In this episode of Make Mental Health Matter, Kelli talks with Portia Booker. A little about her story: Grief touches us all, yet it's astonishing how often it leaves us feeling imprisoned by loss. My own journey through grief began with the heart-wrenching loss of both my parents within a span of nine months. This profound experience led me to question the societal constructs surrounding grief. I remember vividly, two weeks after my mother's transition (a term I prefer over death), a moment of revelation struck me as I collected her ashes. A thought crossed my mind, almost like a whispered message: ""Portia, could your mother's transition be a catalyst for your own transformation?"" At first, this idea left me perplexed. But it was during my sessions with a grief therapist that I found solace in writing. These sessions paved the way to my first book, ""Finding Grace within Grief: Her Transition...My Transformation."" This book is more than a narrative; it's a journey of breaking free from societal expectations of grief and embracing a personal path of understanding and acceptance. My experience with grief has opened unexpected doors, revealing lessons and insights I never anticipated. Now, my mission is to guide others in discovering the hidden gifts within their grief. By granting ourselves the permission to grieve and finding gratitude in our journey, we learn that in grief, nothing is truly lost. It's about redirecting the love we hold and seeing grief not as an end, but as a transformative passage. Portia is often referred to as ""Portia The Producer,"" is a renowned TV Host, visionary Producer, and dedicated Grief Awareness Advocate. Her journey through the profound loss of her parents led to the birth of ""The Grief Grantor,"" a transformative TV show airing Sundays on E360 TV. Previously known for her engaging radio show ""Groove with Portia,"" Portia's media career has been diverse and impactful. From leading a college newspaper to producing news segments for NBC and interning at PBS Newshour, she has consistently honed her craft in journalism and broadcasting. As the author of the heartfelt audiobook ""Finding Grace within Grief: Her Transition…My Transformation,"" Portia shares her personal journey of discovering light in dark times. She continues to create meaningful content, from podcasts to TV segments, and crafts unique legacy pieces that resonate deeply with her audience. In quieter moments, Portia finds solace by watersides, enjoys road trips, delves into captivating podcasts or audiobooks, and spends quality time with her loyal companion, Mr. Fletcher Blaze. With a blend of compassion and resilience, Portia Booker's voice and experiences continue to inspire, connect, and bring healing. Find more info about Portia here: https://www.facebook.com/pbookali/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbooker/ https://www.instagram.com/portiathegr...

In this episode Kelli chats with Michael Barber. He will share is story of being a suicide loss survivor and now how he works in suicide prevention with AFSP Colorado He is the Colorado Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His goal is to share educational information, raise awareness and critical funds to stop suicides in Colorado. Michael is a Colorado Native with a Bachelor’s of Science from Colorado Mesa University. He enjoys spending time with his wife and dog on outdoor adventures and exercising in his free time. You can find more info about Michael here: www.afsp.org/colorado https://www.facebook.com/afspcolorado https://www.instagram.com/afspcolorado

In this episode of Make Mental Health Matter, Kelli brings back Lisa Smith. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with a focus and comprehensive certifications in Family Systems. She was a 20 year, Masters level teacher who made a shift in career after her family struggled with Substance Use Disorder. Through her own journey of finding support for her oldest son, Lisa questioned the traditional support models, focused on her own personal recovery and learned to connect with her son in a meaningful way while healing herself and her other relationships. Lisa went from surviving her life to living and thriving, and was able to create the influence and connection that she was desperately trying to achieve as a mother. Lisa is the founder of Reclaim and Recover-Family Recovery Services. A comprehensive support organization for family members who love someone struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. She works individually with families as well as develops and runs family programs for treatment centers across the country. She believes in the process of parallel recovery and empowering families, and uses her experience as an educator to present ideas in a way that makes learning and growth achievable. Meeting each family where they are in the process of growth and healing is important to her work guiding and honoring each person’s journey. Her primary goal is to support families to honor both themselves and their loved one with compassion and connection and to empower families to have the tools of sustainability needed to support their loved one and invite change. She is also now a TEDx Speaker. You can find more about Lisa here: www.reclaimrecover.org https://www.instagram.com/reclaim_rec... https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-smit... https://www.facebook.com/reclaimandre... Once her TEDx video is released you can watch it here: https://tedxcherrycreek.com/videos/20...

KAYA is the Founder of Global Transformation Academy and trains all the fortune 500 companies, leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers and sales-professionals all over the world. Kaya has been a Featured Guest Speaker on OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK Recap Show 3 times! He trains different industries like 1) Banks: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, 2) Real Estate Companies like: Century 21 - Kaya actually trained the # 1 Century 21 office in the world and trained the # 1 Century 21 agent in the world, Keller Williams, Remax, 3) Mortgage Companies like: New American Funding, Prospect Mortgage, Bay Equity, 4) Financial services companies like: New York Life - the office Kaya trained became the # 1 producing New York Life office in the country after his training, and network marketing companies like: WFG - Kaya trained the top leaders of WFG, PHP - Kaya has trained the # 1 producing team at PHP, also ACN, Herbalife - Kaya trained the fastest growing team in Herbalife and Kaya also works with The Mayor’s office doing leadership and conflict resolution trainings for the city, etc. What I love about Kaya is he is all about heart and giving back too, he also rehabilitates veterans that suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and he helps the homeless. Kaya is an award wining Director and Producer of the documentary called “Homeless In America” which is about the plight of the homeless. Kaya is Master Certified and a Trainer’s Trainer in Neuro Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy (R), Hypnosis and a board certified Behavioral Analyst as well.” He trains and certifies speakers, coaches and trainers all of the world to do what he does too. Without further ado ... welcome to my show... Kaya Redford!

Adriana Dale is a seasoned Leadership Development Expert turned Abundance & Life Coach. Her passion is helping people achieve more ease, joy, and financial prosperity into their lives.

Krista Kopischke is a medical esthetician with 13 years experience in medical esthetics. After overcoming her own health issues, she realized many women were in the same boat as her. She became a health coach and nutritional therapist. This opened her eyes to see our internal health reflecting in our outwardly appearance. She is passionate about aging gracefully in mind, body, and spirit. By looking at our body as a whole, we can achieve that special sparkle, which to her, is real beauty.

Herlay Divine is a woman after God’s heart. She believes that as she aligns herself with joy, she aligns herself with the goals, dreams and highest versions of other people. Herlay has been a psychotherapist for the last decade and finds a renewed passion for the field by way of choosing to believe that All people are innately good and that they only need to uncover it. Herlay has two children and is first generation Caribbean from the island of Haiti. Herlay grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and migrated to Los Angeles 10 years ago to peruse herself. Herlay has a passion for working with women between the ages of 18-25, because she believes in assisting these women in awakening their innerself. When women awaken who they truly are, they take ownership of themselves and their lives. When we are enlightened, we show up Entirely as mothers, sisters, partners, and proactive citizens of society; promoting the best of overselves with absence of low self-esteem. Herlay believes in the forward evolution of our collective consciousness, thus her ability to move her client’s to understanding their innerworld and how this correlates to the Bigger picture. The bigger picture connects us all, however we must come into it by way of knowingness. Herlay has been working with women for the past decade and has found in her years of research that All major pains are born out of not knowing who we truly are. When we understand ourselves at the cellular level we begin to take ownership of our lives and thus begin to live from a place of High Vibrational, bliss!

A psychologist and life coach with over 30 years of experience, Tom Glaser, MS, is author of the Amazon.com bestseller Full Heart Living: Conversations with the Happiest People I Know. He is now working on a second book and video project on Resilience following Trauma. Whether writing, counseling individuals or groups, appearing on media, or teaching, his passion for helping people live their best lives flows through. For further information, including a free workbook, visit www.fullheartliving.com.

Jenn Smrz has always loved being active, it started with growing up with 2 older, competitive brothers. In her early 20’s, she realized the importance of making healthy choices & living a balance lifestyle. By day, she worked in HR & Career Counseling, by night, she enjoyed instructing fitness & personal training. The common thread is, Jenn enjoys helping others, whether it is with their careers, setting realistic fitness goals or assisting members with successful, weight management. Jenn, met her husband weeks before her 26th birthday & they both shared their passions for cottaging, adventure & having a family. They have two boys; Kyle & Brody, who by no surprise, are athletic & play rep hockey in Oakville, Ontario. If the Smrz family are not at a rink, they are spending time with friends & family up north. Jenn’s life took a drastic turn, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43 (May 2019). Since then, she has had 4 surgeries, 5 months of chemo & 33 radiation sessions, however, she says, she feels stronger, both mentally & emotionally, than ever before! She accepts her flaws & has embraced her new look – “I have a new appreciation for the little things in life.

Miko Lau is a Pleasure Embodiment Coach dedicated to supporting women across the globe to reclaim their magnetism, radiance, and aliveness. She is devoted to supporting women to "Blossom" mentally, emotionally, physically, sexually, and spiritually by integrating unhealed, unseen, and unfelt wounds from childhood and cultivating a deeply intimate and connected relationship with their bodies and emotions. Her vision is to create a world of pleasure, fun, ease, and joy for women across the world.

Kelly Burns, a woman who knows what it takes to make sacrifices and create success. Her experience did not come without a price and yet she still continues to shine. Kelly has built and maintained a thriving network marketing business for over 35 years, raised two incredible children with her husband, learned to take charge of her health before her health took charge of her and now serves as the full-time caregiver for her father-in-law. Each step of Kelly’s journey has brought her to us today. Her expertise in business building, family rearing, healthy living and selfless caregiving are what make her the incredible go to Health and Wellness Coach of 2021. Kelly Burns knows how to get it done!

Amy Grussing is a passionate person who wants you to live a free and restored life. She came to Doterra searching for hope and wanted solutions that would be safe, effective, and affordable. After spending several years and their family’s savings on medical and natural remedies for her son – she also became ill. She knew our bodies were created to heal and be restored, but hers was broken in many ways. Then a friend introduced her to what she had been missing – Doterra’s Certified Pure Tested grade essential oils! After trying what she thought was everything else - the use of Doterra essential oils and supplements changed her life. Her son and her family’s lives have changed as well. She was now empowered with Doterra’s natural solutions from an amazing company committed to purity and helping people. Amy learned to advocate and to care for herself physically but also emotionally and spiritually. The transformation in her, her son, and her family was so profound that she continually shares about the benefits of Doterra’s CPTG oils and supplements. Helping others also live a life of transformation by having hope and freedom, inspires Amy daily. CPTG Essential oils and supplements from Doterra – as the name means – truly are gifts of the earth!

"Vanessa Macias; a Licensed Massage Therapist and Holistic Health Practitioner since 2018, with 10 years of experience and knowledge about body, mind and soul. From personal experience to professional advice. Vanessa specializes in providing a holistic approach; helping you heal and recover faster, from migraines, back pain, insomnia, detoxification, post surgery, inflammation, sports injuries, toxic routines and much more. Some of her main modalities are lymphatic drainage massage, cupping therapy, cavitation and overall holistic healing. Vanessa was born in Guatemala and raised in Orange County. Since high school Vanessa suffered from migraines and back pain from early age injury. After going through different medications and deceptions she decided to make a complete lifestyle change. Diet, exercise and most of all self love and self care! She is a strong believer and very passionate about natural medicine; the power we hold within, to heal on our own. Allow her to guide you to your healing path, the understanding and connection between your body, mind and soul. I'm currently working on my businee facebook page. FB: Heal and Zen Wellness IG: www.instagram.com/Healandzen Business Email: Healandzenwellness@gmail.com Contact # 949)257-5209"

Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre's main passion is to help parents be happier, more confident, more connected and authentic in their parenting journey. In 2016, Genevieve became a mother. She quickly witnessed a choking amount of parental loneliness and parental anxiety. She also noticed that there is often conflicting advice on how to raise confident, kind and successful children. This is why she created PARENT TALK. ParentTalk is a series of educational podcasts with experts and experienced parents. They offer up to date information for the busy parent! In the spring of 2019, she became the educational producer for Social.mom where she produced a series of educational videos that is called the ""Social.mom Academy"". She is also the host of many of the videos. In the fall of 2019 she joined Niky radio, where she shared her parenting knowledge in a radio segment. She also joined the “juste pour le fun radio” based In Montreal and Victoria Radio based in Victoria, British Colombia. Since the onset of Covid-19 Geneviève has co-founded Tri-Cities United to initiate connection and to give back to her community. She understands that chronic loneliness can have a traumatic and lasting impact on our body and mind. As social beings, humans need connections with others. In the winter of 2021 she has join thechat TV as a host. Where she shares the mic with many amazing women to talk about a wide variety of topics and interests. Geneviève is originally from Granby, Québec where her family still resides. Yes!! This is where her accent is from. You can contact Genevieve for any topic request, question or to join her on the show as a guest or an expert. Email: genevieve@parenttalk.ca Website: https://www.parenttalk.ca/ IG: @podcastergen

Jennifer Jerald is a woman who has lived through abuse, neglect, sexual assault, mental illness, divorce, bankruptcy, a suicide attempt, a near death car accident and 22 major surgeries… Jennifer is living proof that you can LIVE FORWARD in spite of what life throws at you. As a result of years of trauma, Jennifer has spent the majority of her life in fear and a recurring cycle of unrealized dreams, broken relationships, feeling like a victim and completely defeated. Today, a survivor turned thriver, she is here to work with others who have experienced similar challenges or simply the feeling of ""I am not enough"" and emotional overwhelm. Jennifer is a powerful keynote speaker, 2 time #1 International Best Selling Author, musician and a Transformational Life Coach. She has developed a simple 5-step process to help others transform FEAR into F.O.C.U.S. Her mission is to help women rise up from “victim” to “WARRIOR”, one step at a time.

Scott has had a wide ranging and varied career. He has started, grown, and successfully exited three previous businesses. Has been on several boards serving as a director in both the private and the nonprofit sectors. He has a profound commitment to education on both sides of the desk, as well as inside and outside of the classroom. Scott holds a master’s degree in Leadership Development and has also earned his doctorate with an emphasis in Leadership Studies. Yet through it all, his primary love is teaching. He has served in a teaching capacity in a traditional college environment, and as a facilitator, coach, and instructor for numerous businesses and organizations. Scott’s strength in leading small group communication allows him to disarm even the greatest of egos. He deftly creates an environment of respect, providing the foundation for groups to quickly build trust. This developed trust ultimately leads to strong interdependent relationships, and newfound levels of success. His aspirational goals include continued self development in three areas he finds critical to leadership: Humility, Empathy, and Vulnerability.

Imagine your life where each day you get a little bit healthier and happier. How would you look and feel in a year? How would you show up differently in two years, in five years, in ten years or more?? Join Dr Tracy Brinkman on living a path dedicated to increasing levels of health and happiness. In September of 2018, depressed and overweight, she decided enough was enough, and she took all of her knowledge and put it into action. A doctor of Naprapathy, and trained over many years in natural/alternative medicine, nutrition, personal growth and evolution, she took the leap and chose to love herself into better health and happiness. She lost over 100 pounds, got off two medications for chronic disease, is stronger and healthier than she has ever been in her 40 plus years on this planet and is currently enjoying life in Puerto Rico with her upgraded avatar. Join her and other beautiful souls as we continue to embody higher levels of health and happiness in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blissfulwellbeing/ You may also follow along and learn more here: https://blissfulwellbeing.club/ https://www.facebook.com/tracydbrinkman https://www.instagram.com/drtracyblissfulwellbeing/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtracybrinkman/

DeAnna Jordan Crosby supervises a team of caring, well-trained clinicians who provide continued support throughout a client’s stay at New Method Wellness. (A premier addiction rehab in Southern California.) With over 20 years of experience working with clients in recovery, Crosby is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Pst.D. candidate who specializes in maintaining healthy relationships. Her expertise has catapulted her into the spotlight, as she was featured on Dr. Phil, Jane Valdez-Mitchell, National Geographic’s Taboo, and has been published in Elle Magazine as well as The Huffington Post.

Sarah Stockham was born & raised as a missionary & pastor’s daughter in Democratic Republic of Congo. She has complemented the faith of her childhood with her training in several lineages of Reiki. Sarah teaches all levels of Reiki, leads meditations & oversees Reiki sessions through ReikiClaremont.com

Kayla Abdi is 32 years young. After finishing her Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership she has continued to learn and grow. She loves building community and providing value to others. She loves of all things health and wellness. She’s a part time spin instructor & bonus mom. Overall, her ultimate goal is to help people build a recession proof business while making an impact.