Mental Illness Expert and Keynote Speaker
Recent reviews of Carol Kivler mental illness expert, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for mental health.
Family Resource Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky
“Carol’s presentation was PERFECT and the conversation that it created in the Q&A period and throughout the remainder of the day and week was really amazing. Your personal story and the information shared resonated with so many of the participants. Thank you for all that you are doing to help people with such a critical issue. The mental health crisis is a pandemic lurking in the shadows that few want to acknowledge and far fewer want to admit that they have a need in this area.”
Michael A. Jones
MPI Middle PA
“Carol Kivler is truly an inspiration! Carol virtually presented to our MPI chapter on “Meeting Planners and Mental Wellness.” It was truly an eye-opening and wonderful presentation highlighting the stressors of the industry and how we can all learn to care for ourselves better. Her honesty and caring personality prevailed through her presentation and certainly made our group comfortable with discussions on some difficult topics. I would highly recommend working with Carol for your next presentation!”
Sarah Farrell
Charity Water
Carol was an excellent speaker! She bravely shared her story of mental illness with our team, which inspired and opened the dialogue. Carol made it easier for us to have important conversations around mental health. She was so relatable and created a warm environment for questions. Thank you, Carol!
Cat McClellan
Events Manager
Yale University of Nursing
“Your unfailing dedication to breaking down the barriers of stigma related to depression and ECT is exemplary. If only others would have the courage to follow in your footsteps, mental health treatment would no longer be hidden in the shadows. Carol, you are a true gift to humanity. I am personally blessed by your life journey and commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and their family members as well as your devotion to bringing the real-world into the academic setting.”
Mary D. Moller, DNP, ARNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN
Specialty Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Cleveland Clinic
“Carol’s presentation was the best Grand Rounds we have had at the Cleveland Clinic this year.”
Tatiana Falcone, M.D.
Psychiatric Institute of Washington
“Carol Kivler’s discussion of her journey is compelling, candid and provocative. Everyone in the audience left not just informed, but transformed.”
Joy Jones
Director of Community Relations
Princeton House Behavioral Health
“Thank you, Carol, for having the courage to speak so openly at our Grand Rounds series about your journey of recovery. Your heartfelt testimonial of optimism and resilience is moving and inspirational, and is an invaluable message for professionals and lay people alike.”
Jonathan Krejci, Ph.D.
Director of Training and Research
Cleveland Clinic
“Your Grand Rounds presentation, “The Other Side of Psychosis” was exceptionally well received by our department. Thank you once again for taking the time from your busy schedule to join us and share your expertise and advocacy.”
Joseph Austerman, D.O.
Chair, Psychiatry Grand Rounds Committee
Albert Einstein Medical Center
“Both the interns and the more experienced residents were fascinated by Ms. Kivler’s talk, and wished for more. She provided living confirmation of many of the things the residents are taught-the effectiveness of ECT, the value of a long term trusting relationship with a psychiatrist, the importance of genuinely listening to the patient, and the impact of ordinary human kindness. The interns could have had no better introduction to the relationship with the patient.”
Kimberly R. Best, MD
Behavioral Health Services, Bergen Regional Medical Center
“Carol Kivler, M.S. smashes the common stereotype of the unemployed, incapable or demented individual with a mental illness. Her message of recovery, productivity and successful living is one that any individual who has, lives with or is a health care provider must hear. A successful business woman, courageous advocate and warm human being make Mrs. Kivler, a voice of reason and hope for all whose lives are touched by mental illness.”
(Rev) Ben Evans, DD, DNP, RN, APN
Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse Associate Vice President
NAMI Delaware
“Carol Kivler is an inspiration! The story of her own courageous battle with depression is tremendously encouraging. For an entertaining, dynamic and moving speaker on the challenges of living in recovery from mental illness you will definitely want to invite Carol to be your keynote speaker.”
Mary Berger
President
Recovery InSight, Inc.
“Thank you so much for your inspiring words today. I feel like I’ve been given a “booster shot” and ready to take on another challenge. You are a wonderfully kind woman.”
Diana Fullem
Founder/CEO
Neumann University
“Thank you, Carol, for your personal testimony of hope and empowerment. The nursing students were touched by your willingness to share of your own life and your avowed ministry of fighting the social stigma of mental illness. Your message to care for the body, mind, and spirit of each individual was spoken clearly and memorably. Your presentation on ECT helped dispel some myths and encouraged a more informed perspective. Thank you again for your generous gift of words and spirit.”
Marina Lutz, MSN, RN
Division of Nursing and Health Science
Prince William Health System
“Carol was able to provide insight and I was amazed at her courage for being able to share her story, even her darkest moments. I was also more enlightened about the difficult journey that so many of our patients experience and I learned how important it is to instill even the smallest amount of hope in the lives of our patients.”
Patricia Cole, MSN, RN
New Jersey Rehabilitation Association
“I want to thank you for presenting as our keynote speaker for this year’s conference. You are a very inspiring and dynamic speaker. Sharing your first-hand experience so openly with the audience was very moving and really touched the hearts of us all. You have reminded me that there is always hope for recovery and the small things that we do on a daily basis can really make a difference in the lives of those we serve in the field of vocational rehabilitation services.”
Amy M. Kaboski, MS, LRC, CRC, CPRP, NCC, DCC
President
University of Connecticut Health Center
“Your presentation to our group of physicians, nurses, psychiatry residents and a number of consumers was indeed inspiring. Please do continue your courageous work, and message of hope and recovery.”
William P. Shea, III, MD
Department of Psychiatry
NAMI-Mercer (National Alliance of Mental Illness)
“Every time Carol recounts her own experiences with mental illness and recovery she demonstrates that people who have mental illness can and do recover and live productive lives. By standing up and speaking out, Carol is breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness one audience at a time.”
Jerry Lindauer
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association
“In a world where spin is king, Carol Kivler is not only a breath of fresh air; she is messenger of common sense, integrity, experience and humility. It is no surprise that over 300 individuals gave her a standing ovation. Human beings seem to recognize and honor real truth when it is spoken. Carol’s honesty about what worked and what didn’t for her is an example of the type of dialogue that should be ongoing if we hope to make recovery a reality and expand our knowledge base to become more successful than we believe is currently possible. Carol was a shining example of what the hope of one person’s story, experience, and hard earned wisdom can bring to those who are willing to listen.”
Wendy Wood
Director of Opportunity and Networking
Middlesex County College
“Carol’s presentation on the ABC’s of Recovery from Mental Illness spoke to every student, staff, and faculty member in attendance. Her winning combination of brutal honesty, humor and hope left all members of the audience with a significant personal take- away and an opportunity to reflect on and implement the skills and strategies to make mental wellness a priority in our increasingly busy lives.”
Pattiann McMahon
Supervisor
Democracy House – The Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service
NAMI-Mercer
“Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Your journey is so inspiring and your remarks were so comforting to those of us who are filled with hope for our loved ones with mental illness. It is terrific that your message is reaching more and more people, as you are an outstanding role model and advocate.”
Carol Nied
Development Committee
DBSA Succasunna
“Carol Kivler is a bright light in a world that is often dark and unwelcoming to our struggles with a mental health disorder. Carol engaged our group and her honest personal story touched everyone that was there, her encouragement to each person was of great comfort and a strong positive focus on living life in wellness from a very practical point of view. We encourage other support groups to seek Carol out to talk about living life in wellness.”
Chris Chernick
President
New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
“We had the pleasure of having Carol as our Keynote Speaker at the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association’s annual conference this year. The keynote, Putting the Face of “HOPE” on Mental Health Awareness: Help, Offer, Partner, Erase, was both informative and inspirational. The honesty in which Carol shared her personal experience was quite moving and reminded us all of the power of hope in recovery.”
Jennifer Sperduto, MS, CPRP
Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
“Truly touching, informative, compelling and necessary for every employer to start the discussion about depression in their workplace. As leaders in any organization we need to be aware how many people depression and mental illness touches. It’s not about how much money and lost work time from employees – it’s about showing how much we care about our employee’s mental health. Carol’s presentation has inspired me to break the stigma and talk about it. It could save a life.”
Elizabeth Danforth, SHRM–CP
Director of Human Resources
MedScape Education
“Thank you for your significant contribution to the success of our program. The feedback we received was extremely positive. Most importantly, our guests came away with a call-to-action, many planning to share what they learned and experienced with key stakeholders in their organization. Stories are powerful. They provide context, kindle an emotional fire, and package facts in ways that people will remember and want to share (retell) to others. Thank you for sharing your story, your expertise and your passion for patient education and the power of patient voice in professional education.”
Susan R. Grady, MSN, RN-BC
Director, Educational Strategy and Patient Engagement
Anchor House
“Thanks for your wonderful presentation and for sharing both from your heart and from your vast knowledge of the field. I know each of my colleagues benefited significantly from your message. I look forward to working with them to be “Stigma Busters” and “Hope Holders” here at Anchor House and in the world beyond. God bless you and your work”
Claire Walton, MA
Volunteer Coordinator
Robert Wood University Hospital Hamilton
“Attendees were both educated and inspired through Carol’s sharing of her personal journey of depression and recovery. Her clear and authentic presentation style allowed people experiencing depression and their loved ones to better understand the condition, as well as the various treatments and lifestyle changes which assist in recovery. It was obvious that Carol’s positive attitude and manner helped to encourage many people to not only overcome their symptoms, but to thrive with a sense of purpose and well-being. Overall, Carol is gifted in engendering hope and empowering those who hear her story.”
Shirley Roberts, MA, LPC, NCC
Community Health Educator
NAMI South Dakota
“Carol Kivler’s presence at our annual conference elevated to week to “special”. She is a top-notch speaker who finds a way to inspire everyone in the audience. But the most remarkable thing about Carol is her generosity of spirit. Coupled with a great sense of humor and love of people, it makes her beloved by those she meets. We are grateful to have met her, and we learned so much. Thank you Carol!”
Wendy Giebink
Executive Director
Children’s Futures
“Carol came to my church for wellness night, she was riveting! The congregation was focused and enthralled with her honesty, her openness, and willingness to share the most intimate details of her journey. I can’t think of anyone else I would want to do this type of presentation then Carol Kivler.”
Cynthia Hampton
NFP Nurse Home Visitor
New Point Behavioral Health Care
“Thank you so much for your positive and informative presentation. It’s refreshing to hear a success story; gives all of us hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for sharing your own personal story as we continue to battle the stigma of mental illness.”
Rose Carter, MSW
NAMI Kentucky
“Carol speaks from the heart and shares her personal journey with depression. She brings hope that recovery is possible.”
Cathy Epperson
Executive Director
GoodLife TV Network
“Thanks from the bottom of my heart for appearing on “American Family” to share your story about overcoming depression. You were absolutely dynamite! Your discussion was not only informative, setting a positive example for others who suffer from clinical depression but also very powerful emotionally. The insights and honesty you offered on the challenges of successfully overcoming depression were right on the money and extremely well articulated. You should be very proud of your own journey. You are certainly an inspiration to me!”
Bettina Gregory
Host
Wyeth Research
“We were very fortunate that you were able to speak to us about your illness. I believe that your presentation made a real impact on the researchers here. I have had nothing but positive comments from many of my co-workers about your presentation. I came away inspired, knowing that the medicines we are striving to develop truly make a difference in real peoples’ lives. I’ve always believed that, but real experiences and faces mean much more.”
Albert Uveges
Scientist
Wyeth Research
“It was our pleasure to have you come and speak with us. You were truly inspirational, and in fact made the research group realize that indeed our work is important and can impact the lives of others. Many times in our discipline scientists find themselves caught up in the scientific details and forget the true goal. Your presentation has further motivated us and will not be forgotten.”
Lee E. Schechter, Ph.D.
Director, Depression and Anxiety Research
Seton Hall University
“What can I say? Your presentation was absolutely incredible! My students were riveted to their seats. You have opened up their eyes in ways I never could have. Your presentation has changed not only their professional lives but their personal lives as well. I have spoken to my colleagues, and we want you to come back again next year and speak to all of our students!”
Donna A. Gaffney, RN, DNSc, FAAN
New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc.
“Carol’s presentation was well regarded by the attendees of our New Jersey Nursing Students annual convention. The students expressed that they learned so much from her, were inspired by her, and that they would recommend her presentation to other attendees. As one student stated “the room was packed and rightfully so”. On behalf of NJNS, we appreciate your dedication to the education of nursing students and hope that you will return for our next convention, in a larger room!”
Candace White, RN
Second-Vice President
The College of New Jersey
“Carol Kivler is a gifted speaker with a powerful message that is helping to undo the stigma of mental illness. Her talk is a “must-see” for every medical and mental health professional who thinks they may be sensitive when speaking with patients, but who may be unknowingly perpetuating shame and stigma. Carol’s talk will leave you transformed and oriented towards a recovery-mindset.”
Corinne Zupko, EdS, LPC, NCC
Adjunct Professor of Counselor Education
Seton Hall University
“Carol Kivler brought home the humanity and the anguish of mental illness. She is so brave to take her experience on the road and speak so frankly. Thank you, Carol.”
Nursing Student
Seton Hall University