NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference 2012

The mission of NAMI Wisconsin is to improve the quality of life of people affected by mental illnesses and to promote recovery.

Join NAMI of Wisconsin for their annual conference which promotes public education and understanding of mental illnesses.

Keynote speakers for the 2012 Conference are Brian Jost on Sunday, May 6, and Sita Diehl on Monday, May 7.

Brian Jost, author of the memoir, Grounded by Bipolar Disorder: One Pilot's Landing, is an experienced public speaker focusing on sharing his story of living with a psychiatric disorder and understands that mental illness can change a person's life. Accepting his psychiatric diagnosis with a fearless attitude, Brian views his battles with bipolar disorder as a gift which allowed him to see the true worth of the people in his life. Brian shares his personal story with audiences, emphasizing that despite having to live with a psychiatric disorder, recovery, and a happy, productive, meaningful life is possible.

Sita Diehl is the Director of State Policy and Advocacy for NAMI National.  Prior to taking that position, she served as Executive Director of NAMI Tennessee for six years.   A supporter of empowerment among adults, children and families affected by mental illness in Canada, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin, she is best known as the editor of the BSES curriculum, a peer-run program for people with mental illness.  Sita is the co-author of Back from Wherever I've Been, a collection of recovery stories from people in the BRIDGES program.  Sita holds a master's degree in community psychology from Antioch University and earned her MSSW at the University of Tennessee.