Program Manager - Mental Health First Aid Missouri
Mental Health First Aid Missouri
Brighton, Illinois
Isaac Sandidge is a National Trainer and Instructor of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) with more than a decade of experience teaching, mentoring, and building community-centered programs that expand access to mental health education. As one of the lead visionaries behind the Community Mental Health First Aid Collaborative (CMHFAC) in Illinois, Isaac has helped develop a model that brings together diverse organizations—nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and grassroots initiatives—to collectively deliver MHFA at scale.
Isaac has taught hundreds of MHFA courses across the nation, reaching thousands of participants from varied backgrounds, including educators, first responders, faith communities, and social service providers. In his role as a National Trainer, he also prepares and coaches new instructors, ensuring that the next generation of MHFA leaders are confident, skilled, and supported. His work emphasizes mentorship, sustainability, and collaboration—values that underpin the CMHFAC framework.
Beyond MHFA, Isaac brings deep experience in community leadership and capacity building. For the past six years, he has served as a Site Leader for Overnight Warming Locations (OWL), a volunteer-driven network providing emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme weather. In this role, Isaac not only coordinates direct services but also integrates MHFA into volunteer training, strengthening the ability of community members to recognize and respond to mental health crises compassionately and effectively.
As an educator and trainer, Isaac is known for his engaging, practical style and his ability to translate complex mental health concepts into actionable skills that resonate with diverse audiences. His passion for empowering communities to reduce stigma and build resilience is reflected in every project he leads.
Isaac’s work has been guided by the belief that sustainable change comes from working together. Whether through building cross-sector partnerships, mentoring new instructors, or fostering grassroots collaborations, he has dedicated his career to ensuring that Mental Health First Aid is not only taught—but lived—in communities.
MHFA11 - Building Self-resiliency and Self-confidence as an Instructor
Sunday, April 26, 2026
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM MDT