Lived Experience Academy Participants Graduate
The Office of Consumer and Family Affairs recently completed a Lived Experience Academy session. The Lived Experience Academy teaches clients and family members with lived experience to share their stories to empower themselves, further the healing process, reduce stigma and educate others about behavioral health conditions.
“I loved LEA,” said one graduate. “It taught me how to tell my story and made think and feel deeply. I loved this group.”
On April 10, two OCFA staff members, Lee Harrison and Jairo Wilches, two BHRS staff members, Laura Angel and Renee Harris, and two previous Academy graduates, Michael Lim and Pamela Ward, co-facilitated the 10-hour training for a diverse group of 15 clients and family members.
“I saw the positive side of my story,” said one participant.
BHRS staff , David Young, Suzanne Aubry, Maria Lorente-Foresti and Scott Gruendl, joined the graduation celebration and congratulated the participants on their accomplishment. The stories shared and the presentations developed in the training were amazing and inspiring.
Having people with lived experience as active participants in trainings and our community outreach and education is a part of our MHSA and our Workforce Education and Training plans. LEA Speakers Bureau members are available to speak at trainings, staff meetings and community functions. To request LEA Speakers for a training or event, contact Suzanne Aubry – (650) 573-2673.
– Lee Harrison, OCFA Consumer/Family Liaison
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