John-Michael Lander is creating a voice. Through writing, speaking, and consulting, he helps individuals and organizations identify the signs of grooming, manipulating, and stigmatizing of sexual abuse and how to help survivors (of any type of abuse) face the past and find their true self. John-Michael battled with finding his true self and authentic voice. As an elite athlete, he endured sexual abuse from coaches, benefactors, and medical team which resulted in years of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and even suicide attempts. Today, John-Michael is passionate about helping people face the past and find their true self; educating parents, guardians, coaches, teachers, and officials how to spot and recognize the signs of abuse. John-Michael represented the USA in international Springboard and Platform diving competitions. His entertainment experiences include performing on General Hospital, All My Children, and national commercials; the lead in the independent films All the Rage and Pilgrim; and originating many roles on New York stages. He taught high school English for seven years at the nationally recognized Stivers High School of the Arts in Dayton, Ohio. John-Michael presented the speech “An Athlete’s Silence” at the TEDxDayton 2018 Convention and the 2019 Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Global Summit in Washington, D.C. He has spoken at PFLAG and recorded several TV and radio interviews about abuse, spiritual journey, and finding his true self.