Our Origin Story

Geek Wellness Education was started by our president, David Lane, a lifelong fan of Horror, Sci-Fi and Superheroes...and a lifelong sufferer of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After a period of mental health crisis in 2019, while getting the (continuing) professional help that he needed, he realized that, for years, it was his love of genre properties that kept him alive and knowing that others in the community suffer from mental health issues, he wanted to help reach them. 

​

After the April 29th, 2020 death of Chucky co-creator John Lafia, the decision was made to host a convention event in his honor that would also provide mental health resources and education. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that event was cancelled, but it allowed time to expand the idea. Instead of one event, there would be many, at conventions across the country. A corporation was formed, 501c3 status granted and we launched our first initiative: Horror Heals: A Tribute to Child's Play's John Lafia.

Since then we have expanded into other concepts, including an ongoing initiative to bring Superhero Self Esteem to elementary schools, and themed mental health events for fansof anime, Batman, GI Joe, Disney, RPGs, Halloween haunted house attractions, Lord off the Rings and more!

GWE is also a proud member of the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition, and along with our partners, help to craft and promote the Mental Health Media Guide for use in tv and film.

We aren't mental health professionals, we're just a bunch of geeks who recognize that like any great franchise, YOUR story isn't over yet.

In 2025, our focus is primarily on issues that impact women. 

• 1/25/25: Black Widow's Intro to Self Defense Class

Professional boxer, black belt in Karate, Hapkido and Taekwondo and certified women's self defense trainer Carmen Gulliksen will take on the role of Black Widow to give an introductory class on self defense for women.

• 2/8/25: Narcissistic Vampires and The Walking Dead

 Vanessa Dimitropoulos (who played Anna on seasons 6 and 7 of The Walking Dead) will lead a support group for survivors of narcissistic abuse 

• 3/7/25 Wonder Women: Restoring Feminine Power 

A First Friday pop-up art event that exclusively features revolutionary female artists. There will also be a keynote speech by My Own Image founder Susanna Gibson.

• ONGOING: Mom's Bad Girl Era

This is a continuing initiative that speaks to new mothers who are dealing with postpartum depression. It includes a support group led by a licensed counselor and a comic book hero/villain boudoir photo shoot

ALSO! 

We have launched a new initiative to raise money for VCU Childrens Hospital! Thanks to a donation of HUNDREDS of stuffed Deadpools, we will be selling them at various events to raise money!