Stronger U

The Peer Support Certificate Program taught me more about the intersections of mental health and multiply marginalized identities than any academic setting. It showed me how support takes shape in real, human ways that work for real people, not just clinical models. I developed practical skills and came to see vulnerability as a strength, ultimately solidifying my goal to pursue a future in community-rooted mental health care. ~K.H.

As someone with lived experience and who has been in this field for several years, [Creating Suicide Safe Conversations] was one of the best workshops on suicidality I’ve ever participated in. ~N.H.

I don’t have a community of people who are like me and care about what I care about where I live. So, being able to access that sense of community, being seen, heard, and validated… has supported me in huge ways. ~S.B.

Ryder’s ability to analyze my problems has led me through a series of expertly crafted progressions of strength training, stretching-flexibility, yoga moves, balancing skills, cross training and nutritional help. Every workout is designed to push me just at the right pace… I always leave tired, refreshed and feeling I can’t wait to come back!  ~J.A.

I really enjoyed the humanity that was demonstrated through the workshops I attended and how many intersections of identities were included. People were three dimensional and that doesn’t usually happen in these trainings. I appreciate the conversations and I learned a lot from you. ~S.P.

I might not have all the answers right now but I don’t feel like the isolated outlier who just doesn’t “get it” and maybe just maybe I do get it and the rest of society just doesn’t get me. Not sure why we are taught that if we don’t fit in we are the problem. Like who made that up? So thanks for making me not feel like the problem anymore. I really appreciate you. ~Anonymous

I think that the most meaningful part of my time with Ryder has been the efficiency and detail oriented approach that they give. Coaching with Ryder was all inclusive and so clear that it’s almost hard to have questions left to ask. ~C.E.

Thanks a lot for the workshop experience. I look forward to using what I have learned to contribute to making my workplace a better one to be in. ~P.A.

I was skeptical that I would have the time for it and, honestly, sometimes I still feel like logically I don’t… but I do. It’s worth it. Like, very. ~E.T.

In the beginning I was not expecting to have so many biases or just twisted ways of thinking. It was really shocking but also eye opening. At first it took a lot of conscious effort to remove the bias on myself and judgement. However, as I kept attending workshops, training, and became a CR on the line it became more subconscious and I no longer has to remove bias or judgment I was there to show empathy, support, listen, and give any help I could. It was really liberating to let go of those biases and I feel like a better human for it. ~H.V.

I deeply appreciate the tools that you give to abolitionist therapists working within a carceral system. ~Creating Mental Health Safe Spaces Workshop participant

I’ve never experienced case studies like these [in workshops] and felt like it was so important to practice applying each phase of the CARE model to the case study. Our conversations were so informative and helped me to consider different perspectives. ~M.O.

I’ve struggled to find mental health support for most of my life because of suicidality and my various intersecting identities. I’ve been dismissed and misunderstood, people refuse to work with me because I’m a “safety risk”, etc.  Ryder has provided the supportive and caring space that I’ve been (unconsciously) searching for for a long time. I feel seen in my humanity, and am able to better understand and take care of myself because of their support. ~K.P.

I am really grateful to have a space specifically geared towards LGBTQIA, disability, other marginalized experiences. ~Anonymous

Ryder’s skill, knowledge and intuitive dedication have positively changed my quality of life: At 62, I was in constant pain with various diagnosed ailments: Osteoporosis, Spondylolisthesis, sciatic pain and shoulder impingement. Previous experience with other trainers and Chiropractic care yielded no results. Ryder started working with me to build targeted muscle groups, increase my flexibility and decrease body fat. The result has been amazing. The aches, pains and discomfort I lived with for so many years have all but disappeared. Ryder is an extraordinary trainer and motivator for personal wellness! ~P.K.

Sometimes people just need someone to listen. Sometimes just sharing space without judgment is enough to keep one going. ~A.S.

I feel so much stronger and better physically. Happier to help others because I can now. I sleep better. My diet is getting better; my clothes are looser. Above all I really love working with my coach. They help me but let me go at my own pace. This is one of the best things I have done for myself. ~W.B.