May Spotlight

Annette Carbonneau

iQ iiiPlease finish this sentence. “I am NAMI NH because…” am NAMI NH because…

Because my entire life has been affected by mental illness.

Because through the NAMI NH family education and support programs my life was changed, I became able to process and understand a life time of experiences with a father who had untreated mental illness and also partner with my son to support his recovery.

Because I believe in the NAMI NH mission.

Because I am working to end stigma and promote better access to effective treatment.

Because I believe we need to continue to work to reach the many families affected by mental illness that are still struggling alone.

iQ iii Can you share what your NAMI NH role is within the organization?

Being Manager of Grant Operations and Volunteer Development simply means that I get the opportunity to be part of exciting projects that bring family education and support to communities around the state, and I get to be a part of initiatives that involve working with courts, police, veterans, schools, hospitals and other social service organizations .NAMI NH has many exciting projects in the works. On the Volunteer Development side of my job, I get to work with the incredible grassroots volunteers who are in NH communities around the state providing support and education to families; educating systems such as colleges and courts; reducing stigma and advocating on a local and state level.

iQ iii May is Mental Health Awareness Month and you are spearheading a legislative luncheon on May 1st. Can you tell us the importance of the luncheon and what you hope is the “take home” message for legislators?

This year’s legislative luncheon is focused on the important subject of employment for people with mental illness. Our NH legislators are leaders in our communities, so they are in a position to be able to help educate businesses around the state about the need to provide everyone with an opportunity to work. We will be presenting real stories of people affected by mental illness that pursued employment and how working has helped them in their recovery process. Legislators will also hear from employers and employment focused organizations that help people reach their goals of employment.

iQ iii When you are not working at NAMI NH what other passions or activities do you enjoy?

My sheep, gardening, walking, kayaking and in winter x-country skiing and snowshoeing