by Dale and Sandy Mann

Presentation Overview:

Dale and Sandy Mann have navigated mental health caregiving challenges for nearly 30 years while supporting and advocating for their youngest son through his mental health journey. In this presentation, they will will share suggestions for the individual with mental health challenges, PLUS ways to care for the carer while caring for a loved one with mental health issues. Some of the topics they will cover include:

• Preserving self – esteem and family
• Focus on home, health, purpose, and community.
• Planning for the future and still greeting each day as a new day.

More on the presenters:

Sandra and Dale Mann have nearly 20 years’ experience in leading NAMI family education courses and family support groups. They have been NAMI support group facilitator trainers for most of that time. Their team-teaching
approach, as a husband and wife, has led to many participants feeling encouraged and hopeful about the possibility of the stability of their own families.

Dale is a retired PhD Clinical Neuropsychologist with 39 years of experience in a medical setting. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Clinical Psychologist. He has also worked in a Medical Rehabilitation Program at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO, and operated a private neuropsychological practice. Since 2016 he has worked with the NC State Legislature advocating for expanding access to mental health services. He is past president of the North Carolina Psychology Association Board (2024-2025).

Sandra holds a B.S. and M.A in Education and early in her career she taught middle school Language Arts and Social Studies. In Colorado Springs, CO she worked with the local arts museum as an arts and cultural interpreter, curriculum writer, and leader of the volunteer docents. Since moving to North Carolina, she has worked with the NAMI NC Education Committee and the NAMI Wake Helpline team.