Staff Spotlight: Matt Gesicki's Journey at NAMI GC

Welcome to our new Staff Spotlight series at NAMI Greater Cleveland! Through this series, we aim to highlight the passionate individuals behind our mission, showcasing the diverse talents and dedication that drive our efforts. Whether they're on the front lines or supporting behind the scenes, it's the people who truly make NAMI GC a cornerstone of hope and support for our community.

Kicking off our series, we're excited to introduce you to Matt Gesicki, M.Div. , a key member of our team whose commitment and enthusiasm embody the essence of NAMI Greater Cleveland. Keep an eye out for the future spotlights, where we'll feature more of our staff, volunteers, board members, and interns, each sharing their unique contributions to our mission of mental health advocacy and support.

Could you tell us about your position at NAMI GC and what motivated you to become a part of the NAMI Greater Cleveland team?

Matt Gesicki: I am the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for NAMI Greater Cleveland. I have been in this role since March 2021. In my role, I am responsible for organizing community outreach and educational initiatives on the topic of mental health to college students, law enforcement, faith communities, healthcare workers, community organizations, and other professionals. I am also responsible for coordinating the peer and family/caregiver volunteer presenters of the NAMI Greater Cleveland of the NAMI Greater Cleveland Speakers Bureau program. I was motivated to join NAMI Greater Cleveland as a staff member because of my personal and family experience with mental illness, my passion for teaching and facilitation, and my professional development toward becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor.

Can you share a project or initiative you've worked on at NAMI GC that you're particularly proud of?

Matt Gesicki: In 2023, I became certified as an instructor for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). MHFA is an 8-hour course offered by NAMI Greater Cleveland to community partner organizations and faith-based groups developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with an intensive and immersive curriculum intended to equip ordinary citizens and community members with foundational knowledge and skills to become "Mental Health First Aiders."

Students graduate from the course with the ability to provide others in their personal or professional lives with nonjudgmental listening, reassurance and understanding, and active encourage to seek self-help and professional help. MHFA is an evidence-based course with a high standard for clinical excellence and can truly be a life-changing and eye-opening learning experience for citizens who do not work in mental health but who want to be more literate about the impact of mental illness on their community and relationships. I am so glad to be a Mental Health First Aid!

You're currently studying to become a licensed therapist. How do you see your role in education and outreach intersecting with your future career as a therapist?

Matt Gesicki: My role at NAMI Greater Cleveland provides me with ample opportunity to develop a professional network in the mental health/behavioral health services landscape of Cuyahoga County. It also gives me an opportunity to educate general audiences and diverse communities about how to recognize signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions, reduce stigma about mental illness that prevents people from seeking professional help, and transform communication strategies to be more empathetic, inclusive, and person-centered with individuals with mental illness in our personal and professional lives. Education is an essential component of counseling as well, empowering individual clients with knowledge about mental health, trauma, and the recovery process, and referring them to resources and services in the community that can support their wellbeing on a holistic, whole-person level.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in mental health?

Matt Gesicki: Based on my journey in mental health so far, I've identified several key qualities crucial for success in this field. I advise those considering a career in mental health to reflect on the following attributes and consider journaling about them to deepen their understanding and commitment. Here are some topics to reflect on:

• Personal experience with mental illness, whether it's one's own, within one's family, or within one's community.
• A compassionate drive to serve others.
• Dedication to the mission of enhancing mental health and overall well-being for all, while actively working to reduce stigmas and championing the belief in the possibility of recovery.
• Willingness to receive and act upon feedback.
• A commitment to cultural humility.

Thank you for joining us in this insightful conversation with Matt Gesicki. We hope his journey and perspectives have inspired you as much as they have us. For more information on the programs and resources discussed, we invite you to visit our website - namigreatercleveland.org. Stay tuned for more staff spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories from NAMI Greater Cleveland, as we continue to shine a light on the incredible individuals dedicated to mental health advocacy and support in our community.