Episode 13: In AWE of Mandy Froehlich-Advocacy Series
Mandy’s personal story and struggle with mental health challenges fuels her passion to advocate for mental health awareness. In this episode, we learn about what it is like for her to live with suicidal thoughts, and her suggestions about how to assist others to overcome their own challenges. The episode focuses on depression and suicidal thoughts, though Mandy is specifically an advocate for educators around all mental health challenges. Though some of the content may be challenging to hear, I encourage you to step forward with her in this message. I am honored to amplify Mandy’s advocacy story.
Mandy Froehlich is the Director of Innovation and Technology for the Ripon Area School District in Ripon, Wisconsin where she supports and encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. Her passion lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what is needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking. She consults with school districts and post-secondary institutions around the country in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, conducts workshops, and presents and keynotes nationally. Her first book, The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning, discusses mental health awareness for teachers. Her book, Divergent EDU, is based on an organizational structure she developed to support teachers in innovative and divergent thinking.
Divergent EDU: Challenging assumptions and limitations to create a culture of innovation
AWE Inspiring Recommendations:
The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Teacher’s Aide with Mandy Froehlich and Jon Harper
Mentioned by Sarah
QPR-Question-Predict-Refer Training
Youth Mental Health First Aid
More Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
A Note from Sarah:
This conversation with Mandy affected me deeply, and I am incredibly honored that she would open up and share her story for what fuels her advocacy with mental health challenge discussions. Suicide completions specifically have impacted my life in large ways, and being able to amplify Mandy’s story is my own mission lived it in layers.
If her message lands with you, please consider sharing it. This topic is not easy to listen to or engage with, and that is why I am proud to feature it in this episode.
Here is a post I wrote about my brother in September 2017. It was the first time aside from a small portion in Balance Like a Pirate that I had written about this significant loss.
https://sarahsajohnson.blogspot.com/2017/09/every-day-is-awareness-for-survivors.html
This is another post where I shared insight as a survivor after time. We need to keep talking.
https://sarahsajohnson.blogspot.com/2018/07/surviving-is-sometimes-enough-just-keep.html
Blessings,
Sarah
