2025 Panel Speakers

Maye Jepson is the caregiver and parent of Jason Jepson. She will not rest until mental health is treated equally with physical health. In the past, Maye has volunteered with several international boards including Stonecroft Ministries, Imago Dei Arts, and Global Partners in Hope. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree, Maye has a master’s degree in counselling from Marshall University. Like her son, Maye volunteers with the Share Network where she shares her perspective on mental health as a parent wanting desperately to help a young adult child maneuver the challenges of schizophrenia. Maye also serves on the Advisory Board of Students with Psychosis because she believes in the importance of shedding light on mental health issues from the youngest to the oldest consumer.

Jason was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder while he was enlisted in the United States Army. Now he is an advocate for those who have received a diagnosis of severe mental illness. He actively volunteers to help veterans who have mental health issues. Jason is also the author of two books When We Were Young, a fictionalized memoir of his late teens, and a book of poetry called Misfires of a Lyrical Mind. Jason publishes his first-person accounts of day-to-day life living with schizophrenia and his story of recovery which appear in Schizophrenia Bulletin, Yahoo News, Psych Central, The Mighty, and OC87 Recovery Diaries. Jason is happy to share his life experiences in hopes of helping others and removing the stigma that prevents them from getting the help they need

Jesse shared his inspirational story of diagnosis and recovery of schizophrenia. His journey as a mental health advocate emerged when he started publicly speaking about his lived experience with mental illness. Jesse has been speaking for years advocating for mental health awareness to diverse audiences. Jesse was the subject of two features in the Globe and Mail called “The Son Who Vanished” and “Who better to guide the ‘walking wounded’ than someone who’s been there?” Jesse is also the recipient of the “Transforming Lives” award from CAMH, the “Flag of Hope” award from the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and one of the “faces” recognized in the House of Commons for Mental Illness Awareness Week. He has received training in WRAP, CPR, ASSIST, CBT and many more areas. Jesse has also practiced karate-do for nine years and taught it for five years. He likes to sing, practice yoga, attend Church, play hockey, and write poetry and hip-hop rhymes. Jesse’s story goes beyond this, join us on February 25th to hear his inspirational story!”