Success Stories
“I’ve had the honor of inviting Carla to speak to my clients both virtually and live, and her talks have not only inspired the audience, but created meaningful dialogue to spur them to take specific actions to face trauma and take better care of themselves as they care for others. 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®
“Like so many great advocates, Carla Carlisle’s story begins with a personal journey that opened her eyes to the effects of childhood trauma. Carla spent years finalizing the adoption of her son, while working to have a relationship with his biological mother, who struggled with her own mental health and substance use disorders.
The result of that struggle for Carla has resulted in a book, Journey to the Son, a Ted Talk, and most importantly it resulted in her finding her voice. 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. She recently created a Facebook Group to provide support and connection for caregivers.”
Ericka Ellis-Stewart, NC Certified Peer Support Specialist
Director of Education & Advocacy
Mental Health America of Central Carolinas
“She is a very caring, loving person which is so evident when she talks about her son. She has been on panels that make presentations to law enforcement for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) telling her story about her “Journey to the Son” which is extremely impactful. She relates the effects of trauma to her son as well as herself, not necessarily physical trauma but certainly verbal trauma for both of them.
She shares her story to many audiences and makes such an impact on everyone she talks to. Carla received recognition in 2020 at the CIT rewards event this past year for presenter of the year for 2020.”
Judy Reiner, BSN retired RN
NAMI Charlotte and NAMI Lake Norman / Iredell BOD
CIT coordinator for Mecklenburg County
Valerie L.S. Albarda
Writer / Author / Podcast
MidLifeAGoGo.com
“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.
Mental Health America of Central Carolinas has been fortunate to have Carla as a volunteer MHA Storyteller, sharing about her journey to motherhood, how she navigated traumatic experiences to become an empowered parent who wants to help others. Carla also serves on MHA’s Advocacy & Public Policy Committee to make her voice heard and help influence legislative and systemic change to benefit the one in five living with mental health concerns.”
Development Director
Mental Health America of Central Carolinas
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.
I highly recommend partnering with Carla for speaking engagements or panel discussions in an effort to broaden the understanding of coping with trauma.