Tina Chevalier, Kristina Faulkner and Michael Vinton were once three strangers from distant corners of the U.S. Then, remarkably tragic events united them. Their lives were changed by acts of murder-suicide and loss of loved ones.

They soon found they were also united in the need for understanding and support that fit their grief journey.

Through their pain and unmet needs, they created help and purpose by founding Impacted Survivors - a support group to help people who find themselves members of this tragically exclusive group.

Listen as they share the story of their coming together, healing and how others can learn from their experiences and connect to a new community of hope.

Jessica Gimeno is an unrelenting advocate for the disabled community. She seeks equality and representation for the individuals who historically do not "have a seat at the table".

The search for justice and inclusivity drive her work as the Mental Health Policy Analyst at Access for Living in Chicago. There she focuses on mental health parity, child and adolescent mental health, and the implementation of the Community Emergency Services & Supports Act (CESSA).

She joined MHAI Talks to highlight the services and mission of Access for Living and share the progress of CESSA implementation since the law passed in 2021.

Naomi Ruth Cohen Institue's Executive Director Tracy Levin shares information about their 2024 conference that focuses on the definition of work and workplace, work cultures, challenges, and the importance of valuing mental health.

Dr. Dimple Patel is many things. She's a proud, first-generation Indian-American, a daughter, sister, mental health advocate and a suicide loss survivor.

Through the struggles of a tragic family event, Dimple confronted many

emotions, including the courage to step beyond her South Asian traditions to create a place of healing and purpose for her life.

In this episode, we discuss the impact that a death by suicide can leave on survivors, as well as some signs of depression and suicide risk signs in others or yourself.

Follow Dr. Patel on Instagram where she advocates and educates on mental health and suicide prevention at @MentalHealthBhavanas .

Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr. David Carbonell, practices therapy with a style of hope that focuses on clients' present-day issues. He shows clients and therapists that phobias and anxiety can be approached with humor. He joined MHAI Talks to share more of his thoughts on healing with humor and founding The Therapy Players, a group of improv-performing therapists who bring laughter to the practice and audiences.

Alexander Technique instructor and body wellness expert, Sharon Jakubecy, M. AmSAT, discusses the impact of stress and tension on our bodies and the practice that we can use to ease pain, calm the nervous system and alleviate stress symptoms.

Retired Orland Park Police Lt. Troy Siewert discusses the efficacy of CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams) in our communities when the model is used properly and goes beyond law enforcement. He also shares how he uses his new endeavor Insightful Crisis Response to train the community to prevent and reduce crises in individuals.

Law expert and Mental Health America of Illinois Board Member Mark Heyrman discusses major advancements and new mental health laws that take effect this year.