NAMI Massachusetts (NAMI Mass) is proud to announce that Dr. Myisha R. Rodrigues has joined the organization as Executive Director. Her official start date will be November 28, 2022. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health, education, and non-profit sectors, Dr. Rodrigues is committed to facilitating the well-being and development of individuals, organizations, and systems through transformative coaching, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement. Her praxis is guided by advocacy for social justice, critically conscious philosophy, and healing centered engagement. As a licensed mental health clinician and certified trauma professional, she has facilitated the professional development of her peers locally, nationally, and internationally.
Prior to joining NAMI Mass, Dr. Rodrigues was Director of Organizational Improvement at the Boston Public Schools where she was responsible for building organizational culture, strengthening systems and employee well-being, and building leadership capacity. Previously, Dr. Rodrigues was the Co-Founder, Regional Managing Director, and Director of Clinical Counseling at KIPP Forward in the Boston Metro and North Shore areas. Dr. Rodrigues earned a PhD in Counseling & Psychology with a concentration in Transformative Leadership, Education, and Applied Research from Lesley University. She earned a B.A. from Emory University in Dance and Movement Studies and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. Her love of the arts has shaped her narrative as a practitioner, leader, and scholar.
“I’m honored to join NAMI Mass at this exciting moment as the organization is celebrating 40 years of important work to improve the lives of those impacted by mental health conditions and increase public awareness…,” said Dr. Rodrigues. “At this juncture, amplifying and improving mental health is critical. I look forward to partnering with the NAMI Mass community to establish vision and strategy as we chart the path forward.”
NAMI Mass is a grassroots, statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions, their families, and their caregivers. Through education, advocacy, and support, NAMI Mass works to improve public awareness and understanding of mental health conditions and ensure that all people impacted by a mental health condition receive the support they need when they need it. The organization influences the state’s mental health policies, elevating the voices of those with lived experience. NAMI Mass programs are free to participants and are led by people with first-hand experience navigating the mental health system for themselves or a family member. In 2021, almost 130,000 people received support from NAMI Mass. Founded in 1982, the organization is proudly celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2022.
“Dr. Rodrigues brings leadership, passion, and experience to NAMI Mass at a pivotal time in the organization’s evolution,” said Annabel Lane, president of the NAMI Mass Board of Directors. “Her extensive work with organizational improvement and her dedication to healing-centered engagement and mental health support are a perfect combination to carry forward NAMI Mass’ mission. We are excited to welcome Dr. Rodrigues as our Executive Director!”
The national search and executive transition process for NAMI Mass was guided by Eos Transition Partners, with Search Consultant, Hez Norton. https://eostransitions.com.
Read the press release (pdf)
