Tess Von Kaam
Tess Von Kaam is a passionate public speaker and mental health advocate based in Delray Beach, Florida, currently working with Minding Your Mind to promote trauma-informed care and suicide prevention. Drawing on her own experiences with loss and recovery, she engages communities through storytelling, raising awareness about mental health challenges and encouraging individuals to seek support. Tess emphasizes practical strategies for resilience, fostering environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Tess holds a B.A. in Communication from Southeastern University and is pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University, specializing in trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based interventions such as CBT and DBT. Her background in journalism and broadcasting has shaped her ability to communicate complex topics clearly and compassionately, which she applies across her public speaking, counseling, and multimedia storytelling efforts. She also works closely with youth and young adults, helping them develop emotional regulation, executive functioning, and coping strategies for everyday challenges.
In addition to her speaking and counseling roles, Tess is authoring a book titled Suicide Survival Plan, which shares frameworks and personal insights from her journey with suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Her professional philosophy centers on connection, relational support, and equipping individuals and communities with the skills to sustain well-being beyond clinical settings. Through her work, Tess strives to normalize conversations around mental health, break stigma, and inspire hope for those navigating difficult emotional experiences.
• Southeastern University - BA
• Minding Your Mind
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of faith, guidance, and a willingness to step into the unknown. I’ve learned to navigate challenges and problem-solve as I go, knowing support is available when things don’t go as planned. My father’s advice—“Don’t bring me problems; bring me solutions”—taught me to take initiative and trust my judgment. That mindset, along with faith and resilience, has been central to my growth and success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my dad, who was a business owner. His biggest thing was don't bring me problems, bring me solutions. His point was, you know, I'm not here to fix your problems, I want you to kind of work out this problem a little bit, and then we can talk and help. I think that gave me a lot of confidence to be able to say, okay, yeah, I don't know what I'm doing here, but hey, if I need a check, I've got something. That really built confidence in me to problem-solve and navigate challenges on my own first before seeking help.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest advice for young women entering this industry is to cultivate a strong relationship with yourself—one grounded in trust, compassion, and a genuine desire to support your own growth. Without that foundation, it’s difficult to guide and empower others effectively. In our work, the ultimate goal is to help people build the skills and support systems they need so they can thrive independently. Connection is central to this, and that begins with a solid connection to yourself. Knowing your limits and recognizing signs of burnout is essential for sustaining both your well-being and your ability to help others.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships are at the heart of my life, both personally and professionally. My faith and connection with God guide me, and I strive to create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and supported. Family, especially my daughter, has taught me empathy, self-reflection, and tenderness, shaping how I engage with others every day.