicide, drug overdoses, and mental health crises are rising at an alarming rate—and show no signs of slowing down. Let's slow this devastating trend by discovering what’s really fueling the crisis. Dive beneath the surface to explore the real issues driving teens to end their lives. 

Blending personal testimony, real-world insight, and emerging research, this experience will help parents, educators, and loved ones:

  • Learn to recognize and validate emotional pain using three life-saving messages all struggling teens need to hear.
  • Discover the power of confidently initiating mental health conversations as a solution, not to be dreaded.
  • Gain real-life insights that turn talk into a walk of saving lives.

After this presentation, parents and educators will see the crisis from a new perspective and understand their role in initiating conversations that become the bridge on which teens walk out of isolation into connection.

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Not Just a Phase: Spotting the Signs Before It's Too Late

Is it just teen stress overload — or something more?

If you've ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering how to help your teen, you're not alone. Many parents, educators and loved ones struggle to know whether a young person’s behavior is part of normal adolescent development or the early signs of a mental health condition.

Not Just a Phase is a must-hear talk designed to equip caring adults with the knowledge and confidence to recognize when a teen needs more than just time to "grow out of it." In this powerful, eye-opening session, you’ll learn:

  • How to spot early warning signs of the most common youth mental health conditions
  • The key differences between typical teen behavior and clinical concerns based on the latest evidence-based research. 
  • The latest statistics that reveal just how widespread these struggles have become.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or counselor, this training will help you move from confusion to clarity — and from fear to action. Because when it comes to youth mental health, knowing what to look for can be the difference between silence and support, between crisis and connection, between despair and hope.

Your teen doesn’t need you to have all the answers. They just need you to show up, be informed, and be ready.

Let this talk be your first step.

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âťť I use my story as a mirror for people to see inside their own lives. âťž

 

Are you looking for:

âś” A speaker with personal lived experience who can deeply engage and inspire your audience while addressing the sensitive topic of suicide with professionalism and care?

âś” Someone with years of experience in classrooms and working with educators who understand firsthand that this delicate subject requires a unique and qualified approach?

Hiring a speaker for a mental health event is no small task—especially when addressing sensitive topics.

So, if that’s you, I’m here to help.

You need someone who:

âś” You can trust, with the expertise, to safely and thoughtfully guide your audience through what can be a triggering conversation.

âś” Someone who knows how to teach mental health topics through engaging stories so that your audience walks away knowing more about themselves and their mental health.

Because here’s the thing… having personal lived experience doesn’t automatically mean someone knows how to share their story in a way that resonates with your audience or meets the needs of your event.

In fact, if they aren’t familiar with best practices for discussing suicide, their message could unintentionally do more harm than good.

What sets me apart is my unique combination of expertise as a suicide intervention and prevention specialist and an impactful storyteller, as well as having survived suicide.

Give your audience the best possible experience at your next event!

Book Amy
 

Amy's Message

"You are not alone. Let my story be your guide. When I am speaking, the goal for my audience is, and always will be, for them to walk away from my speaking engagements knowing more about themselves and their own story. I use what's called the mirror method. I tell my audience I hope to be a mirror for them to see inside their own lives so they can walk out knowing more about themselves. I encourage people to use my story as a guide, or roadmap of sorts, to help them navigate their own."

What Other Speakers Are Saying...

“This makes me wish I had an event to book you to speak at. You’re touching on a lot of the topics that I’m planning on speaking to as well - but you’re modeling a way of speaking about complexity that is lovely, and simple, and clear, and compassionate. I’m going to be following your work.”

What Teachers Are Saying...

“Thank you so much for having this service available to our students. Not only was the information vital for each and every teenager to have, I believe ALL people should hear this presentation. The presentation was informative and organized, but even more so, the presenter was engaging, remained in authority over the students, and taught the subject matter in a relevant way. I truly felt the students were captivated with the stories. The way it was presented helped them to better understand the importance of mental health for each individual. As well as be given the tools to be empathetic to those around them who are struggling as well as action steps in case the need arises. I was very encouraged and excited to know that this is in schools because it is such important information for them to know.”

What Students Are Saying...

"Amy, you are probably one of the best speakers I have ever listened to. You are truly an inspiration and I hope that you can reach that goal of not having your disorder affect you :)”

What Teachers Are Saying...

“The presenter made a connection with the students that really engaged them in the lesson emotionally and intellectually. Creating posters was a great way to get the message out to the school. The lessons were very well organized and effectively used the time, meeting the required objectives succinctly and with a positive impact. Thank you very much! I can't wait to have you back after Thanksgiving!”

What Students Are Saying...

“Amy, you managed to crack me up and also make me want to cry during your presentation. I love how genuine, raw and interesting it was; it could not have been easy. You really should be proud of how face you've come. I am interested in buying your book if you could contact me.”

What Teachers Are Saying...

"Amy, thank you so much for speaking in my class. You are a performance artist! Not just in dance, but in public speaking. Your story is moving and so important for students to hear." - Cal Poly Professor

What Students Are Saying...

“Amy, Thank you for sharing your story with us today. I was especially struck toward the end when you showed how stress can affect us all in different ways. I’ve been having a really tough time with my own anxiety/depression lately and have been dreading all the things school is demanding of me this week. When you mentioned how we are more than our grades, I felt a huge wave of relief. You made sure we knew that we are not alone with mental struggles and that it is okay to share, be open and ask for help. This is critical in reducing stigma and getting proper treatment.”

What Students Are Saying...

“Amy, You are a true badass! Your story is inspirational and taught me a lot about life with Bipolar II, but especially with ED. I can't wait to read your book. Also, you are an extremely talented speaker and you could develop a really great and useful podcast. I appreciate your mission of raising awareness around these stigmatized issues in young people.”

SCHOOLS & ORGANIZATIONS AMY'S SPOKEN AT

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