Michelle Fayed is a firefighter/paramedic and 15-year veteran of the fire service, who has extensive experience in Public Affairs from her tenure as her department’s Public Information Officer. After over a decade as a wife and caregiver of her husband, an Army veteran diagnosed with Posttraumtic Stress Disorder (PTSD), her extensive knowledge and lived experience continues to motivate her to be an outspoken advocate for mental wellness. This also led to her invitation to be a Content Developer of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Fire/EMS specialty module, followed by a National Trainer for MHFA.
In 2017, Michelle was called upon by the National Council for Behavioral Health to advocate for support and funding of mental health awareness education at Congressional Staff Briefings in Washington, D.C. Further, she’s been requested to speak about the topic of mental health, PTSD and moral injury in emergency services at the National Association of State Fire Marshal’s Annual Conference, the Orlando Fire Conference, IAFC’s Fire Rescue Med and the Louisiana Company Officer Leadership Conference.
Her other regional and national presentations include FDIC International in Indiana, National Professional Development Summit in Maryland, Virginia Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia, Big Sky EMS Conference in Montana, the South Florida Safety Stand Down in Florida and Headstrong Heroes Podcast. No matter which role Michelle is in, her goal is simple - - to combat stigma and empower everyone with the ability to help someone in need.
Mental Health First Aid Website:
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
Michelle’s Phone Number:
(954) 998 4108
Email: michellefayedmhfa@gmail.com
Recommended Books:
Authentic Happiness - Martin Seligman
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High - Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - Brené Brown
Recommended Documentary:
Suicide: The Ripple Effect