David W. Covington is a powerful storyteller who has given speeches on various behavioral health topics across the United States. He is passionate about helping people understand that suicide is not a choice, and he wants to help spread awareness and education on the topic. David’s speeches are always cutting-edge and full of hope, providing listeners with the tools they need to start making a difference in their own communities.
David and his colleagues Tonja Myles, Shannon Jaccard, Victor Armstrong, Lisa St. George, and Dr. Chuck are all experts in the field of mental health. They speak about many topics including ministry, family, equity, peer power, and fusion. Their work is inspiring people all over the world to take their mental health into their own hands and create change in their communities.
David W. Covington
Hope
David W. Covington, LPC, MBA, is CEO and President of RI International (d/b/a for Recovery Innovations, Inc.). He is a behavioral health innovator, entrepreneur, and storyteller. He is also a partner in Behavioral Health Link, founder of the Five Lanes Crisis Partners family of companies and Crisis Now Academy consulting and training business, producer of the Moving America’s Soul on Suicide film series and founder of the international initiatives Crisis Talk and Hope Inc. Stories. David also hosts and curates the popular weekly 988 “Crisis Jam” Learning Community in partnership with SAMHSA and NASMHPD.
Tonja Myles
Ministry
Tonja Myles is an ordained minister and activist who has worked in the field of mental health for over two decades. She is a subject matter expert in untreated trauma and a faith-based approach to substance use recovery. Tonja has also counseled for community-based approaches that focus on early intervention, prevention, and holistic healing.
Shannon Jaccard
Family
After the death of her brother, Shannon Jaccard was inspired to write “The Forgotten Survivors,” a book that explores the unique experience of siblings to those with a serious mental illness. Shannon serves on several boards including RI International.
Victor Armstrong
Equity
Victor Armstrong has always been passionate about social justice. As RI International’s Chief Diversity Officer, he works to promote health equity, diversity, and inclusion. He is driven by a desire to make the world a better place for everyone.
Lisa St. George
Peer Power
Lisa St. George is a thought leader in the field of peer support. For over 40 years, she inspired others to see their past as something that can be used to empower them in the present and future. Lisa has written numerous training tools, including RI International’s Peer Employment Training which has been implemented by organizations all around the world.
Dr. Chuck
Fusion
Dr. Chuck Browning is a medical doctor who specializes in the fusion of medical and peer support systems, 988 and crisis care, and clinical best practices. He has dedicated his life to helping others, and has spent decades researching and developing new ways to improve crisis care.