We help people and organizations become trauma informed through key principles of awareness, acceptance, and advocacy.

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Hi, Im Carla,

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Compassionate Companion©, I’m on a heartfelt mission to make our world more empathetic and resilient, and you are a vital part of this journey. Our focus is on intergenerational trauma, youth mental health, suicide prevention, and caregiving.

At The Compassionate Companion©, we’ve developed a unique approach that blends evidence-based practices with lived experiences. Our standout products, like My Big Notebook, an award-winning children’s workbook, and My Epic Flow, are designed to empower minds, both young and old. These tools are essential in our mission to foster understanding, healing, resilience, wellness, and personal growth within families, organizations, and caregiving communities.

But that’s not all we do. We offer interactive workshops, valuable consulting services, and inspirational keynotes. This is more than a mission—it’s a movement, and you matter to us. We are dedicated to making a difference and transforming how we perceive and approach wellness.

If you’re ready to join us on this transformative journey towards a more compassionate world, you’re in the right place. Together, we can inspire empathy, resilience, and healing. Thank you for being here and for caring about making a positive change.

Voyage to Resilience Program

Welcome to our workshops that focus on wellness and resilience for youth, adults, and families.

Notebook Navigators

This workshop is for elementary and middle school kiddos leveraging the award winning My Big Notebook to support youth as they learn to cope with trauma and stress, loneliness, and life challenges through evidence based coping skills, self esteem building exercises, helpful resources, and real stories.

My Epic Flow Experience

The workshop is for high school and early college-aged youth, based on My Epic Flow. It focuses on resilience, creative expression, and mental health tools using evidence based practices.

Healing Roots: Resilience Workshop

This workshop focuses on tackling intergenerational trauma, helping participants understand its impact, learn healing strategies, and adopt healthier family norms.

Navigating Wellness
Together

Parents, guardians, and caregivers learn to support their children’s emotional growth and boost confidence through My Big Notebook and My Epic Flow. Attendees enjoy activities that strengthen family bonds and promote personal growth and resilience.

Navigate your Flow
Facilitator Training

Designed for program leaders, facilitators, and counselors, offering training on My Big Notebook and My Epic Flow to enhance facilitation skills, promote mental wellness, and share best practices.

"I highly recommend Carla for any event in which you want to highlight mental health in a way that's educational, relatable and life-changing."

Bernadette Joy

Chief Educator & Speaker, Crush Your Money Goals®

"As a speaker and mentor, Carla generously shares her life’s experiences and challenges you to be your best self. She is a true example of a woman who has found strength through adversity."

Catina Strong

Financial Services Professional

"Mrs. Carlisle, Thank you so much for dedicating your time to our staff today. If it raises awareness and acceptance, it is a win for all. I hope that you will continue to share your story with many educators. It is an area that we need to understand more fully."

Joan Roman

Director, BCCA

“Today, Carla is an advocate working with MHA, NAMI and other organizations to improve access to quality mental health care for children and their caregivers, and raise awareness about adoption.”

Ericka Ellis-Stewart

Director of Education & Advocacy for Mental Health America of Central Carolinas

“Carla Carlisle is an incredible advocate for mental health, especially passionate about ensuring children’s mental health is a priority. She understands the importance of parent’s roles in being their children’s best advocates and the importance of self-care.”

Andrea I. Towner

Development Director, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas

“She shares her story to many audiences and makes such an impact on everyone she talks to.”

Judy Reiner

NAMI Charlotte Board of Directors

“She’s poignant and honest, and reaches the audience on a level that not only speaks to the heart but also makes you ponder. It’s what makes Carla a compelling speaker and wonderful guest.”

Valerie L.S. Albarda

Author & Podcast Host MidLifeAGoGo.com

“As a public speaker and Mental Health advocate, Carla has a wealth of experience, both first-hand and professional. Carla was able to share an in depth perspective of the effects of trauma.”

David Rodriguez

MALIK Fraternity, Inc.