ESPN’s Sisler to help kick off Mental Health Month,
Resilience Week in the New River Valley
The award-winning sports journalist and author will serve as keynote speaker at the May 1 event in Christiansburg.
Seating for this event is limited | RSVPs required | Reserve your seat here
New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) is pleased to present a special evening with Lauren Sisler, award-winning sports broadcaster and author of the new book, Shatterproof. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1 at Belmont Christian Church in Christiansburg (1500 Peppers Ferry Rd.), beginning at 6:00 PM.
This event will kick off the local observance of Mental Health Month, as well as Resilience Week in Virginia. Sisler will also be assisting NRVCS with presentation of its first-ever “Agent of Hope” Awards.
May is recognized nationally each year as Mental Health Month. Resilience Week will be observed across Virginia May 1 – 7.
Sisler is a national award-winning sports broadcaster who has been captivating audiences with her insightful coverage on ESPN since 2016. As a sportscaster and former collegiate gymnast, Sisler is passionate about sports, but even more passionate about telling the stories of the coaches, athletes, and fans who make it more than a game.
Sisler’s life was not always marked by victories. In 2003, as a freshman at Rutgers University, tragedy struck when she unexpectedly lost both parents within hours of each other to their
hidden battle with prescription drug addiction. Through her grief, Sisler emerged from the shadows of shame and found renewed hope.
“I carried that shame until I finally realized I wouldn’t let the pain I harbored define me, just like it didn’t define my parents,” she says.
Harnessing her pain as a catalyst for growth, Sisler embraced her story, transforming her anguish and heartbreak into a source of strength and healing. She now recognizes that living courageously and authentically can unlock remarkable potential, and she embodies this truth in every aspect of her life.
Her keynote, “Becoming Shatterproof: The Pathway to Resilience and Purpose,” is an invitation to discover your unbreakable spirit, embrace the resilience within, and align your life with a profound sense of purpose. Through storytelling and practical insights, Sisler will help attendees take a deep dive into what it means to live a shatterproof life—one that withstands trials while staying true to our greatest values and goals.
Through vibrant storytelling, Sisler connects deeply with her audience, motivating them to redefine their own stories to find peace and purpose.
“Your story is significant,” adds Sisler. “Learn to love it, then do something with it.”
Her message is clear: confront adversity with bravery, own your story, and let it propel you towards a future filled with greater meaning and fulfillment.
NOTE: Sisler will be signing copies of her book as part of a “meet & greet” at the conclusion of the event on May 1. Books will be available for purchase on site.
