“I can’t help but wonder how different things might have been if my school had utilized NAMI-NYC programs like Ending the Silence. Opening up about my own experiences took immense courage—no one knew what I was going through. ETS could have empowered me and others to seek help earlier, shatter stigma, and realize we’re not alone in our struggles.” 

Chloe at NAMIWalks NYC + Mental Health Street Fest last year.

Throughout her childhood, Chloe grappled with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, her world ruled by ritualistic behaviors and overwhelming worry. Through her teen years, the pressures of academic success only amplified this struggle. Caught in a relentless cycle of exhaustion and anxiety, Chloe found herself buckling under unrealistic academic expectations.  

While navigating extracurriculars and academic pressures, Chloe was jolted by a suicide attempt on school grounds. Chloe was struck by the glaring lack of support and resources available to young people in crisis. “I’m so fortunate that I had supportive parents with lived experience. I also had access and the ability to get the help I needed,” Chloe shared. “After this happened, I wondered why mental health was so heavily stigmatized at school and why it was so hard for students to ask for help. I was on a mission to change that.” 

Chloe coordinated her high school’s first student “Wellness Week” with the guidance counselors.

Working with the guidance counselor, Chloe worked to break the stigma and silence around mental health conversations at her high school. Chloe became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and support. From founding a club to hosting workshops, Chloe worked tirelessly to create a safe space for young people to share their stories and seek help. Her efforts extended beyond the school walls. During college and in her early career, Chloe lent her voice to initiatives promoting mental health equity and access to care in underserved communities. 

For Chloe, joining the NAMI-NYC team was a natural next step in her advocacy journey. “NAMI-NYC is the creme de la creme of mental health organizations and I’m on the frontlines, right in the heart of the community I grew up in. When I was offered the job, it was a ‘pinch-me’ moment,” Chloe said. At NAMI-NYC, in her role coordinating peer support groups, Chloe has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community and support for individuals and family members of all ages.  

“I can’t help but wonder how different things might have been if my school had utilized NAMI-NYC programs like Ending the Silence. Opening up about my own experiences took immense courage—no one knew what I was going through. ETS could have empowered me and others to seek help earlier, shatter stigma, and realize we’re not alone in our struggles.” 

As Chloe continues her journey, she remains humbled by the realization that recovery is not a destination but a lifelong process. “The recovery journey isn’t linear,” shared Chloe. “I’m so fortunate that I can show up to work authentically. NAMI-NYC is such a special place.” 

To connect to our classes, 40 support groups, family mentoring, Ending the Silence, and other programs, visit www.naminyc.org/find-support.