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February Speaker has been canceled, next speaker will be on March 2, 2023 at 6pm pst, via Zoom.
We will have an In-Our-Own-Voice (IOOV) presentation with Michael Fields and Troia Cephas . NAMI IOOV presentations change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health conditions. These presentations provide a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as individuals with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition.
This presentation provides:
- An opportunity to hear open and honest perspectives on a highly misunderstood topic
- A chance to ask Speakers questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions
- The understanding that individuals with mental health conditions have lives enriched by hopes, dreams and goals
- Information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community
Bio for Michael Fields:
Michael was diagnosed with clinical depression as an adult after suffering in silence for many years due to stigma. He is also a recovering alcoholic with continuous sobriety beginning Nov. 9, 1992.
He is the CEO for Peer Recovery Services (PRS) which operates three peer-run Wellness Centers in Stockton, Manteca and soon, in Lodi. PRS serves mental health consumers with serious mental health conditions seeking support in their recovery, and family members. PRS turns no one away who wants recovery. The Wellness Centers are funded by San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services. Manteca Wellness Center received start-up funding from the Dignity Health Community Foundation.
Michael knows from personal experience that strong recovery is possible and works at eliminating stigma. He was asked by the U.S. Navy Air Systems Command and the Individuals with Disabilities Advisory Team to be a special guest speaker along with Col. Greg Gadson (seen in the movie Battleship), at a nationally televised event for the U.S. Navy. Michael speaks before civic, business, education and other groups in order to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness.
He credits his successes to both clinical and non-clinical peer support services.
Bio for Troia Cephas:
Troia Cephas is a testament that substance abuse and mental illness recovery is not a race, but rather a process. A process that requires a community, which she found at The Wellness Center of San Joaquin County and NAMI. These resources have empowered Troia to use tools and to take steps towards her daily growth. As a result, she shares her story and gives others hope.
Troia currently works for Peer Recovery Services and is the Lead Peer Recovery Coach of The Wellness Center of San Joaquin County. The Wellness Center is the place where she found the true definition of recovery and what being a peer means.
Registration now open
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