Lead Instructor

Certified Psychological Safety Advisor

Being a 2x suicide loss survivor, someone who lives with a mental health condition, and having a decade of experience in the health and safety field, Mettie Spiess brings her personal and professional experience to these interactive, best practice courses.  

As a global workplace mental wellness expert and award-winning trainer, employers in 22 industries across 35 countries have successfully utilized her proven Voice. Value. Vigilance. process to support employee mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of crisis.  

In 2016, the National Alliance on Mental Illness awarded Mettie the Education Advancement Award for her work to end the stigma associated with mental illness. Professional certifications include being a Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor through CMHA, a Certified Suicide Prevention Master Trainer through the QPR Institute, a Certified Wellness Practitioner through the National Wellness Institute and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corporate Health Promotion from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  

Co-Instructor

Consumer Wellness Advocate

After spending 5 years in the dental industry and several life twists, Samantha felt called to return to school to pursue Health Promotion and Wellness at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP). As a part of UWSP’s program, she facilitated mental health and substance abuse programs for diverse populations including schools, communities, and corporate groups. 

Early on it became clear that building resilience and stress coping strategies were a need in every population. Building mental resilience in Millennials and Generation Z so they can thrive in the working world became her focus. 

In 2019, Samantha joined the A World Without Suicide (AWWS) team adding her expertise and passion to both live and virtual client trainings. She is certified in the QPR Suicide Intervention Method, Adult Mental Health First Aid. She also holds a certification as a Certified Consumer Wellness Advocate and is in process of becoming a Certified Wellness Practitioner. 

Co-Instructor

Mindfulness & Lifestyle Expert

“Stigma-crusher”, Hope Zvara, adds her expertise of mindful breath and body techniques to our digital learning modules and “Anxiety Relief 101” in-person trainings. 

Hope’s mission is to help others purposefully excel through the three B’s: breath, body, belief. Hope provides practical best practice techniques and tools to help individuals and organizations perform at their highest potential. She has always had a love for speaking and knew from a young age that is where she belonged.