Kim Penny

Imagine the gut-dropping feeling of being told that if you survive, you may never walk again.  This is what the doctors told Kim Penny after a devastating snow tubing accident in the backcountry of the San Juan Mountains.  But after years of emotional and physical turmoil, with the help of a great support system consisting of family and other mentors, she not only walks again but climbs mountains both literally and figuratively.  She motivates students by showing them how to overcome their own seemingly impossible obstacles.

 “I didn’t walk through my recovery alone, but I did have to take the first step.”

Through her personal story of recovery and triumph, Kim teaches students how not to allow their fears and self-doubt overshadow the positive things in their lives.  She encourages empathy by sharing about friends lost to suicide, helping students understand how to get outside of their own problems and recognize the pain in others.  Lastly, she demonstrates that while everyone has experienced some level of emotional or physical pain, no one needs to be alone – that there is help out there via mentors and others who care.

Listen to Kim’s Story of Perseverance