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Author, Speaker, Trainer, Thought Leader
Sarah Gaer

Logos of various prosecutorial and law enforcement organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association, American Association of Suicidology, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police, Office of the Sheriff Paul Heroux of Bristol County, Beverly Police Department, and the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators.

What do I offer?

A woman giving a presentation in a conference room with a slide on the screen that reads, 'Welcome to QPR! Sarah Gaer, MA, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Riverside Trauma Center.'

Trainings

  • Introduction to Suicide (1-2) hours

  • Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (1-2 hours)

  • Psychological First Aid (PFA) (8-hour training)

  • QPR Train the Trainers (8-hour training)

  • QPR Community Training (1.5-3 hour training) 

  • QPR Law Enforcement Training (1.5-3 hours)

  • QPR Public Safety Training – (1.5-3 hours)

  • Toxic Stress Reduction – Law Enforcement (1.5-3 hours)

  • Soul Exhaustion (1-2 hour training/Keynote)

A woman speaking at a podium during the 30th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention in September 2019, with a sign on the podium reading "Breaking Down Walls, Building Bridges".

Speaking

  • Suicide Prevention

  • Toxic and Traumatic Stress

  • The Power of Peer Support

  • Soul Exhaustion: Beyond the Medical Model 

  • No, I am not ok: Adolescent Suicide Loss and Grief 

  • The Price: Puzzle Pieces of Suicide (Book) 

  • Good Night Grace – (Book)

  • Guts, Grit & The Grind (Book series) Men’s MENtal Mechanics MANual

  • And others upon request

Who is Sarah?

Sarah Gaer is a highly experienced mental health professional with over 25 years in the field, specializing in trauma, addiction, and suicide prevention. She holds a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University. Sarah has served as a Suicide Prevention Specialist, training more than 1,000 persons in suicide prevention techniques and leading crisis response efforts in various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. She has been at the forefront of crisis response, leading teams in the aftermath of suicides, homicides, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. 

As a consultant and trainer for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, she specializes in Law Enforcement mental health and suicide prevention. Additionally, Sarah is a National Trainer for Psychological First Aid. She is actively involved in the H.O.P.E. Certification program, a culture-changing initiative to promote evidence-based practices in mental health promotion and suicide prevention. 

Sarah is a renowned speaker who has delivered multiple keynote speeches on her innovative work with Soul Exhaustion and Soul Care in the public and private sectors. Her speeches provide a unique perspective for self-reflection and understanding, validating struggles while instilling hope for finding peace.

Sarah’s keynote speeches bring the concept of the soul back to the forefront of discussion regarding how we conceptualize ourselves, others, our world, and mental health. She delves into how the essence of who we are, as well as the experience of suicide loss and grief, impacts human beings.

She has presented her work at National and International Suicide Prevention conferences and published writings recognized by SAMHSA and the Good Men Project. She is the author of the novels The Price and Goodnight Grace and co-author of Guts, Grit & The Grind, which highlight essential aspects of men’s mental health.

Sarah’s contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention Leadership Award. She is on the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Chair of the Central Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Coalition, which underscores her commitment to advancing mental health practices. In addition to her professional achievements, Sarah finds joy in her role as a mother and the company of her beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs. Whether hiking in the wilderness or relaxing in her RV, Sarah infuses each moment with vitality and enthusiasm. Sarah Gaer’s impact on mental health advocacy is undeniable. She offers hope and guidance for those seeking healing and renewal.

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