ON SALE NOW: Russell’s NEW book “On the Outside Looking In”

ON SALE NOW: Russell’s NEW book “On the Outside Looking In”

Testimonials

International praise for Russell’s work in advocacy

Keynotes

Incredible Insight, We Are Still Talking About Russell!

Russell kicked off our 2023 Western Partnerships Conference on Human Services. His presentation was upfront, raw, and honest. A wonderful refresher for our attendees on the conversation about supporting individuals with autism in developing self-management in their autism diagnosis. Russell’s lived experience provided incredible insight and perspective and left the audience moved and inspired!  /// Nikkita White, Executive Director, Rise Services, Inc.

Our Community is STILL Talking About Russell and His Impact!

“Russell laid the foundation for our inaugural conference on mental health. Our diverse audience comprised of professionals from various sectors, including workplaces, healthcare, human services, and youth-focused organizations. Lehmann’s message resonated deeply with everyone as he highlighted the significance of raising awareness, combating stigma, and acknowledging our ignorance. Regardless of their role, each attendee received a compelling narrative about cultivating awareness and fostering hope. Lehmann emphasized the transformative power of education, self-reflection to address biases, and compassion, underscoring our collective ability to effect positive change for both others and ourselves in the world.  /// Julie Preder, Executive Director, Mental Health America Lakeshore

“Thought-provoking, Compelling…Invaluable!”

“Russell’s presence was the highlight of our event. His unique perspective, rooted in his lived experiences, resonated deeply with the audience. Through his dynamic spoken word poetry and captivating storytelling, he skillfully channeled the raw emotions and realities associated with living with autism and mental health conditions. Russell’s contribution to our programming was invaluable. His thought-provoking insights and compelling delivery left a lasting impact on all attendees. I wholeheartedly recommend Russell as a speaker for any event seeking to create a meaningful and impactful experience.”  /// Beth Grosso, Director of Training and Professional Development – National Center for START Services

Mark Chavez Smiling in Black Shirt Pecan Valley Centers

“Generated Actionable Ideas”

“Russell knocked it out of the park! It was truly impressive how he was able to use relatable, real-world stories to distill complex concepts into tangible, manageable components and engage the conference participants of 100+ in a thought-provoking discussion which generated actionable ideas that we can implement immediately.”  /// R. Mark Chavez, M.S., Chief of IDD Services – Pecan Valley Centers for Behavioral & Developmental Healthcare

Sandra Taylor Community Healthcore

“He Is Unforgettable”

“For the past five years we have used numerous speakers, but none like Russell Lehmann.  Russell was able to give an insight that we have not had.  He was able to articulate his feelings, thoughts, and awareness of his diagnosis that no others have been able to share. He uses humor, facts, and an uncanny ability to connect with his audience.  He is unforgettable.  He will touch your soul with his powerful message!”  /// Sandra Taylor, IDD Director – Community Healthcore of Texas

Dr. Pamela Baker says Russell's advocacy in autism is making a difference

“Making a Difference”

“Russell Lehmann kicked off our first Expanding the Horizon Event for parents. His story is one that needs to be heard by parents and educators. His presentation was engaging and inspiring. His poetry is heartfelt and real. parents and educators had an opportunity for questions and the conversations were moving. Thank you Russell, you are making a difference in many people’s lives.”  /// Dr. Pamela Baker – Region 10 School Service Center

Universities
Lawrence k fung

“Touched Our Hearts and Gave Hope to Us All”

“Russell Lehmann touched our hearts with his personal story at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. He transformed his personal struggles to passion and strength. The neurodiverse community – neurodivergent people, their families, mental health providers, educators, service providers – was inspired by Russell’s resilience and motivated by his powerful and genuine poems. Thank you, Russell, for sharing your gifts and giving hope to us all.”  /// Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD – Director, Stanford Neurodiversity Project

“Much Needed Perspective for Our Research”

“Russell gave an inspiring talk about his experience living with autism spectrum disorder and other mental health comorbidities to our master’s students at USC. As brain researchers, we are frequently detached from the experiences of individuals like Russell, making it easy to disconnect with the overarching purpose and significance of the types of knowledge gaps that brain research is trying to address. Russell’s testimony was refreshing, informative, approachable, and a much-needed alternate perspective of what it means to live with a neurological condition.”  /// Lauren Salminen, PhD – Instructor of Research, Neurology, University of Southern California

Letters of Appreciation
Workshops/Trainings
Anne Tapia of Regional Autism Advisory in Cincinnati, OH calls Russell Lehmann's presentation "stirring".

“Stirring Presentation”

“Russell Lehmann offers a stirring presentation that leaves you feeling inspired and awed. He vulnerably shares his experiences and reminds you to show compassion and a commitment to truly honoring people and their choices.”  /// Anne Tapia – Regional Autism Advisory Council – Cincinnati

Russell speaks for disabilities and rehabilitation groups

“Intriguing Story”

“Russell Lehmann’s intriguing story and sincere presentation captured our staff’s attention. He brought challenges and issues that we see on a daily basis to life, increasing our insight and understanding. He also provided staff tips that will increase their skills and ability to work with individuals facing similar challenges. I found his story and ability to turn his challenges into strengths inspiring, and motivating and encouraging for individuals worldwide as each person faces their own.”  /// Kara Lang – Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation

“Highly Recommended”

“Russell spoke about his own courage, persistence and resilience. I highly recommend him as a speaker. Inspiring guy!”  /// Steve Degnan – Nestle Purina PetCare North America – St. Louis

Emma Dickinson of NVASP says Russell Lehmann lends a voice to the silent

“A Voice for The Silent”

“I had the pleasure of experiencing Russell’s presentation as part of the Nevada Association for School Psychologists (NVASP) lecture series. His heartfelt, honest testimonial and poetry struck a chord and echoed true to professional experiences perceived over the years. His perspectives added another layer to my helping skills arsenal. What was most refreshing to hear was Russell lending a voice to those students who are silent.”  /// Emma Dickinson – Nevada Association for School Psychologists (NVASP)

Welcome and Keynote Speaker

Russell Lehmann | Speaker, Poet, Advocate

Presenter(s) Knowledge of topic

Content presented in presentation

Usefulness of information presented

Clarity of objectives of presentation

Understanding of subject matter AFTER presentation

Comments

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

9

10

10

10

Would love to have him speak to students. I will look over his videos to present to kiddos.

10

10

10

10

10

Wonderful information and thank you for sharing your own experiences

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

9

10

10

10

Very inspirational!

10

9

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

9

6

none

10

6

7

10

10

none

8

7

7

6

5

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

AMAZING!!!

10

10

10

9

8

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

This was fabulous!

10

10

10

10

10

none

Russell Lehmann - Breakout Session

Presenter(s) Knowledge of topic

Content presented in presentation

Usefulness of information presented

Clarity of objectives of presentation

Understanding of subject matter AFTER presentation

Comments

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

9

10

10

10

I wish there was more time for Q&A. I felt talked to for an hour, which was fine, but I would have liked more of an interactive presentation.

10

10

10

10

10

Again, very good speaker

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

8

7

7

6

5

none

10

10

10

10

10

Great presentation

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

This guy is so inspiring

9

9

9

9

9

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

10

10

10

10

10

Grateful for his articulate, personal and very honest story shared with us

10

10

10

10

10

none

8

8

8

8

8

none

10

10

10

10

10

Great perspective and reminders

8

8

8

8

8

none

10

10

10

10

10

none

Dear Russell,

On behalf of the Community Engagement Conference 2022 Planning Committee we would like to thank you again for the wonderful keynote address that you presented on our theme of “Building Community” at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. The conference had over 300 people in attendance. The audience feedback on your presentation was outstanding! Out of approximately 50% of returned surveys, 100% of the respondents gave you the highest possible review on your presentation. We felt honored to have you as our guest in Northeast Missouri.

Russell, your presentation came at a pivotal moment for our community as we discuss and plan the development of the Greenwood Center for Autism in Northeast Missouri. To quote one of the key players from the conference, she said “Russell is saying exactly what everyone in this room needs to hear.”  We appreciate your transparency in sharing your inspiring personal journey. Your willingness to discuss your story, identify what worked and what didn’t work for you as well as your balance in reviewing educational and community supports had enormous impact on our community leadership. We are confident that your message will be considered in the planning and providing services for the autistic community in Northeast Missouri for many years to come.

In addition, the participants were particularly appreciative of the round table discussion which you led following lunch. So many of the people receiving community services felt comfortable enough to speak up and share their thoughts. Many participants said that they have never seen that level of participation from the consumers of our services in the history of this conference. Together we all agreed it was because of your motivational speaking style and ability to connect on a deeply personal level with your audience.

Russell, your ability to communicate a positive and inspiring message to people with developmental disabilities has emboldened many to speak up and embrace self-advocacy. Following your presentation, several local citizens impacted by autism have come together and are beginning to share their stories in support of one another. You modeled for many what leadership and vision looks like. You demonstrated how that vision can help a community come together. We cannot express enough our gratefulness for all that you said and did during your visit. We look forward to continuing our communications with you as your message continues to change the world.

Thank you for all that you do

Crystal Aminirad

Executive Director