Working with interdisciplinary teams of leading advocates, I am collaborating on a number of initiatives to improve public understanding of serious mental health conditions, and to expand resources in Massachusetts and nationally that are effective in bringing recovery:

Projects include:

• Reframing Mental Health Messages: With funding from a private donor, the FrameWorks Institute and Massachusetts Association for Mental Health have undertaken a project to analyze public assumptions about mental health and to design messaging that moves beyond stigma to increase public support.  Based on its findings, the project is now offering a toolkit and trainings for mental health organizations statewide on Communicating for Change.

• Peer Outreach: As part of a coalition of peers and family members, I am creating a project to expand resources in Massachusetts for those who have not been helped by traditional mental health approaches, building on the success of peer-based initiatives in Massachusetts and worldwide.

• Policy Advocacy: Coordinating with Massachusetts mental health advocacy organizations, I help build support in state government for measures to improve and expand effective mental health care including by testifying in the legislature and by building coalitions to bring about needed reforms.  Within NAMI Mass, I also participate on a Family Advisory Council for the Department of Mental Health, and, on behalf of my local affiliate, NAMI Cambridge/Middlesex, I am coordinating support groups, answering the phone line, and coordinating advocacy efforts.

 

Contact me anytime for further information.