NAMI Massachusetts Annual Meeting & Board Elections

I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving on the NAMI Mass Board. My professional background as a Director of Marketing, combined with my personal experiences related to mental health, positions me to contribute meaningfully to your mission and initiatives.
In my 12+ years of marketing experience, I have developed a robust skill set encompassing strategic planning, brand development, and community engagement. I have successfully coordinated numerous events, including large-scale gatherings that foster collaboration and build community ties. My experience in crafting impactful messaging would allow me to communicate effectively about NAMI’s mission, programs, and initiatives, ensuring that the message resonate with a broad audience. Additionally, my expertise in digital marketing, project management, and social media would enhance any outreach efforts, helping to raise awareness about mental health issues and the vital support that NAMI provides.
On a personal level, mental health has always been an important issue for me. I have witnessed the profound impact mental illness can have on individuals and families, as several people close to me have faced these challenges. These experiences have fueled my passion for raising awareness about mental health, which has led me to this application. I understand firsthand the importance of support systems and community resources, and I am eager to help NAMI continue to provide vital assistance to those in need.
Although I have not yet actively participated in NAMI activities, I have long admired the organization’s dedication to supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. I believe that my familiarity with NAMI’s work, coupled with my desire to contribute to the organization’s growth and outreach, will be beneficial as a board member. I am eager to continue to learn more about NAMI’s programs and initiatives and to find ways to actively engage in its efforts to foster mental health awareness and support.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the NAMI Mass Board and contribute to the critical work of promoting mental health awareness, providing support, and advocating for those affected by mental illness. I am dedicated to helping advance NAMI’s mission and believe my professional experience, personal passion, and commitment to advocacy will make a positive impact on the board and the communities we serve. Thank you for considering my application.

Those who know my work for and commitment to NAMI Central Mass (currently as President of the Board of Directors) have often suggested I bring my experience and passion to the State level.  Now I feel ready to do so.

Professionally, I have always assumed leadership positions as part of my desire to “get things done.”  Not willing to warm a seat on the sidelines, I plunge in and do the work I expect from everyone else. My resume reveals this. Personally, I am a logical thinker as well as a compassionate individual who assesses problems, comes up with possible solutions, and presents them with kindness and understanding to those who seek my help.  I also keep a sense of humor.

As a high school teacher for over 30 years, I have worked with students struggling with issues no one else would acknowledge.  I also have been touched personally by mental illness for many years.  I have generally well-controlled depression; my biological daughter has a personality disorder and has estranged herself from us for the past eight years; and, after three years of marriage, my husband developed serious depression which remains minimally responsive to pharmacology, TMS, and ECT.  Having navigated the mental health system the best I can, I am aware of the work which remains to be done and I see NAMI Mass as one of the best ways to break down the continuing stigma, to advocate for bringing mental health treatment, and equal access to it, to the level at which it should be working, and to support those currently struggling with symptoms and their families.

NAMI has been a huge help to me in my journey with mental health challenges and I continue to try to give back as a NAMI certified teacher of Family-to-family and Nami Basics, and as a certified Support Group Facilitator.  I feel I have a good understanding of and an appreciation for NAMI and am interested in being a part of its future in Mass.

I began working at NAMI Massachusetts in January 2017, when I was 20 years old. I was the walk intern, and I quickly became a speaker for In Our Own Voice. Since then, I have stayed deeply connected with NAMI, having done over a hundred presentations to thousands of people. I even have an IOOV presentation next week! Therefore, the opportunity to serve on the NAMI Mass Board and bring my knowledge about and passion for the organization into the position feels very exciting. I have extensive experience in event planning, public speaking, DEI training, union organizing, peer mentorship, and supporting other non-profits (RevereCARES, Massachusetts Profit Fellowship, and Massachusetts General Hospital) so this role feels like the perfect fit.

One thing I am particularly excited about is bringing a young adult Latina perspective. When I was interning at NAMI, the MA Latina chapter had just dissolved. Based on who we know is living in Massachusetts, and how we know everyone experiences mental health struggles, I see an infinite amount of opportunity for collaborating with communities of color more. Additionally, as a relatively recent Northeastern graduate, and a college access coach currently for my senior high school students, I have strong insights and connections to higher education. I imagine colleges and universities as one way that NAMI can really form relationships with and help more young people. Overall, my main goal on the NAMI board is to be more intentional about reaching specific communities. Everyday, at the high school I teach at, I see the impact that social determinants have on mental health. I think the board can work to change this, 1. by having young diverse leaders of color and 2. by utilizing relevant robust outreach strategies. That is why I would I love to be considered for this opportunity.

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Board of Directors of NAMI Massachusetts. As a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and support and a practicing mental health services provider, My experience, skills, and passion align closely with the mission and goals of NAMI. I have worked for over twenty years as a mental health practitioner in Berkshire County and have taught courses for developing mental health practitioners in psychology and social work for over 15 years. I have worked in my community to provide support to the mentally ill as well as to support my peers who work with the mentally ill. I have a strong commitment to NAMI’s mission to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. I am particularly drawn to NAMI’s work in the reduction of the stigma that is often attached to mental illness. I would like to engage in aspects of the work that will continue to advocate, educate, bring support, or fundraising activities

I believe I would be a valuable asset to the Board. I am eager to contribute my time, energy, and expertise to help NAMI Massachusetts continue its important work

I reside in Massachusetts as a single parent and have two children, Jessica, 33, and James, 31. In May 2019, I graduated from Boston College with an M.S. in Leadership and Administration.  I work for a pharmaceutical company and have been a Strategic Sourcing professional for over 40 years. I enjoy working with teams to research and make good decisions when purchasing the latest technology applications. I have negotiated contracts in many areas throughout my career, from professional services to technology and facilities, outsourcing, and other categories.

My family member is my son, James, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in May 2018. Feeling overwhelmed and challenged by the entire mental health system, I was fortunate enough to discover NAMI. My first encounter was in March 2019, when I attended the Family-to-Family (F2F) workshop in Westborough. It was just what I was searching for. The available resources, including Compass, Advocates, and the NAMI Massachusetts emails, have enabled me to find the right resources for my son.  After the birth of her second child, my daughter suffered from postpartum depression and was hospitalized.

My experience with NAMI has been positive, so I want to give back by volunteering.  In June 2020, I was elected to the NAMI MetroWest board, and I have served as President and am currently the secretary. I am a Family to Family (F2F) state trainer and facilitator. I have completed seven sessions and plan to continue running sessions to help other families meaningfully. I am especially interested in helping to develop programs that assist both our family and loved ones navigate through the complexities of mental illness. My daughter and I also created a team for the Virtual Walk to raise awareness and money.

I am active in fund-raising activities at my parish and teach a negotiation class at a local college. Recently, I received the Global Ambassador Leadership Award from The Healthcare Business Association for completing their program.

It would be a privilege to serve as a board member as a national board member for NAMI and would like to be considered for an open position.

After several years off the NAMI MA Board, I wish to return, to bring my expertise, experience and efforts back to assist NAMI MA in its mission.  I bring 15 years of mental health advocacy work, from speaking throughout New England on anti-stigma and on the science of mental health, in working with DMH and DMH vendors, and serving on several hospital panels, as well as speaking on NPR.  Some of my other board-related skills include, financial expertise in finance and investments as an executive for 25 years and marketing skills from my years of teaching marketing at Boston College.

Building NAMI community support is rewarding, both for new members, the community around us, and also for the long-time members.  We can share the trials of navigation through the years, giving value to our often long journeys within the Mental Health Arena, NAMI is there to help new members to the experience of mental illness challenges.  Through all our NAMI mental health education classes, all the stories told in support groups, we help individuals attending our meetings, and every person touched, to recognize they are not alone.

My personal experience includes supporting my son, living with SZ, hospitalized over a dozen times in psychiatric wards, both public and private.  He is a client of DMH, I am Roger’s Act Guardian and his primary caregiver. Further, my experience includes, my father, brother and his son, who have all passed from suicide.  I was on the Suicide Prevention Board for several years.

NAMI has long been one of the Nation’s most powerful grassroots support, education and advocacy organizations on Severe Mental Health. Because of NAMI’s focus, the public has grown more aware of the needs and challenges in mental illnesses.  I want to assist in expanding our much-needed footprint throughout MA.

I am interested in serving on the NAMI Massachusetts board. I am a healthcare executive, have a personal and professional connection to mental health, and previously ran MGH Psychiatry’s inpatient and specialty services, including opening MGH’s Ketamine Center for Refractive Depression. I have non-profit board experience. I attended a NAMI MA conference several years ago and was really impressed with the organization, and would love to get involved in a board capacity if there is a need.

I have been involved with NAMI Mass and our programs for the overwhelming of more than a decade. Longtime speaker for IOOV and program leader for P2P

As a resident of Haverhill and a member of the LGBTQIA community and someone who has my own lived experience of the mental health and substance use, I bring underrepresented world view/experience and perspective to the Board – – in terms of geographic representation, community and intersection of mental health and substance abuse.

As a business owner, entertainer, speaker and comedian I have connections across New England and experience networking – – I would be an excellent branding ambassador for NAMI and gladly spread our mission and message to engage others.

Finally, I believe NAMI Mass needs to do a better job of reaching the queer community in Mass and will be committed to supporting these efforts if elected. With 41% of LGBTQIA youth considering suicide annually, we need to do a better of reaching this community.