Fellowship Award
Each year we give a significant pre-doctoral fellowship to an advanced full-time Clinical Psychology student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology who intends to work to combat mental health stigma.
The 2009-2010 recipient is Rachel Niemi:
"It is my wish to return to my own community, along with other rural areas, and use my knowledge and creativity to educate the public on the stigmas of mental illness. Most importantly I wish to practice in these communities so that those that truly need help can get it without the fear of being judged or ridiculed."
"...I feel that I can help give people suffering from mental illnesses in these communities a voice. I feel like I have to let them know that they are not alone and that it is okay to share their story...I will continue to struggle to educate others on the benefits of mental health because that has always been part of my calling."
As part of her fellowship, Rachel created a presentation on the stigma of mental illness.
The 2008-2009 recipient was Jonathan Spitz:
"Public education about mental health issues is vital to dispelling myths and reducing stigma. As a psychologist, I will work to provide accurate information to whatever community I will be working in. Organizing dialogues, mental health awareness days, and programs in local schools and youth centers, are all feasible ways of publicly expressing the reality of mental illness and mental health treatment. I believe that by arming people with information and creating a personal connection to issues that elicit fear or confusion can hopefully provide a greater understanding."
The 2007-2008 recipient was Brandy Baker:
"...despite mental illness, the "person" of the individual is the most important part of their being. Not losing sight of that is the critical difference between being a good clinician and a fantastic clinician. On the same token, I have realized through my experiences that, for so many people suffering from mental illnesses, they themselves often feel that something is very wrong with them and that they should be ashamed of their illness--that they should hide this part of themselves. This is why it is clear to me that removing the stigma from mental illness starts with the individual."
The 2006-2007 recipient was Courtney Clark Dunnill:
"Receiving the Naomi Ruth Cohen award is a genuine honor and an opportunity for me to play a role in fighting the stigma associated with mental illness. As I continue my graduate training and start my career upon graduation, I hope to help individuals and families feel supported and live more fulfilling lives through education and awareness."