Charlson Gaines

Charlson Gaines is a retired US Air Force disabled veteran. He served all over the world as an intelligence analyst including stints in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Qatar and Korea.

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During this time, he earned his Master’s Degree in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. He is currently a Health Psychology Ph.D. candidate. He also spent four years as a DoD-Certified Sexual Assault Victim Advocate.

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He fully embodies the US Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. Upon retiring from the US Air Force, his career choices led him to earn a second Master’s Degree, this time in Project Management. With 20 years of military experience and two Master’s Degrees, he re-engaged with the military working in both the US Navy and US Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Headquarters.

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Mr. Gaines then became a Violence and Suicide Prevention Program Manager. While in this position, he became a certified DoD Master Resilience Trainer and cognitive behavioral life coach. He also became a Certified Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals.

He has a unique combination of skills, education and experience that led him to integrate emotional intelligence and resilience into a system that not only prevents suicides, but teaches people to replace misery with happiness. He’s spoken at over 30 events to over 5,000 people.

His audiences have included US Southern Command, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, and members of the Chicago Teachers Union.