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 has experienced years of mental health challenges and 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. It has also 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 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 doesn’t concentrate on psychiatric symptoms, treatments or disorders. Instead, the book guides readers through a process of exploring their own recovery journey while creating a long-range vision for their lives. The workbook format guides individuals 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.

Our "Understanding Lived Experience" course offers a profound journey into the real-world experiences of individuals who have navigated their own mental health challenges. This course is designed to illuminate the complexities and nuances of mental wellness through firsthand narratives and expert analysis. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the resilience and resourcefulness required to manage a mental health crisis, enhancing empathy and understanding. Ideal for professionals in healthcare, education, and community services, as well as anyone looking to deepen their awareness, this course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life implications, empowering participants to apply these insights in both personal and professional contexts. Join us to enrich your understanding and become a more effective advocate for mental health in your community.

Our course on "The Role of Peer Support in Wellness and Recovery" delves into the critical role that peer support plays in mental health recovery processes. 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, the 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.

Our course, "Leveraging Peer Support for Families in Crisis," offers crucial insights and practical strategies for using peer support to aid families facing mental health challenges. This program is tailored to equip participants with the understanding and tools needed to provide compassionate, effective support within family settings during times of crisis. You'll learn how to harness the power of shared experiences to foster communication, resilience, and healing. The course addresses key aspects such as establishing trust, managing conflicts, and supporting family members in navigating mental health systems and resources. Ideal for family members, caregivers, and anyone involved in family services, this course empowers you to be a pivotal source of support and guidance when it's most needed.