Renowned mental health advocate Sophie Riegel was a guest speaker this week at a special program for JKHA seventh and eighth graders and RKYHS 10th and 11th graders. Ms. Riegel is a well-known speaker and published author about the topic of mental health. Ms. Riegel spoke from the heart about her personal experience with mental health illness and overcoming these struggles. She seeks to normalize and demystify the stigma of mental health, with the goal of increasing people’s awareness and willingness to seek help. In addition to sharing her own journey Ms. Riegel discussed mental health stigma, the importance of asking for help and resources that students can use.