“A Pathway to Hope and Healing” In Support of World Suicide Prevention Day

 
“A Pathway to Hope and Healing”
In Support of World Suicide Prevention Day
 
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, with the support of New Lenox School District #122, the Village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition are hosting “A Pathway to Hope and Healing.”  In support of World Suicide Prevention Day, residents are encouraged to attend this event to learn more about suicide prevention.  The event will be held at Spencer Crossing Intermediate School, 1721 S. Spencer Road, New Lenox, IL 60451.  Guests are asked to park on the north side of the building for easy access to the gymnasium where the event will be held.
 
In an effort to track attendance for this important event, registration is being handled by Eventbrite via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-pathway-to-hope-and-healing-in-support-of-world-suicide-prevention-day-tickets-710516904187?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
Event Timeline
5:00pm to 5:30pm       Resource Tables and Memorial Tables
5:30pm to 6:30pm       Panel Discussion (15-20 minutes for each speaker)
6:30pm to 7:00pm       Keynote Speaker
7:00pm to 7:30pm       Q & A and Informational Tables
 
Keynote Speaker
Michelle Jackson – “Preventing Suicide: Stopping the Thought from Becoming an Act”
Michelle is a mother, grandmother, Christian, Certified Life and Transformational Healing Speaker and Coach, Voice Over Artist, Author, Poet, NAMI Chicago Ambassador and Speaker, and a Volunteer Community educator for Saprea.  As the author of When She FLPT and with a history of severe clinical depression, four suicide attempts, molestation, incest and sexual abuse, Michelle helps individuals overcome past trauma and thoughts of suicide while focusing on harnessing positive mental wellness. Currently, Michelle speaks on NAMI Chicago's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) panel and Bridges of Hope and has been a keynote speaker for several conferences, workshops, webinars, panels and seminars.  She offers a variety of speaking packages with a focus on Women’s Empowerment, Childhood Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention, Mental Health and Wellness, and Suicide Awareness and prevention.
 
Panelists
Marie Goulet is currently Assistant Director of Special Education at New Lenox School District #122.  Prior to coming to #122, Marie was the Principal of the Mackay Education Center and a social worker with Lincoln Way Area Special Education District #843.  Marie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with children, adolescents, and their families in both clinical and school settings for over 18 years.  Marie graduated from University of Illinois Chicago with her Bachelor Degree in Theater Performance, her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from University of Chicago, and her Masters in Educational Administration from Governors State University. 
 
Dr. Michael Mecozzi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, author, and speaker.  He and his wife own a private psychology practice, Hope with ME, in New Lenox.  His areas of specialty include treating adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety and stress.          Dr. Mecozzi graduated from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2008 with his Doctorate in clinical psychology.  His book, “The Other Side of Pain: Discovering Meaning When Life Hurts,” teaches readers how to use life’s painful moments to discover what matters most to them.  It is Dr. Mecozzi’s mission to help people master anxiety so that they can live lives of purpose and vitality.
 
Linda Pacha lost her teen son to suicide in 2013. She is the founder and president of Nick's Network of Hope nicksnetworkofhope.org, a suicide prevention and grief support nonprofit organization.  Linda's book, Saving Ourselves from Suicide—Before and After: How to Ask for Help, Recognize Warning Signs, and Navigate Grief, is an Amazon best seller.  Linda practiced law before raising her family.  Prior to receiving her law degree, she received her undergraduate degree in psychology and completed postgraduate studies in clinical psychology.
 
For additional information regarding this event please contact Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox, via email dmartin@newlenox.net or by phone (815) 462-6493.