Oconto Falls grad aims to help others

Travis Keiler had a long, hard road to success — and rather than relaxing once he made it, he feels called to share the way with others.

Keiler, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College student, recently earned his high school equivalency diploma (HSED) and certificate of general educational development (GED) after spending more time on it than he’d like to admit. Keiler started with NWTC in 2002 but had to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances. When he returned years later, he was determined to succeed.

Keiler began taking HSED/GED prep courses at NWTC Oconto Falls in fall 2017. Debra Coppens, office assistant at the Regional Learning Center, worked closely with Keiler as he worked toward his credential.

“Everyone has a story, and I find his interesting and inspirational,” Coppens said. “He turned his life around to move forward in a positive way – not just for himself but in helping others with his ministries.”

She is also an NWTC GED grad and is passionate about helping others succeed in the program.

“I like to support them any way I can so that they are successful. I think everyone deserves a second chance (or third) and the hardest step is getting through the door the first time. The best part of my job is seeing them succeed and graduate,” Coppens said.

Gino Gemignani, basic adult education instructor for NWTC in Oconto Falls, Marinette, and Shawano, said he was impressed by Keiler’s commitment to his studies.

“He is an inspiration to me and other students. He has an awesome attitude and strong desire to learn,” Gemignani said. “He genuinely wants to help others. Students like him give my job so much meaning and joy.”

Keiler is committed to more than just his own success, having spent over three years in a mental health facility with a misdiagnosed mental illness. While there, he says, a peace grew in him that drove him to help others.

His illness was eventually correctly diagnosed, and he began working with AA groups after writing an article about his experience that was published in Grapevine, one of the biggest recovery magazines in the country. Keiler has helped to start support groups in three cities in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan that help individuals gain insight into mental health, anger issues, and addiction. He has become a mentor to others who have been released from incarceration and who suffer from mental illness and addiction.

Keiler has had a trying journey thus far, but says, “I’m nowhere near finished.”

He is committed to helping others who struggle with mental illness and addiction.

“I decided to use my poor choices to inspire others who made mistakes in life,” Keiler said.

Recovery is a long road and Keiler sees it as an opportunity. He has been offered a job working with Oconto County as a recovery coach. He will visit people who are hospitalized after an overdose to help set up a path to recovery.

Keiler is continuing his journey with NWTC in Marinette, working toward a welding technical diploma. He plans to be a mentor to future GED students and hopes his story will inspire others. Keiler has been approached to share his story in a published novel.

For information about the GED or HSED programs, contact NWTC Oconto Falls at 920-848-6982 or nwtcocontofalls@nwtc.edu.