Upcoming events:
Not Alone
1) John Adams Middle School:
Mason City, Iowa
April 12th, 2 pm-3 pm, 2024
Culture, Environment, Emotions
2) 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)
3) Grand View University: Grand Views Event
October 2nd 4 to 5:30pm 2024
Inclusive Community
4) Association of Community Professionals in Nebraska October Conference,
October 17th and 18th 9 am to 4:30pm
Culture, Environment, Emotions and
Turn Down the Heat
5) Beyond the Bell Program for JAMS middle school
Presenting 1 Tuesdays a month from October through April in 2024.
6) North Iowa Leadership Program
Leadership Panel Discussion, April 16th, 2025, 11am to 12:30pm
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 5 years in a row 2019-2024
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion 2005, Grand View University
22 years of experience working with at-risk youth, the intellectual disability community, and the mental health population
21 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.”
“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.”
“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.”