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About Katie Gorski Katie Gorski, LMSW, is a dedicated social worker with the Garland Police Department, where she’s been serving since July 2023. In her role, she supports both the community and internal department staff—officers, civilian employees, and their families—by promoting mental wellness and connecting them with meaningful first responder qualified resources. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and her Master of Social Work from Baylor University, equipping her with both the clinical skills and compassionate approach that guide her work every day. Katie is currently working on her next State of TX certification to become a licensed clinical social worker. Coming from a law enforcement family herself—her dad and grandfather both served—Katie understands the unique challenges first responders and their families face. That personal connection fuels her mission to break the stigma around mental health in public safety. She’s passionate about creating a culture where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness, and where those who protect others feel supported to take care of themselves too. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help first responders live healthier, fuller lives and enjoy long, well-earned retirements.

NAMI's Ending the Silence program is a trio of engaging presentations to help schools and organizations serving youth and their families address mental health. Ending the Silence is a powerful tool in raising awareness, improving understanding and reducing stigma. It delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. Please click on the links below to read more about each presentation and request Ending the Silence for your group. ETS for Students ETS for Educators ETS for Families REQUEST ENDING THE SILENCE PRESENTATION Ending the Silence delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. Questions? Contact Olivia Frolichstein at Olivia@naminorthtexas.org or 214-341-7133

About Us Our Services Donate Join NAMI North Texas Work with NAMI Press & Media Public Documents Mission, Vision, & Values Operating Policies & Procedures Bylaws 2019 Impact Report 2020 Impact Report 2020 Form 990 2021 Form 990 About NAMI NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need. NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Local Affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs. Since its inception in 1979, NAMI has established itself as the foremost grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in the NAMI's mission have produced profound changes. NAMI has been the driving force behind a national investment in lifesaving research, parity for mental health care, increased housing and improved access to care. NAMI's awareness efforts successfully address the stigma of mental illness, breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery. NAMI’s signature education programs have served as a beacon of hope for hundreds of thousands of families and individuals. NAMI’s support efforts expand to meet the challenges of a changing world by supporting virtual communities of help and hope to millions through NAMI.org and NAMI’s social media channels. NAMI North Texas was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Texas in 1982. It is a 501-c-3 tax-deductible charitable organization. NAMI North Texas is the local affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI Texas. Here at NAMI North Texas we provide services to Dallas, Rockwall, Denton, and Collin Counties. How We Help NAMI North Texas understands that having a mental health condition not only affects the individual diagnosed, but also those who play a crucial role in the individual's life. We extend our services to: Family members, friends and loved ones Local community Mental health professionals Every entity of an individual's support network should be actively involved in the treatment process. Receiving a diagnosis is only the first step toward recovery. Collaboration, advocacy and education support recovery. Who Can Access Services Here are a few ways NAMI North Texas help individuals and their families affected by mental health conditions: NAMI North Texas provides information, resources and support. NAMI North Texas sponsors speakers and educational and informational programs, provides family and peer education courses and support groups, organizes seminars, and reaches out to the community. NAMI North Texas advocates for improved and equitable services and nondiscriminatory funds at local, state and federal levels for persons with mental health conditions. NAMI North Texas advocates for a community continuum of care, adequate treatment, therapy and support systems. NAMI North Texas advocates for effective new generation medications, supported housing, social and job skills rehabilitation, and employment. NAMI North Texas advocates for appropriate health care and insurance parity.

About Lisa Redwine Lisa started at the FBI on August 1988 and became a back-up photographer in 1990. In 1995, became a member of the newly created FBI Evidence Response Team, and specialized in forensic photography and crime scenes. In 2020, a group of 12 ERT members from across the US started the Resiliency Working Group Team. In 2022, Lisa attended the F1RST Peer Resiliency Training and met Todd Gyure. It was then that he asked me to attend OPS Training to become a peer to others in supporting roles across law enforcement. Lisa been a part of OPS since April 2023.

It's not how far we walk at NAMIWalks North Texas on May 17, 2025 at Grandscape, but how far we've come to make our milestones count. With your support and high spirits, we intend to make an unprecedented impact on mental health in our community. Give your all for Mental Health for All. Join Us Together we can achieve more. At NAMI North Texas we strive to make sure we create a stigma-free, supportive community. Please join us in being apart of the change for Mental Health for All. Register Here Donate If you're unable to join us at the event in person, you can still make a meaningful impact by contributing to ending the stigma through donations. Your support is greatly appreciated! Donate Sponsor To sponsor, fill out our packet! Our Walks Manager will contact you once submitted. For sponsorship details, reach out to Marisa Alonso, Marketing & Events Coordinator, at marisa@naminorthtexas.org Sponsor Packet Brittney Johnson 2025 Walk Chair Brittney Johnson is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who serves as co-anchor of NBC 5 News at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Before moving to DFW, Brittney spent six years in Charlotte, North Carolina where she anchored the market’s top-rated morning newscasts and delivered in-depth and investigative stories on the affordable housing crisis, mental health, and the foster care system. Her TV news career has also taken her to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Monroe, Louisiana. Brittney is a proud graduate of Howard University and the University of California at Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She is also a fitness enthusiast. The NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach teaches group fitness classes, has run several marathons, practices yoga, and enjoys indoor cycling. Brittney enjoys mentoring and serving the community. In addition to serving as a speaker and emcee for charities across DFW, she delivers lunch to seniors every Tuesday for Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County; is a frequent platelet donor through Carter BloodCare, serves as Honorary Chair for the Community Council of Greater Dallas’ Family Fit Fest, is co-sponsor of a scholarship for college students through the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists. Volunteer at NAMIWalks Interested in Volunteering? We’d love to have you on board! Please fill out the volunteer application. We’ll be holding a volunteer orientation in May (date to be determined), and all individuals who apply will receive an email with full details once it's scheduled. Thank you for your interest in supporting NAMIWalks and helping us make this event a success! Volunteer Application

NAMI On Campus NAMI On Campus are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on high school and college campuses through peer-led activities, education, and events. Through a partnership with NAMI North Texas, student leaders are empowered with toolkits, materials, and resources to make running the club fun and educational. NAMI On Campus connect students with their local community and supports them in creating a culture free of judgment and accepting of reaching out for help; a more aware and mental health-supportive school culture. NAMI On Campus are open to all students interested in mental health – It is not a support or therapy group. NAMI On Campus serves as a space where like minded students can spearhead activities and discussions that combat stigma and contribute to an overall positive climate for mental health Open to schools and universities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Rockwall Counties. The purpose of NAMI On Campus is to: Educate and raise the awareness of students, teachers, faculty, and school administration about mental health and wellness Be supportive of students who are living with mental health conditions Encourage people to recognize early warning signs Let students know there is help available if they need it Encourage students who are having mental health issues to get help Provide information on school and community resources Work to end the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions Create an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment NAMI knows that some of the best support a student can receive is from their peers. When students connect with one another, they can share common experiences and support each other. It's the NAMI way. NAMI On Campus works to end the stigma that makes it harder for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. NAMI On Campus clubs hold creative meetings, innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs though partnership with NAMI North Texas. Interested in starting a club? Please complete our Online Interest Form . We can't wait to meet you! If you have any questions, please give us a call at 214.341.7133 or email Olivia Frolichstein at Olivia@naminorthtexas.org

Welcome to Mind Matters is a new community education series designed to promote mental health awareness, understanding, and support. Each session explores different aspects of mental wellness, offering accessible information and practical tools to help individuals, families, and communities thrive. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding, support a loved one, or take better care of your own mental health, Mind Matters is for you. August 19, 2024 6:30 PM Virtual | Zoom Mind Matters: Cultivating Wellness for Students and Their Support Systems Register Here

Education & Support Family Members & Caregivers Karamihan sa aming mga pagsisikap na nauukol sa programang ito ay kinabibilangan ng pag-aaral ng mga bagong diskarte at pagbuo ng mga makabagong paraan upang ipatupad ang mga ito. Sinusuri namin ang aming tagumpay sa larangang ito sa pamamagitan ng pangangalap ng qualitative at quantitative na data, at paggamit ng impormasyong iyon para sukatin ang mga pagbabago at pagbabago mula sa aming mga baseline measurements. Programs Kids, Teens, & Young Adults NAMI North Texas Youth Programs help battle the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions and provide the resources and support that can make a difference in the lives of youth and their families. Programs Individuals Living with Mental Illness For those who suffer from a mental health condition, knowing the facts about mental health can help to lessen the burden of a diagnosis. One in five Americans experiences some form of mental illness in any given year, and severe conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression affects one in 25 Americans. Mental illness can affect anyone at any point in their life and is not a reflection of self-worth or ability but instead should be viewed as any other serious illness. Mental illness is never your fault, nor the responsibility of those around you. It is not a personal failure to experience symptoms of mental illness that interfere with your daily functioning or make it hard for you to enjoy life as you used to. With this being said, many misconceptions exist surrounding mental illness that make it hard for those who suffer to seek help, and the stigma of having a mental health condition can worsen symptoms. Although mental illness can feel isolating, you are not alone, and there is hope for recovery. NAMI North Texas offers many different tools, resources, and support groups for many demographics, aiming to educate, support, and advocate for those with mental illnesses. Programs

Empowering Education Professionals NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators is a free 1 to 2-hour mental health education in-service for school professionals to help them better understand the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be early warning signs of mental health concerns in children and adolescents in their classrooms. The in-service also provides tips on how to intervene once the symptoms are recognized and suggestions on how to communicate with the parents and caregivers of the students to achieve the best possible outcome. Our free, on-site presentation is led by a team from your community consisting of a young adult with a mental health condition, a parent and a teacher. The presentation will share how to: Understand the difference between “bad behavior” and symptoms of a mental health condition. Recognize early warning signs. Communicate and partner with families effectively. Link to community services quickly. Create a supportive learning environment for all students. Why Your School Needs NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition, but only 20% of them actually receive services. About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. "This program gave me a new understanding of the importance of my role in early recognition of kids with symptoms of mental illness and the urgency of early intervention on their behalf."

Alyse Ferguson Alyse Ferguson is the Chief Attorney of the Collin County Mental Health Managed Counsel Program (MHMC.) She is responsible for managing the specially trained attorneys, who represent indigent defendants diagnosed with mental illness. In December 2020, she appointed to serve on the Judicial Commission on Mental Health and serves as the Chair of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association. She is a graduate of Angelo State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

About Carlos Henderson Carlos has 10 years with The Colony Police Department. He has an Advanced Peace Officer Certification and Mental Health Officer Certification. He is a m ember of Texas CIT Association, a Star of Texas recipient, Hostage Negotiator, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor, Psychiatric Technician, and is a Behavior Consultant for a 6A school district. Carlos holds a Life-Space Crisis Intervention Certification, Critical Incident Stress Management Certification Individual and Group EMT Intermediate (non-active) He has numerous interactions and negotiations with Crisis Affected Individual. Carlos is involved with NAMI North Texas Overwatch Peer Support.