John Gibilaro and Chelsea Dowling came on the show to discuss their personal journeys with mental health and how it got them into the work they are doing today with de-escalation. The company John founded, Peace Talkers is a leader in the field. 

John was first exposed to de-escalation and crisis intervention in the 1990’s while working in the juvenile justice field.  In 2001, John became a New York City Teaching Fellow and spent the next 12 years as a teacher and dean in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. In 2012, John became an assistant principal with the primary duties of social emotional development, safety, and security. Recently, after becoming a parent to a child with a neurological diagnosis, John has begun working with families to help keep the peace where it matters most. 

Chelsea Dowling is the Market Development Manager for Peace Talkers. She is also a student pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, focusing her studies on changing the incarceration rate of the mentally ill. She is an advocate for mental health awareness, having struggled with depression and anxiety since she was 18. Her and John have been working together since 2019, and she loves being able to help schools and families through Peace Talkers. She believes the more people talk and are open about their own mental illness struggles, the less alone others will feel.   

John Gibilaro: [email protected]

www.linkedin.com/in/john-gibilaro-m-s-ed-74b931113 

Chelsea Dowling: [email protected] 

Peace Talkers: 917-765-9559

www.peacetalkers.com

www.facebook.com/PeaceTalkersTraining 

www.instagram.com/peace_talkers_inc 

For more information: www.stigmatizedpodcast.com

Our Team...

Production & Music: Gwynne Sound - gwynnesound.com

Artwork: Neltner Small Batch - www.neltnersmallbatch.com

Photography: Jon Willis – www.jonbob.com

and Lindsey Steinhauser - www.facebook.com/lindsey.hamelsteinhauser

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.