After having spent twenty-five years as a successful information technology professional, Leslie Byers found her true passion as an advocate for children and families dealing with mental illness.

As the mother of a daughter that has struggled with mental illness for over twenty years, Leslie knows first hand the stigma and ignorance of mental illness and the subsequent challenges that families face as a result of that stigma.

Leslie is the author of a recently published book, Heather’s Rage. She wrote Heather’s Rage with the hope that her experience will replace ignorance with an understanding of mental illness and be an inspiration and help for those in similar situations. Today, Leslie uses her experience to increase public knowledge and awareness of mental illness.