Board of Directors

     "During my years as a psychiatric nurse at 5th Street Connection, I saw close up the strength and perseverance of people who had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. I also saw a group of people shunned by a society that still holds on to the myths and misperceptions of mental health diagnoses. I'm making it my mission to educate the public to treat mental health the same as any other medical disease."

     This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio.

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     "As a family member whose youngest brother manifested schizophrenia in his middle teens, he's the reason I attended an Empire Mental Health Support family support group, which eventually led to a board leadership position. It's my personal goal to steer our organization to become the go-to mental health support, advocacy, and education resource in the Sioux Empire area for individuals and families."

     This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio.

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     "My mental health diagnosis began much later in life. During my recovery I realized I wanted to do more to educate others about the stigmas surrounding mental illness. I am honored to be a speaker who brings the lived experience to community groups and organizations, such as the Sioux Falls Police Department's Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) where law enforcement officers listen to first hand stories about how mental health issues can impact their interactions with the public." 

     "I am a family member with many years of lived experience managing the challenging symptoms of my daughter's bipolar disorder. This personal journey led me to learn about evidence-based communication methods to help improve what families go through during a mental health crisis. To have the opportunity to share my skills and experiences with other families through EMHS' Roadmap To Wellness workshops is my personal commitment and goal."

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     This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio.