Watch the recording for “How To Become Your Own Best Advocate.”

In this workshop, presenter Alexina Federhen, shares her lived experience with mental health issues and a reading disability to show how you can become your best advocate. Alexina at a young age was diagnosed with a neurological disorganization disorder called cross dominance. She has struggled with depression and anxiety since middle school and is currently dealing with long COVID as well. She shares her experience of self-advocacy through school, the healthcare system, and professional work. She explains what worked, what didn’t, and the need for persistence in advocacy.

Presenter:

• Alexina Federhen – Born in Bennington, Vermont, Alexina graduated from Mt Anthony Union High School before leaving the state to attend Cornell University. As the recipient of the Gates Millennium and Horatio Alger Scholarships, she was able to pursue a degree in Design and Environmental Analysis and graduate with honors and distinction. She wrote her honor thesis on Assessing Evidence-Based Design in Mental and Behavioral Health Facilities. Her research investigated the impact of interior architecture and design on patient recovery and staff productivity. In Fall of 2021, Alexina created a non-profit, “The Feel Better Way,” to provide information and resources to teens and young adults struggling with mental health issues. In April 2022, Alexina was selected as Miss Vermont and she dedicated her year of service to mental health advocacy. She self-published a book, “The Feel Better Way,” which was sponsored by NAMI and the Stratton Foundation for distribution to schools. She visited dozens of schools and after-school programs to talk about her lived experiences with mental health issues and has spoken on cable television and radio.