Opening Plenary: Mental Health: Finding Your Voice

SESSION INFO

Sunday, February 25, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Session Type: Plenary

As Parole Officers, you have a significant role to play in supporting the well-being of others. However, the importance of your own wellness must not be overlooked. When it comes to mental health, silence has never been the answer. Understanding the power of your voice is the first step in finding true freedom. Having experienced challenges with mental illness, trauma, and addictions first-hand, Allan shares his captivating story of resilience and hope. Through his message, you will learn how to share your own story, step into your vulnerability, and connect to yourself and others in a more authentic way. By finding your own voice, you will be able to inspire others to find theirs.

SESSION PRESENTERS

Allan Kehler
Presenter, Mental Health Advocate, and Author, Out From the Shadows Consulting


Allan Kehler is a mental health advocate, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author of four books. His TEDx talk on men and mental health has gained international attention, and he has been featured on several television and radio programs. For nearly a decade, Allan instructed various mental health related courses at the college level while also working as an addiction’s counselor and clinical case manager. Today, Allan is a highly sought-after speaker on various topics related to mental health and wellness. He has stood on nearly 1,000 stages and is recognized for his engaging style and captivating approach. Having persevered through his own challenges with mental illness and addictions, Allan speaks from a place of experience. His moving stories tug on heartstrings, inspire a new perspective, and allow people to connect with themselves and others at a deeper level. He uses humor and compassion to create a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Allan has developed a genuine appreciation and passion for learning and working with Indigenous people and communities. This has played a key role in his own recovery, and these cultural teachings can be found in his presentations. Recently, Allan and his wife, Tanya, launched Born Resilient™ - a clothing line that empowers people to persevere through their challenges. They are proud to donate a percentage of their profits to organizations that promote wellness. Allan currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He shares his life with Tanya, four boys, three dogs, and a tank of fish.