Audrey Hepburn said, "as you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and one for helping others." 

Similarly, I've found that as you grow older living with a bipolar diagnosis, you discover you have two hands: one for keeping a firm grip on hope and one for reaching into the darkness and helping others into the light.

Taking a time out to work on frontlines as a Certified Peer Support Specialist cemented my belief that where there is hope, there can be healing. When we can offer others hope and shine a light, we help them choose hope and help them realize the impossible is possible. We can help them out of the darkness. 

That to me makes all I have endured in my life even more purposeful. 

Kerry Martin, MPP, CMPSS

On the road less traveled, Kerry is a sprinter—thinking fast, acting swiftly, and always giving back. For over 25 years, this savvy strategist has disrupted industries with innovative solutions, from mental healthcare and cause marketing to IT and political fundraising. She is a master at fixing problems, structuring disorganization, and streamlining inefficiencies to create a clear path forward.

As a mental health solutionaire and suicide prevention activist, Kerry's work is fueled by her personal journey with bipolar disorder. She is dedicated to shining a light on the darkness and creating a world where no one walks alone.

Kerry believes in the true meaning of life: "to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit." This philosophy, combined with her experience in startup and entrepreneurial settings, has made her a master of big-picture thinking and disruptive innovation. She is a visionary, perseverant, and passionate leader who is obsessed with client needs, a combination that has led to continuous improvements and high-value outcomes.

Embodying the "warrior spirit" of her New Zealand heritage, Kerry is a Scrum Master who leads with a contagious, hands-on energy. She is a recognized thought leader who excels at galvanizing cross-functional teams to achieve their best.

As a pro bono consultant, Kerry uses her skills to empower organizations like the National Shattering Silence Coalition, providing strategic advising on everything from nonprofit management and fundraising to marketing strategy and social impact reporting.

Her dedication to mental health is fueled by a deeply personal journey. A suicide attempt survivor and someone who "walks with bipolar disorder," she is a tireless advocate for equitable mental health care. She once took her case all the way to the FDA, and as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, she also works as a Bipolar Coach to ensure no one else endures the challenges she faced.

Kerry holds a Master's from Harvard University and a Bachelor's from UC San Diego.

A well respected mental health and suicide prevention activist, she invites you to connect with her on LinkedIn and join the conversation.