INSPIRING HOPE SPEAKER SERIES
Advancing Mental Health Knowledge, Practice, and Community
The Inspiring Hope Speaker Series is a dynamic, multi-session learning experience that brings together professionals, advocates, and community members to explore the most pressing mental health topics today.
Hosted by NAMI Delaware, this series creates space for meaningful conversation, practical skill-building, and innovative thinking across disciplines. Each session is thoughtfully designed to provide actionable insights, elevate emerging practices, and strengthen the collective response to mental health challenges across Delaware and beyond.
While each event stands on its own, the series as a whole is intended to build momentum over time, connecting participants to new ideas, new resources, and one another in ways that foster long-term impact.
The full series is listed below. Click each event to learn more, including updated details, speaker information, and registration as they become available.
ATTEND A SPEAKER SERIES
Speaker Series 2026 Events
In Person
Nutrition and Mental Health Wellness
NAMI Delaware is excited to share an upcoming community Speaker Series focused on the connection between nutrition, wellness, and mental health.
This engaging event will bring together local experts and community partners to explore how healthy eating habits can support overall well-being, recovery, and mental wellness. Attendees can expect educational presentations, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with organizations serving our community.
Details, speakers, location, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned and save room on your calendar for this important conversation on wellness and mental health.
Registration is required | CEU fees applicable
Virtual
Crisis Intervention Team and Public Safety
Join NAMI Delaware for an upcoming virtual Speaker Series focused on mental health crisis response, public safety, and the resources available to individuals and families across Delaware.
This educational Zoom event will bring together professionals from diverse fields to discuss mental health emergencies, crisis response options, community resources, and collaborative approaches to public safety. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how different systems work together to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and learn about services available throughout the state.
Additional details, speakers, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned for this important conversation on mental health, crisis response, and community safety.
Registration is required | CEU fees applicable
In Person
AI Tools for Mental Health
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we live, work, learn, and access healthcare, creating both exciting opportunities and important questions for the future of mental health.
NAMI Delaware is planning an upcoming virtual Speaker Series exploring the evolving role of artificial intelligence in mental health care, education, and support. Attendees will hear from experts in the field as they discuss emerging technologies, potential benefits, ethical considerations, and the ways AI tools may impact individuals, families, providers, and communities.
This engaging Zoom event will offer an opportunity to learn about current developments, explore real-world applications, and consider both the promise and challenges of AI in behavioral health.
Additional details, speakers, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned for this timely conversation at the intersection of technology and mental health.
Registration is required | CEU fees applicable
Virtual
Caregiver Wellness
Caregivers provide invaluable support to family members, friends, and loved ones, often while balancing their own responsibilities, challenges, and well-being.
NAMI Delaware is planning an upcoming Speaker Series focused on caregiver wellness, resilience, and self-care. This educational event will explore the unique experiences of caregivers and offer practical strategies for maintaining emotional, physical, and mental well-being while supporting others.
Attendees can expect insights from experienced professionals, opportunities to learn about available resources, and discussions centered on building sustainable practices that help caregivers thrive rather than simply cope.
Additional details, speakers, and registration information will be announced soon. Join us for this important conversation celebrating and supporting those who care for others every day.
Registration is required | CEU fees applicable
PRESENTORS
Our Speaker Series will feature a diverse group of presenters, including professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience in mental health. Each speaker brings unique insight and expertise, helping to create meaningful conversations that inform, inspire, and connect our community.
Presenter details and biographies will be added as speakers are confirmed. Please check back for updates.
Francesca Lewis-Hatheway, PsyD
Elisa Nelson PhD
Marie Wenzel, CEO
Amy Hefti
Founder & CEO • Brand Strategist • Patient Advocate • Author • Podcast Host
Heintje Calara DNP, MA, RN
SPONSORS
Our Speaker Series will feature a diverse group of presenters, including professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience in mental health. Each speaker brings unique insight and expertise, helping to create meaningful conversations that inform, inspire, and connect our community.
Presenter details and biographies will be added as speakers are confirmed. Please check back for updates.
ABOUT
What to Expect
Participants can expect engaging, high-quality presentations delivered by experienced speakers and subject-matter experts. Sessions are designed to be accessible and relevant to a broad audience, while still offering depth and practical application for professionals in the field.
Topics across the series will include:
Clinical applications and real-world tools for providers and community partners
Emerging and innovative approaches to treating serious mental illness
Trauma-informed strategies and brain-based frameworks for care
Public-facing education and cross-sector collaboration
Legal and systems-level considerations in mental health care
Each session is structured to support both learning and reflection, with opportunities to deepen understanding and translate knowledge into action.
Who Should Attend
This series is ideal for:
Mental health professionals and clinicians
Healthcare providers and social workers
Educators and school-based staff
Legal and law enforcement professionals
Peer specialists and advocates
Community leaders and nonprofit partners
Individuals and families interested in mental health learning
Whether you are working in the field or seeking to better understand mental health, this series offers valuable insights for a wide range of participants.
Continuing Education
Select sessions in the Inspiring Hope Speaker Series may offer continuing education (CE) opportunities. Details regarding CE eligibility, credit hours, and requirements will be provided for each individual session as they are confirmed.
Registration Information
Registration is currently open for the first session in the series.
Additional sessions will be announced and opened for registration as details are finalized. Participants are encouraged to return regularly or join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming topics, speakers, and dates.
Why This Series Matters
Mental health challenges are complex, evolving, and deeply interconnected with every part of our communities. Addressing them requires not only compassion but also knowledge, collaboration, and a willingness to engage in ongoing learning.
The Inspiring Hope Speaker Series is designed to meet that need, offering a space where ideas can be shared, skills can be strengthened, and a more informed, connected community can take shape.
Through this series, we aim to reduce stigma, expand access to knowledge, and empower individuals and professionals alike to take meaningful steps toward better mental health outcomes.
Join Us
We invite you to be part of this growing community of learners, advocates, and changemakers.
Register today for the first session and be part of a series that is building insight, connection, and hope.
The NAMI Delaware Inspiring Hope Speaker Series brings together voices from across the mental health community, including professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. We have pivoted from a standalone, in-person event to a 6-month hybrid series. Our content will include NASW-DE CEUs for some of the series, so be sure to register appropriately to be eligible for those credits.
For information about online registrations, education program questions, support groups for peers and family members, or NAMI on Campus, contact Marianne Kenville-Moore mkenvillemoore@namide.org
For information about CIT scheduling or internships, contact Wes Ingram: wingram@namide.org
For information about volunteering or community outreach/tabling events, contact Jenny Graham:
jgraham@namide.org