Support
Education
Advocacy
Deb Karr-Francis, In Our Own Voice Coordinator
I am NAMI NH because…
I represent recovery from my illness. Coordinating the In Our Own Voice Program allows me also to train and manage a group of amazing presenters who also represent that recovery is possible. Our power of example educates the public that we live and lead happy, fulfilling lives. We dispel the stigma of being diagnosed with a mental illness is a doom and gloom sentence as we spread the message of hope by living well and staying well.
iQ iiiTell us about the In Our Own Voice presentations. We (the public) see this as such a self empowering tool. Are there certain criteria you look for in potential presenters?
In order to be a presenter for In Our Own Voice you must be in “recovery” for one year. We recognize that you do not get “recovered” from a mental illness diagnosis as “recovery” is a journey not an ending point. It is defined as not being symptomatic and being able to manage symptoms, as well as being hospital free for that year. We are interested in those that are passionate about sharing their story.
iQ iii Your role with NAMI NH is exciting because through your work you address advocacy, education, support which is all of what NAMI NH stands for. How do you seek inspiration to continue to do this most important job for the agency?
The presenters are the inspiration. They exemplify it. Their personal story is shared in an In Our Own Voice presentation as they talk about their Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills and Successes, Hopes and Dreams.
iQ iii Congratulations on your recent role as Keynote Speaker for Southern New Hampshire University Honors and Hooding ceremony for the Master’s Degree Program. Were you nervous? How did you prepare for this?
Thanks kindly … it was such an honor. I had spoken to SNHU two years ago and I was delighted to be invited back. I was excited more than nervous. I find it easy to prepare for this as it is not something I need to study or memorize. This is my life’s story. I sat at my computer and organized my thoughts and once I started my writing just flowed out of me. I was so pleased I was able to write freely.
iQ iii We all know you have a gorgeous English Setter name Ashie at home. Can you tell us about her? What are you most looking forward to doing with Ashie this summer?
Ashie came to us shortly after losing our border collie Meemee. She is a complete love bug. She loves to cuddle and hug … yes she actually hugs you. We have had her 2 years now and could not imagine our lives without her. She is great therapy for me and gives me reasons to get up in the morning and reasons to exercise.
My husband Jay is moving to NH permanently and is retiring from the Federal Government after 35 years of service. We got married last summer after many years of a long distance relationship. So what I most look forward to is Jay and I spending our days with Ashie and doing one of our most favorite things which is walking on York Beach in Maine.
