Working with interdisciplinary teams of leading advocates, I am collaborating on a number of initiatives to expand resources in Massachusetts and nationally:

Projects include:

• Enduring Connections: As part of a coalition of peers and family members, I am part of a new initiative at Advocates called Enduring Connections, to bring support and resources to those who have not been helped by traditional mental health approaches.

 

• Changing Landscape webinar series. As part of a small team of advocates who are family members, in collaboration with NAMI Massachusetts, I am developing a series of webinars for those who have loved ones with mental health challenges. National experts offer personal experience and research evidence for alternatives that move “beyond the medical model” and can make a major difference in people’s lives.

 

• Reframing Mental Health Messages: With funding from a private donor, the FrameWorks Institute and Massachusetts Association for Mental Health have completed 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.

 

• 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 state legislature and by building coalitions to bring about needed reforms.  Within NAMI Massachusetts, I also participate on a Family Advisory Council that meets with leadership at the Department of Mental Health. On behalf of my local affiliate, NAMI Cambridge/Middlesex, I lead family support groups, answer the phone line, and coordinate advocacy efforts.

 

Contact me anytime for further information.