The Kortni Alston Lemon Media (KALM) Institute for Workplace Wellbeing is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to caring for media professionals. Founded by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, a former news director and television reporter turned happiness scholar, KALM equips journalists, news leaders, and media professionals with the tools they need to thrive.

Through advocacy, research, and training programs — including Mental Health First Aid certification — KALM empowers media professionals to prevent burnout, respond to mental health challenges, and build healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Our goal is bold yet urgent: to train 1,000 media professionals in Mental Health First Aid so that every newsroom has someone ready to recognize, respond, and refer when mental-health challenges arise.

Voices from KALM’s First Cohort of Mental Health First Aiders

KALM’s inaugural group of certified Mental Health First Aiders represents the next generation of compassionate leadership across print, television, digital media, public relations, and higher education in communications.

Here’s what they had to say about the impact of Mental Health First Aid:

“Mental Health First Aid has made me more aware of the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge or crisis. I was able to apply that knowledge within days of my certification. Those I have helped have expressed relief at knowing someone sees them and can point them to the appropriate resources.”
— Marie Torres, Managing Editor, Spectrum News 1

“Mental Health First Aid really opened my eyes to the signs when someone may be struggling. After the course, I was able to better support my nephew with more care and confidence. It truly made a difference.”
— Dawn Angelique Roberts, Co-Chair, National Association of Black Journalists Wellness Task Force

These testimonials are a testament to what happens when evidence-based training meets empathy in action — when the people who tell the world’s stories are equipped to care for themselves and each other.

Exclusive Registration for Waitlist Members — November 1 MHFA Training

Your waitlist access is open — secure your spot in KALM’s November 1 Mental Health First Aid training led by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon.

Team Members