Upcoming events:

Not Alone 

John Adams Middle School:

Mason City, Iowa

April 12th 2pm-3pm

Culture, Environment, Emotions

Black Hills Recreation Leadership Laboratory: Keynote Speaker

Outlaw Ranch Camp, Custer, SD.

September 21-27th, 2024

Monday's talk- I Don't Fit the Mold: (Mental and Emotional Health) 

Tuesday's talk: You Looking at Me (Perception and what it does to us) (Activities-Roller Coaster-Brain Waves)

Wednesday talk: Failing up-down-around, all over, and Steps are stupid (Paths to success) (Activities-Leader game)

Thursday: Culture, Environment, Emotions (Culture isn’t in the numbers) (Activities Circle Game)

Friday: At Risk of Being Awesome (People we deem less than can change our world) (Activity- Reflection)

Association of Community Professionals in Nebraska October Conference,

October 17th and 18th

9am to 4:30pm

Culture, Environment, Emotions and

Turn Down the Heat

2023 EVENTS

John Adams Middle School

Understanding the Why and the How Behind Why People Do What They Do

Community Mental Health Night hosted by Notre Dame Parish

At Risk? At Risk of Being Amazing!

Compassion 

Independence Jr/Sr High School- Mental Health Day

At Risk? At Risk of Being Amazing

Redefining Relentless, IACP Conference

Culture, Environment, Emotions

Talk Share

Behavioral Health Affiliate of Iowa Conference

Panel Discussion: Psychiatric Care Model and Intensive Care Homes

The Moment

SPEAKING EXPERIENCE:

  • Many Faces of Mental Health Conf, Sioux City, IA

  • Tennessee Alternative Education Conf, Murfreesboro, TN

  • The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

  • Cleveland Teen Challenge, Perry, OH

  • WCCAA Conference, Milwaukee, WI

  • Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Christian Haven, Wheatfield, IL

  • Gateway-Longview Facility, Williamsville, NY

  • Waldorf University, Forrest City, Iowa

  • Iowa APSE Conference, West Des Moines, IA

  • Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana, IL

  • Happy Awesome Healthy Expo, Oelwein, IA

  • Iowa Association of County Treasures, Mason City, IA

  • Berea’s Children Home, Berea, OH

  • Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Wisconsin DeMolay State Conclave, Kohler, Wi

  • Waukon Middle and High School, Waukon, IA

  • Independence Junior/High School, Independence, IA

  • Roncalli High School, Manitowoc, WI

  • Marquette Catholic Schools, Bellevue, IA

  • Crestwood Junior and High School, Cresco, IA

  • Take Charge Conference, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Community Mental Health Night, Waukon, IA

  • West Marshall Community Schools, State Center, IA

  • Starmont Community Schools, Arlington, IA

  • Iowa Watch's Fringe, Iowa City, IA

  • Iowa Watch's Glory Days, Iowa City, IA

  • Iowa Watch’s Holiday Horror Stories, Iowa City, IA

  • Community Mental Health Night, Cresco, IA

  • Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, IA

  • Community Mental Health Night, Calmar, IA

  • Cedar Rapids Tedx, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Community Mental Health Night, Fayette, IA

  • Home for the Holidays Story Telling Event, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Stories from the Heart: Reimagining Home, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Mitchell County Schools, Osage, IA

  • Iowa Falls Community High School, Iowa Falls, IA

  • Clear Lake Public Library, Clear Lake, IA

  • Iowa Alternative Education Conf, Davenport, IA

  • Community Mental Health Day, Eldora, IA

  • Community Mental Health Night, Kalona, IA

  • 8th Grade Mental Health Day, Prairie Point, Cedar Rapids, Ia

  • Risky Business Conference, Ames, IA

  • Dioceses of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA

  • Four Oaks, Cedar Rapids, Ia

  • Together We Can Conference, Des Moines, IA

  • Community Event, Mason City, IA

  • Lutheran Services of Iowa, Waverly, IA

  • Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City, IA

  • College Community School District, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • St Luke’s Hospice, Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Catholic Schools of Waterloo, Waterloo, IA

  • Grand View University, Des Moines, IA

  • Grand Valley Public Library, Orwell, OH

  • Coalition for Family and Children, Des Moines, IA

  • Amanda the Panda Grief Org, Des Moines, IA

  • Don Bosco Catholic Schools, Gilbertville, IA

  • YMCA of Cedar Rapids Area, Coggon, IA

  • Foundation Two, Cedar Rapids, IA

Credentials:

  • Executive Director of 43 North Iowa-

  • Master of Public Policy 2017, University of Northern Iowa

  • 2023 Distinguished Alumni award winner from Grand View University

  • Top Workplace Culture Iowa winner 4 years in a row 2019-2023

  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion 2005, Grand View University

  • 20 years of experience working with at-risk youth, the intellectual disability community, and the mental health population

  • 19 years of experience in public speaking

  • A lifetime of experience battling and moving on from my struggles

“Students loved John’s impassioned style and accessibility. The students commented it was inspirational, educational, and a story every college student should hear.”
— Professor
“Wow, how fragile we are and how important it is to continue to reach out for help. As a mom it was encouraging to know connecting with my teen is important.”
— Mother
“John spoke to our youth with honesty and passion about life experiences. He shed light on important issues for our youth providing hope and healing all night long.”
— Youth Director