Insight with Mark Farrell

Aside from the birds and the bees talk, perhaps the conversation most parents are afraid to have with their children is the talk about college.  Both students and parents feel the pressure about making sure kids are accepted into the perfect school, what a particular school might mean for a child’s future, and how exactly the cost of college will be met by the family. Mark’s guest - Jon McGee has spent much of his career studying the influence of trends on college enrollment and how students make their college choice. Yet when his oldest son began to explore colleges, McGee felt as overwhelmed as most parents grappling to help their child prepare for this life-changing decision and the emotional challenges ahead. With three more kids close behind, McGee began his own search—for comprehensive, authoritative, encouraging, and compassionate guidance in one easy-to-follow manual. When he couldn’t find one, he turned to his colleagues in higher education.       

DEAR PARENTS: A Field Guide for College Preparation (Johns Hopkins University Press; 2018) is the result: a collection of letters to parents from parents, most of college-age children, with leadership positions at colleges, universities, and secondary schools across the country.

 

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for students (K-12) and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

 

"Mark Farrell is an engaging speaker and a remarkably talented man whose personal experiences overcoming adversity are inspirational.  I am very grateful that our students and faculty had the chance to hear him speak and to meet him during one of our major events at our school.  His moving stories about his own experiences with visual impairment enhanced our understanding about the challenges associated with vision loss and the power of the human spirit to meet those challenges with determination and dignity."Mark KiselicaDean, School of Education

The College Of New Jersey

A wall separates Jack and Corrine Wlody from the neighboring Birch Family Services group home for adults with intellectual disabilities though the screams and yells, crashes, thuds and bangs inside the group home combined with the oppressive actions by the direct support providers witnessed outside the home prove and demonstrate what many neighbors fear is happening inside this home - mistreatment of one of the populations most vulnerable.  PIX 11 TV NY, The NY Post and the Queens Chronicle all have done stories covering the atrocities captured on video by Jack and Corrine who have been communicating with the owner of the group home, Birch Family Services with simple request for years including better sound reinforcement between the two dwellings and common courtesy in an uncommon scenario for a group home to reside in an environment where resident privacy and HIPAA laws are jeopardized.  The Wlody’s are fervently litigating against Birch Family Services so residents can experience the humane treatment they are entitled to by law and more.

 

Selma Blair can’t get dressed by herself on or off set but this Hollywood star is knocking down walls with her pride and spirit on her recent MS diagnosis.    

 

Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and retreat to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: [email protected]

 

Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation

 

Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Princeton University

 

Mark’s willingness to use his disability to uplift others is both generous and remarkable.  His message resonates with all of us who have worked hard to overcome life’s adversities.  If you’re looking for a podium speaker, look elsewhere.  Mark stays on the move and keeps the audience engaged.  Thank you, Mark.

 

Johnny Callebs

KAPP Executive Director

Laura Meddens is a supremely talented and creative artist who began painting less then five years ago when her remaining vision failed lost though her work appears to be the result of decades of experimentation and practice.  Laura’s story of resiliency and determination to succeed on several fronts is astounding. Check out Laura Medden’s work: http://laurameddens.com/ Mark discusses the how the Saudi government is doing a remarkably horrific job in covering up the apparent murder of Washing Post reporter, Jamal Khashoggi and the maddening lack of action by Trump.  Mark shares his perspective of legalized marijuana now that Canada is the 2nd nation to light up.

Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and retreat to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: [email protected]

 

Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation

 

Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Princeton University

 

Mark’s willingness to use his disability to uplift others is both generous and remarkable.  His message resonates with all of us who have worked hard to overcome life’s adversities.  If you’re looking for a podium speaker, look elsewhere.  Mark stays on the move and keeps the audience engaged.  Thank you, Mark.

 

Johnny Callebs

KAPP Executive Director

The film, “Feeling Through” began 7 years ago when Filmmaker Doug Roland had a chance encounter with a man named Artemio on a NYC street. Doug tells Mark how he shared an instant connection as Artemio was one of the most trusting and open-hearted people he had ever met. He also happened to be Deaf-Blind, and this experience not only inspired the story of “Feeling Through”, but motivated Doug to learn more about a community he realized I knew nothing about.

 

Doug is working closely with the Helen Keller National Center to launch a nationwide event series consisting of screenings of both films accompanied by a panel discussion with members of the DeafBlind community.

 

Doug is an independent filmmaker who has a passion for telling stories of individuals and communities overlooked and underrepresented. His short film Jada played in over 2 dozen festivals around the world before becoming a viral sensation with more than 15 million views on YouTube…Doug produced the feature film Life Hack which has racked up 16 awards on the festival circuit (including Best Independent Feature at the Cleveland International Film Festival).

 

“Feeling Through” needs your support so this vital film can be completed that not only showcases and supports actors with disabilities it also helps promote the significance of inclusion in our society.

To donate, learn more and to view behind the scenes: www.feelingthrough.com www.helenkeller.org

 

Doctor and author, Susan Noonan speaks candidly with Mark about depression and how she keeps it at bay as well as an abundance of information in her new book relating to positive mental health: “Take Control of Your Depression: Strategies to Help You Feel Better Now  Johns Hopkins Press.

 

Dr. Noonan is a certified Peer Specialist in the Dept of Psychiatry at McLean Hospital, as well as a consultant on depression to the Massachusetts General Hospital. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Tufts University and a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Quality of Care, from Harvard. Also the author of When Someone You Know Has Depression: Words to Say and Things to Do, Dr. Noonan brings her personal experience with managing a mood disorder to her work with patients and mental health professionals. She lives in the Boston area.

 

Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and retreat to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: [email protected]

 

Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation

 

Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Princeton University

 

Mark’s willingness to use his disability to uplift others is both generous and remarkable.  His message resonates with all of us who have worked hard to overcome life’s adversities.  If you’re looking for a podium speaker, look elsewhere.  Mark stays on the move and keeps the audience engaged.  Thank you, Mark.

 

Johnny Callebs

KAPP Executive Director

Nike gets it though many Americans perceive Colin as anti-American for his protest of racial inequality.  Is paradise all it’s cracked up to be?  Mark shares his hilarious bartending experiences while working at Club Med in Turks and Caicos (rated R).  It’s all to common though the dialogue for post partum depression remains hush, hush. 

 

Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference, camp to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: [email protected]

 

Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation

 

Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Princeton University

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide commends Mark Farrell for sharing his life experiences and working to educate school staff on mental health awareness. His bold story, charisma and stage presence engage school staff and students during this important conversation

Dawn Doherty Executive Director

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

 

    Mark Farrell is a dynamic speaker who will captivate the audience by sharing his personal story of how he was able to overcome challenges in life and worked his way to success.  We scheduled Mark for 45 minutes, but our students were so engaged in his story that Mark spoke for over 1 hour.  I still have students approach me and discuss Mark's message and say, "if he could do it, so can I”

 

Christine Crielly

School Counselor

Holland Brook School NJ

Joe Bruno, President and CEO of Helen Keller Services joins Mark to discuss their gargantuan milestone of 125 years of vital service to consumers who are blind or visually impaired.  Learn more: 

https://www.helenkeller.org/

    

Melissa Mroz’s is leading an extraordinary life.  A life that depicts how hard work, determination and resiliency can take one far.  Melissa’s ability to overcome a near fatal accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, victim of rape and how she connected with her birth mother is a testament to how much the human spirit is capable of.  As a Mind and Body Integrated Therapist, Melissa is doing exactly what she was destined for – positively impacting lives on multiple levels. www.360agility.com

 

Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference, camp to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: [email protected]

"The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide commends Mark Farrell for sharing his life experiences and working to educate school staff on mental health awareness. His bold story, charisma and stage presence engage school staff and students during this important conversation."

Dawn Doherty Executive Director

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

 

    

Mark Farrell is a dynamic speaker who will captivate the audience by sharing his personal story of how he was able to overcome challenges in life and worked his way to success.  We scheduled Mark for 45 minutes, but our students were so engaged in his story that Mark spoke for over 1 hour.  I still have students approach me and discuss Mark's message and say, "if he could do it, so can I."

 

Christine Crielly

School Counselor

Holland Brook School NJ

Margaret Hagerman, author of “White Kids, Growing Up with Privilege in a racially Divided America” – shares her 2 year research that delves into the lives of 36 boys and girls ages 10-13 and how they are taught about race, equality, charity and so much more.   

 

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: [email protected]

 

“Mark Farrell is a great motivational speaker filled with enthusiasm, spunk and encouragement. It was great to see our students connect to him while listening and observing his experiences. Students were engaged and connected with him on personal level. It was an inspiring message that I hope all of our students will remember for years to come.

Jessica Citro - Student Assistance Counselor

X Games competitor, Max Gomez was riding a mini-bike (small motorcycle) at 4 and he was competing at 6.  The speed, the 50ft high jumps, the adrenaline and other thrilling aspects of motocross is what keeps this remarkable young mad coming back.  Even an accident that claimed his right foot was not going to slow down this indomitable young man that aspires to become a physical therapist after an amazing experience with his prosthetist lead him to realize his love for physical fitness and the power of the human spirit.  Max’s family is his support system including his father who customized his bike so Max can brake with ease and comfort using his left hand. Max is remarkable and you’ll soon hear why!

 

Demi Lovato was hospitalized for depression and Mark muses why and how the entertainment industry will not allow Demi to heal as well as what she needs to do to gain control of her life. Soulasational Founder, Michele Leonard talks with Mark about the 8th Annual Sounsaltional Music and Wellness Festival that offers the best Jersey Shore rock bands, yoga, incredible and healthy food and so much more.  www.soulsational.info.com

 

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for students (K-12) and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

 

"Mark Farrell is an engaging speaker and a remarkably talented man whose personal experiences overcoming adversity are inspirational.  I am very grateful that our students and faculty had the chance to hear him speak and to meet him during one of our major events at our school.  His moving stories about his own experiences with visual impairment enhanced our understanding about the challenges associated with vision loss and the power of the human spirit to meet those challenges with determination and dignity."Mark KiselicaDean, School of Education

The College Of New Jersey

Mark discusses how sometimes one has to quit and or change direction in life to pursue options like a career change.  Can a coach’s positive talk and motivation influence and lead a soccer team made up of 8 year old boys to have a perfect season? 

 

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for students (K-12) and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

             

“Mark Farrell is an amazing speaker, who talks with honesty and humor.  He uses his life experiences to help people overcome their own adversities and walk them through their journey, to show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Mark touches everyone who is lucky to hear him speak.”

 

Ellen Houlihan

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

President of Central NJ Chapter

 

“Mark Farrell served our firm with a perfect mix of motivation, humor and uplifting personal experience during a corporate event to touch each employee personally while inspiring success and determination. Mark’s professionalism, contagious charisma and flexibility made working with him something we look forward to again in the future”

Robin Greene, Vice PresidentPrestigious Hedge Fund Greenwich, CT

Dr. Irwin Redlener, Pediatrician, Co-Founder of the Children’s Health Fund, Columbia University Professor and author of “THE FUTURE OF US - What the Dreams of Children Mean For 21st Century America” discusses the many variables that have an unprecedented mount of homeless children in the U.S.  We muse about the many factors that impact youth and their potential to succeed in life to Dr. Redlener’s invaluable work with Paul Simon, fellow Co-Founder of the Children’s Health Fund.  Dr. Redlener’s work has touched the lives of thousands and you’ll be struck by his passion and sense of responsibility.

 

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for students (K-12) and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

 

"Mark Farrell is an engaging speaker and a remarkably talented man whose personal experiences overcoming adversity are inspirational.  I am very grateful that our students and faculty had the chance to hear him speak and to meet him during one of our major events at our school.  His moving stories about his own experiences with visual impairment enhanced our understanding about the challenges associated with vision loss and the power of the human spirit to meet those challenges with determination and dignity."Mark KiselicaDean, School of Education

The College Of New Jersey