Chris is a certified counselor and is the founder of Conversations on the Fringe. CotF an organization seeking creative and innovative ways to bridge the gap between the mental health community and those entities (particularly schools and churches) that serve marginalized people in contemporary society. He’s been working with vulnerable and marginalized children, teens, and adults for over 20 years.
Chris is a sought-after conference speaker and writer. He blogs at conversationsonthefringe.com and a contributor to other blogs/websites that have like-minded values. Chris is published in journals/magazines and writes curriculum aimed at helping hurting youth and adults.
Here are just some of Chris’ areas of expertise and experience:
- Adolescent Development
- Family Systems and Attachment Theory
- Teen/Young Adult Leadership Development
- Mental Health and Substance Misuse
- Criminal Justice System
- Bullying/Violence
- Suicide Prevention
- Trauma Stewardship
- Talking to White Americans about Race and Racism
- Commercial Sex Work and Human Trafficking
- Sex and Sexuality Education
- Harm Reduction Practices
- Counseling/Mentoring/Spiritual Direction
Chris is afraid of snakes and the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz but feels right at home in the dark spaces the hurting dwell in. Through CotF, he hopes to equip others so they can also navigate those dark spaces to rescue the vulnerable among us.
Chris speaks at schools (middle school/high school/colleges, guest lectures, retreats, community gatherings, corporate training, board meetings, events/conferences, and online video conferencing.
If you are interested in having Chris speak at your event/organization/retreat/church you can contact him at the following:
Chris Schaffner
P.O. Box 74
Delavan, Illinois 61734
309.360.6115
conversations on the fringe 
Leave a comment