“Kris is a true professional. From the start of his presentation to the end, he had the full attention of my students. A talented speaker with a wealth of knowledge on the subject. I highly recommend!”
About VĪV Mental Health
IT’S ALL IN THE NAME.
The name “VĪV” is derived from – and rhymes with – the words “survive” and “revive“.
These two words reflect our commitment to providing effective wraparound mental health support. Individuals not only require the skills and resources to “survive” challenges, but must also be supported through the “revival” period of recovery, healing, empowerment, resilience-building, and prevention.
OUR STORY.
The first iteration of VĪV Mental Health came to light at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020. Known simply as “The VĪV Mental Health Initiative”, VĪV began as an advocacy and social awareness project led by Kristopher Marks. Through community engagement, volunteering, and a growing social media presence, Kristopher’s advocacy and passion caught the attention of workplaces and schools that sought his innovative approach to supporting mental health.
“The VĪV Mental Health Podcast” was launched in 2021 and quickly gained a significant following. Kristopher then began his psychology studies at the University of Athabasca while continuing to release podcast episodes. Within months, he was presented with opportunities to deliver keynotes, develop workplace training, and facilitate community workshops – giving rise to the multi-disciplinary, community-based social enterprise we see today!
Today, VĪV Mental Health proudly supports Workplaces, Communities, and Schools through a wide range of services, including in-person and virtual training, leadership development, team-building events, keynote presentations, community workshops and engagement, classroom presentations, parent/caregiver education, online learning and course development, professional video, media, and podcast production.
OUR PURPOSE.
We are passionately committed to ensuring that accessible, inclusive, and quality education is available to – and for – everyone. When it comes to supporting our people and yours, we believe in a collaborative mindset over a competitive one, approaching everything we do with an innovative mindset that leverages shared knowledge, proven methods, lived experiences, and expertise from every discipline.
We truly look forward to sharing our passion, commitment, and expertise with you, your workplace, your classroom, and your community.
~ Team VĪV
Keynote Speaker | Musician | Machinist
Kristopher (Kris) Marks is the CEO and founder of VĪV Mental Health, a business and social enterprise established in 2021 to further innovate how mental health training, engagement, and support could be delivered to businesses, not-for-profits, schools, and communities.
Kristopher has established himself as an inspiring and passionate voice in the fields of mental health, leadership, workplace and generational cultures, psychological safety, suicide awareness, and supporting men, youth, and communities. His authentic delivery style, captivating presence, and creative visuals has resonated with virtual and live audiences around the world, highlighting his connection-based approach to audience engagement and immersive learning.
Kris's Personal Experiences: How They Shaped Who He Is Today
Kristopher’s personal lived experiences and passion for helping others became a catalyst for his work in mental health. After experiencing sexual trauma as a teenager, Kris later survived a suicide attempt and was briefly unhoused in his twenties. The next chapter of his life saw him complete four years of apprenticeship and studies at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, graduating in 2010 as a Red Seal journeyman machinist, followed by a 13-year career in the trades prior to shifting his focus to work mental health.
Kristopher is a Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor (Canadian Mental Health Association) and holds certificates in Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid. He is the host and producer of the VĪV Mental Health Podcast and produces three additional podcasts for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Kristopher also performs stand-up comedy, loves traveling the world, and enjoys an active lifestyle of hiking, biking, swimming, and hockey. He is actively involved in harm-reduction and community volunteer work, and perhaps most importantly, he is the proud human to a handsome rescue dog named Carson – who often makes appearances in his presentations and at community events.
Kristopher began studying music at the age of 12 and was classically trained for three years. He embraced his newfound creative outlet and wrote countless songs as a teenager, often performing at parties and in the hallways of his high school. In 2008 he formed an original rock/funk/punk band called No Witness, performing dozens of shows, releasing an album, and touring western Canada. When the band parted ways in 2015, he worked as a touring guitarist with various Canadian country music artists, in addition to writing and performing his own original acoustic songs. Kristopher often incorporates his love for music and the arts into his work, offering accessible and entertaining ways to deliver important education and fostering connections with his audiences. VĪV Mental Health’s InstruMental Health Therapeutic Music Program was a lifelong dream that he is very proud to see being fulfilled.
Keynotes
Keynotes, conferences, event hosting, & more. Elevate. Inspire. Empower.
Workplaces
Certified training, workshops, team-building, strategies, courses, & more.
Communities
Programs and conversations that support mental health in communities & organizations.
Classrooms
Programs and education for schools, communities, not-for-profits, & more.
“Kris is compassionate, resourceful, and his sessions and conversations are always so thoughtful and relevant. His superpower seems to be that he can draw out the best in people, helping others feel comfortable with their own vulnerability and creating a safe space for folks to exist freely without judgment.”
As a longtime client of VIV Mental Health, I am pleased to offer my wholehearted endorsement of their services. From our monthly safety meetings, annual audits, and employee/leadership training to their ongoing role as our mental health and psychological safety touch point, Kris and his team have gone above and beyond in delivering support for our team in every way we could have hoped.
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