About Felicia

Felicia Goosen is a mental wellness expert, author, and international speaker recognized for her work in youth mental health across Africa and her expertise in mental resilience and wellbeing. Her work is centred on a single conviction: that the prisons which shape us most are rarely made of walls. They are built from shame, trauma, self-doubt, and silence and they can be dismantled.  

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Born in Lard Yao Prison in Thailand, Felicia was separated from her mother as a child. That early experience of abandonment, together with the years of self-harm and rebuilding that followed, became the foundation of her Prison to Purpose philosophy - a framework she now uses to help individuals, organizations, and communities identify the mental prisons that quietly limit them and lead them toward healing and purpose. This lived experience, combined with her training in behavioral health, mental health and wellbeing, has established her as a respected voice in mental wellness.​

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Recognised for her impact in mental wellness and youth development, Felicia Goosen was a Finalist in the African Health Excellence Awards 2025 for Healthcare Professional / Employee Wellness of the Year and received the 16 Actors LOPECO and UN Women Award for her advocacy in preventing violence against women and girls through mental health and resilience programmes. At the age of 19, she was named Most Promising Student by the CEO of Standard Bank, recognising her leadership potential and commitment to social impact. Today, Felicia is a respected voice in youth mental health and resilience, regularly contributing to conversations on television, radio, podcasts, and print media in South Africa and internationally, helping to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire hope.

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Felicia's debut book, Prison Child (2023), traces her journey from self-harm to self-healing and introduces Prison to Purpose framework that underpins her speaking, coaching and leadership work. The book was selected for Exclusive Books' Homebru collection, celebrating impactful South African stories, and is featured on the Gauteng Department of Education’s school libraries reading list.

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The WELL Framework is Felicia's practical, evidence-informed methodology for building mental wellness proactively rather than responding only in times of crisis. Built on five core pillars, it is delivered in schools, workplaces, and communities to strengthen resilience, emotional wellbeing, and sustainable performance. 

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As a keynote speaker, facilitator, and panelist, Felicia speaks on mental health, resilience, leadership, and youth development. Through her signature Prison to Purpose keynote and The WELL Framework, she equips audiences with practical strategies to overcome adversity, build resilience, and lead with purpose. Her programmes include leadership development workshops for organizations and the Embracing Her development series, which empowers women to embrace authenticity, strengthen resilience, and live with greater purpose.

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People across South Africa, Africa and globally, are inspired by Felicia, and her work continues to touch audiences from every walk of life. Felicia Goosen's work is driven by her belief in the power of holistic wellness to transform lives. She can be contacted for speaking engagements, workshops, and mentoring opportunities.​