Testimonials: Impactful Stories from Russell Lehmann's Audience and Collaborators
Hear Firsthand Accounts of How Russell Lehmann’s Advocacy and Keynote Speeches Have Inspired Change and Fostered Understanding in Mental Health and Neurodiversity
Book an EventTestimonials: Impactful Stories from Russell Lehmann's Audience and Collaborators
Hear Firsthand Accounts of How Russell Lehmann’s Advocacy and Keynote Speeches Have Inspired Change and Fostered Understanding in Mental Health and Neurodiversity
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Feedback on Russell Lehmann's Keynote Presentations
Keynotes
Russell Had Us All Close to Tears; His Message Left Everyone Changed for the Better
Russell delivered a fantastic keynote speech at the 10th annual Missouri Behavioral Health Council conference in Kansas City. The entire room sat on pins and needles, close to tears. Russell told his story to a crowd of state employees, clinicians, CEOs, and family members with children experiencing similar situations. He helped normalize and bring a face to what it’s like to live with complex diagnoses. He used poetry, metaphors, and comedy to drive home critical points to his message that left everyone in the room changed for the better. /// Rhi Evans, BCBA, LBA BHIDD Integrated Care Manager Missouri Behavioral Health Council
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
“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
“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
Universities
“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
Workshops/Trainings
“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
“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
“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)
