A speaker shaped by experience
For more than twelve years, Andi has shared her story and mental health expertise with psychiatric patients, healthcare professionals, police and EMS personnel, nursing and college students, nonprofit leaders, peer communities, and families. Her work grew from a decade presenting with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) In Our Own Voice program and has expanded into keynotes, workshops, panels, and customized mental health education.
Andi brings unusual depth to conversations about borderline personality disorder, chronic and impulsive suicidality, psychiatric care, recovery, stigma, and practical coping skills. She pairs personal knowledge with extensive training and years of facilitation experience—giving audiences both an honest human perspective and information they can use in everyday life.
Her approach is warm, direct, and grounded. She does not present a polished story in which every struggle has a simple ending. She shows what long-term recovery can actually look like and helps audiences recognize the difference that informed, compassionate support can make.
“I want to help people walk the path I had to walk alone.”— Andi Chrisman
Experience, training & qualifications
12+ years of public speaking
Presentations for hospitals, police academies, crisis programs, colleges, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations across Virginia and beyond.
A decade with NAMI
Ten years presenting In Our Own Voice and helping audiences understand mental illness and recovery through structured personal storytelling.
Suicide prevention training
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and safeTALK training supporting responsible, direct conversations about suicide.
Mental Health First Aid
Trained in both adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, with practical frameworks for recognizing and responding to mental health concerns.
Recovery & peer support
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Registered Recovery Specialist peer training, and extensive experience using DBT-informed coping strategies.
Leadership & facilitation
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Trainer Training, Mental Health America’s Community Education and Leadership Training, and experience serving on peer-led nonprofit boards.
Featured work & recognition
Featured by The Mighty
Andi’s writing on borderline personality disorder has reached thousands of readers through The Mighty.
Read the article →Watch the feature →Emotions Matter keynote
Keynote speaker for Emotions Matter, Inc.’s 2020 Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Walk.
Watch the keynote →Built around your audience
Every Betterfly Wellness presentation can be adjusted to fit your organization, audience, setting, time frame, and goals. Andi works with you to emphasize the stories, mental health topics, and practical takeaways that will be most useful for the people in the room.
Explore presentation options →