Kēphen

Profile:

I am a former professional development instructor with the State of Missouri, where I served for 13 years. I am a behavioral health advocate, current Missouri Certified Peer Specialist, former suicide prevention committee member, and I am currently a field advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In my personal life I am a strong proponent of behavioral health advocacy and education, particularly in the workplace, and believe in the power of the voices of those who have or are experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, especially in fighting against stigma. I was diagnosed with and am in treatment for bipolar disorder type two, and struggled with depression and suicidality throughout my teens and early twenties. I experienced childhood sexual and physical trauma, and am a suicide attempt survivor. I am openly a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I am an advocacy-oriented person, I enjoy using my skills to bring information and resources to people, whether that be for support or educational purposes on the topics of behavioral health or civil rights. I believe in the power of creative expression and love learning new things. You can usually find me hiking, reading nonfiction, writing, exercising, meditating, creating, sharing interesting things I've learned, or advocating for others.

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