with Adam Sholder
In this 2 hour presentation, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the “work model” of treatment and recovery for adults living with a chronic mental health condition, and the importance and benefits of employment for structure, support, and stability. Additionally, participants will learn techniques to help clients prepare for and succeed in their job search, as well as numerous resources for additional support. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear first-hand from someone with lived experience, and their journey from treatment back to employment.
In this presentation, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn specific and significant benefits to employment for clients living with a mental health condition
- Learn techniques to help clients find and acquire employment
- Identify obstacles to employment, and how to overcome them
- Obtain information about resources that can help clients with vocational support and job placement
Adam Sholder, Presenter
Adam Sholder is the founder and Executive Director of Insight Enrichment Group. He has been working in education for the past three decades. Adam has developed numerous programs throughout his career for at-risk youth and young adults living with mental health conditions. For the past 25 years, he has been working and collaborating with leading psychiatrists, therapists, and other mental health professionals to further develop alternative and adjunct programs for this underserved and often misunderstood, stigmatized, and marginalized population.
In 2004, Adam created Insight Enrichment Group, providing the highest quality individualized and integrated psychosocial support, life skills education, executive functioning coaching, and case management to teens and adults of all ages living with mental health conditions. Insight Enrichment group has served hundreds of clients throughout Los Angeles, San Francisco, and many other states over the past 17 years. Recognizing the need for meaningful work for many of their clients, IEG established their Peer Mentoring Program in 2010. In 2018 IEG established their independent living program, LaunchPad Living, and in 2020 they launched their peer-led non-profit creative community, A Gap In The Forest.
A passionate voice in mental health advocacy and education, Adam also maintains numerous speaking engagements and educational presentations. Recent engagements include speaking at the Western Recovery Conference, and volunteer teaching at the Neighborhood Youth Association in Venice, CA. His continued collaboration with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) includes volunteering as a lead presenter for their “Ending the Silence” program and facilitating family support groups.
Mara Gold, Co-Presenter
Mara received her bachelor’s in journalism and Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Building her passion for community service and her interest in governmental affairs, Mara has worked for a U.S. Congressman, County Supervisor, and for various community outreach campaigns. While in these roles, Mara worked with organizations like NAMI, County mental health boards, and underprivileged children's scholastic organizations. Mara has also spent the last five years as a coach for Insight Enrichment Group, using her skills as a Rehabilitation Technician for adults struggling with all issues relating to substance abuse and mental health. She also serves on the Board of Directors for A Gap In The Forest, a recently established peer-led nonprofit that expands awareness around mental health, creates community, and destigmatizes mental health. As a person who has struggled with both mental health and addiction, Mara has used her personal experience to help others fight their battles. Mara feels that the ultimate growth within her has been from giving to others.
