Getting well and staying well is the focus of Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD- author, educator, and mental health advocate. Mary Ellen's work is based on the study of the day-to-day coping and wellness strategies of people who have experienced mental health challenges. It centers on self-help, recovery, and long-term stability. Personally, Mary Ellen had experienced years of mental health challenges. After developing this program, she has achieved long-term wellness and stability using these strategies.

Now in its sixth printing, the workbook has developed a strong and loyal following. In 2003, Pathways was listed as one of the top three national recovery education tools by the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation and it received the Lilly Reintegration Award in 2009. Pathways To Recovery has been widely used by the U.S. Veteran’s Administration, several state Departments of Mental Health and a wide variety of consumer-run organizations. Individual readers, family members, peer support workers and other mental health providers throughout the United States and Canada have used the workbook with great success. Working in partnership with recovery educators, consumer co-authors and an advisory group of Kansas consumers to develop the materials, Pathways to Recovery translates the evidence-supported approach of the Strengths-based Model—an approach developed in Kansas and that has been used effectively for over twenty years worldwide—into a person-centered, self-help approach. The Strengths Model has proven successful in reducing psychiatric hospitalization, allowing people to set and achieve person goals and, in turn, improve one’s quality of life. Pathways to Recovery puts the process of setting goals and creating personal recovery plans into a self-guided format. The workbook guides readers through a process of exploring their own recovery journey while creating a long-range vision for their lives. It guides readers to explore their current lives and set goals across ten life domains that include creating a home, learning, working, nurturing a social circle, intimacy and sexuality, wellness, leisure and spirituality.

A tantalizing look into the world of lived experiences invites you to explore through a lens of Lived Experience. This is an interactive workshop that helps those without lived experience in the consumer survivor community, think more carefully about the impact of their interactions with their clients. This engaging session delves deep into the personal narratives that shape our perspectives and influence our interactions. Participants will gain profound insights into the journeys of others, which can deepen empathy, enhance communication skills, and broaden one's understanding of diverse life paths. This workshop is not only about hearing stories—it's about connecting on a human level, learning from real-world experiences, and applying these lessons to foster inclusive and supportive environments. Join us to discover the powerful impact of lived experiences in shaping a more compassionate community.

Here we delve into the critical role that peer support plays when supporting clients through their own mental health wellness and recovery process. This comprehensive program is structured to educate participants on how to utilize lived experiences to assist others in their journey towards wellness. By focusing on empathy, shared understanding, and the principles of mutual aid, the course empowers individuals to become effective peer supporters. Ideal for anyone aspiring to contribute positively to their community or workplace, this course covers essential skills such as active listening, confidentiality, and boundary-setting. Join us to learn how to create supportive environments that encourage healing, resilience, and connection.