Reviews Continued

REVIEWS ON SHERRY’S ARTICLES, BOOK, AND PRESENTATIONS

Article- “Understanding Stigma”

I have personally been blessed with knowing Sherry Joiner and she is so amazing! I first met her when she came to teach at the psych ward. I was a patient and I was touched at how she cares for us strangers with her stories. You are an amazing woman and artist, Miss Sherry, and I am so proud of you for having enough guts to become a Stigma Fighter. Anonymous

Article- “Schizoaffective Disorder”

I admire you and enjoy all your works in art and writing and love. We first met when I read your writing on schizoaffective disease . Your work has helped me immensely in many ways. I enjoy your spirit and strength. My son struggled many years and was so misunderstood. He decided it was too steep and lonely of a battle. God Bess you . Peace and power in the new year.       Laura Portman Iskenderian                                                                                                                                                              

Interview with OT Candidate, Jessica Pham- San Jose State University, San Jose, California-October/13/15

Dear Sherry,

Megan and I can’t thank you enough for your time. The entire class was so inspired by your incredible story. We told them all about your book too and many were interested in reading it. Your story is truly amazing and it’s just so wonderful to hear how you’ve been able to adapt and cope with having the disorder.
We included some of your beautiful artwork in our presentation too. We feel so fortunate that we got the chance to speak with you and learn more about schiKeynote speaking in Dec. 2014zoaffective disorder.
If you are ever in San Jose, CA, please let me know. The students of occupational therapy at San Jose State University would be filled with joy to hear more about your story.
Take care,
Jessica

11/14/2015 NAMI Oregon Annual Conference

Hello sherry, My name is Linda Davis, Treasurer here in N.A.M.I. of Southern Oregon under Pat. I have read almost all your book I received at the conference. I have really enjoyed your story and felt inspired by your journey. I am amazed and have so much gratitude for recovery in your life. I will share your book with others and again thank you so much. I am so glad to have met you. Hope to see you again. Take care, Linda Davis

11/18/15

Dear Sherry, Thank you for sharing your story at the conference! It was very well-received. Director of NAMI Oregon, Michelle Madison, Chris Boneff, and Peter Link.

11/29/2015 Presentation at Humanists of Greater Portland

Dear Sherry, I want to sincerely thank you for your presentation on mental illness. It was a moving presentation and informative. You gave concrete examples of behaviors associated with specific mental illnesses and the thought processes that individuals experienced when they were in specific episodes of mental illness. Your paintings were beautiful. I especially loved the one of the gentleman with the turban. You used the color yellow in the turban and on his neck. It was such an interesting use of color. His face held such wisdom. You mentioned that you were going to play Dulcinea in Man of La Mancha when you were 20, but had a breakdown before you could perform for an audience. That character has such depth. Your life has been like Dulcinea. You have control of your illness because you take you medication. You are educating people about mental illness and making a difference in so many lives. Thank you for taking the time to present to HGP. It was very much appreciated. Sincerely, Helen Christians, HGP program committee member

Joyce Lackie , Humanists of Greater Portland

Dear Sherry, I’m sorry it has taken me so long to write, but even though we have a person on the committee who writes the thank-you notes, I wanted to tell you myself what a marvelous job you did on your presentation at HGP (Humanists of Greater Portland). You made living with a psychological condition very real to us in a personal way. You are articulate and convincing, and your marvelous sense of humor establishes great rapport with the audience. I am so glad one of our members saw your flyer on the Humanist table after another presentation and suggested I contact you. It was wonderful to meet you, and I thank you for an important presentation. Sincerely, Joyce

12/28/2015- Keynote Address- Presentation on ‘Schizoaffective Disorder and Sherry Goes Sane’ at the First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver for the Volunteer Ombudsmans- Long term care Aging and Disabilities- Neil Degerstedt. “Sherry, Another round of applause for your heartfelt and deeply moving presentation today. Our volunteers and staff were very touched with your poignant narrative. Please continue to educate the public through your speaking engagements; you are a treasure to the community, My best, Neil”