Hi, my name is Phoenix (they, them) and I’m on a mission to understand our struggles, one story at a time.

I’m a parent of an nine-year-old son and a has lived a long life struggling (and thriving) with mental health issues. This has led me to share my story at different venues and mediums.

After receiving my diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in 2007, I soon founded the only in-person, peer-led support group for borderline personality disorder in New York City at the time. I have also spoken of the hope, strength and vitality occurring within the borderline personality community at places like the National Institute of Mental Health, Yale University, School of Medicine, Columbia University, and the National Alliance for Mental Illness. I have also appeared on AOL Build, and has discussed borderline personality disorder with the First Lady of New York City, Ms. Chirlane McCray, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, and then director of NIMH, Dr. Tom Insel.

I have been featured in the 2010 July/August issue of Scientific American Mind, the 2016 May issue of Women’s Health Magazine, Pamela Slim’s book, “Body of Work: Finding the Thread That Ties Your Story Together” from Portfolio, and a 2018 article on cosmopolitan.com. I have also written an article for Well+Good in September of 2019. I’m also excited to share that I just received top prize at the 2023 Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition from the American Association of Suicidology.

I have been fortunate to have received the Fountain House Humanitarian Award in 2017 for this advocacy work. In 2010 I decided to chronicle the start of my amateur boxing career and my life with borderline personality disorder in a short documentary and blog called, “The Fight Within Us,” making my way to New York City’s Golden Gloves semi-finals. I continued my athletic venture by running my first half-marathon in Brooklyn to help raise funds for the borderline personality disorder research through the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

I am currently a member of and act as the liaison for the Stakeholder Advisor Group for PCORI’s research study: Preventing Suicidal Behavior with Diverse High-Risk Youth in Acute Care Settings.

On a personal level, I want to start helping others by listening to their stories and create meaning out of their life experiences. I want to give voice to those not often heard. I’m not sure what that looks like, but I will keep on trying and experimenting until something works. In 2024 I will also be entering a graduate program in social work. The future looks bright! If any of this resonates with you, feel free to say hi, I look forward to hearing from you!

Curriculum Vitae

Northwell, Infectious Diseases, The Center for AIDS Research & Treatment (CART) |  MSW Intern
Assisted patients with their mental health assessments, facilitated group processing sessions, and represented the organization at the National Coming Out Day Celebration. Also prepared to provide supportive therapy to patients living with HIV/AIDS at a specialized clinic. 2024-2024.

Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc., Head Start  |  Social Work Task Manager
Created learning presentations for parents and staff virtually and in personProvided support to Head Start children and their families by assisting five interns with assignments, presentations, and administrative work. Additionally, promoted a safe and confidential therapeutic call center to the staff and parents of Head Start. Supported children one-to-one by interacting, guiding, and assisting them in daily activities. Developed learning presentations for parents and staff to be delivered both virtually and in person. 2023-2024.

Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island (ECLI VIBES)  |  BSW Intern, Housing Advocate
Assisted survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and homelessness in securing safe housing by aiding in their housing search and completing applications for financial assistance. Coordinated with Section 8 workers to guide clients through complex processes. Provided referrals to internal services, including counseling, legal aid, and food insecurity support. Additionally, developed a presentation for a 6-week LGBTQ+ support group focusing on interpersonal violence and other trauma. 2022-2023.

Columbia University Dept. of Psychiatry: PIRC & 5 South  |  BSW Intern
Provided one-on-one support to patients referred by PIRC, addressing issues such as immigration, benefits, referrals, and unemployment. Collaborated with patients, resident psychiatrists, social work supervisors, and directors to ensure timely fulfillment of patient needs. Assisted the LCSW at the 5 South inpatient unit with administrative tasks and group activities. 2021-2022.

Columbia University Dept. of Psychiatry: mConnect  |  Research Coordinator
Coordinated team efforts and communicated updates on patient status, technical concerns, and participant feedback to the director and resident psychiatrists during a 12-week study. Interviewed study participants and clinicians upon study completion to gather feedback and insights. Trained, onboarded, and reviewed mobile app usage with participants suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. Monitored and reported patient compliance and any instances of suicidality to ensure participant safety and well-being. 2021-2021.

Columbia University Dept. of Psychiatry: Center for Practice Innovations (Client)
Collaborated with subject matter experts to design, develop and produce 20-30 minute psychopharmacologic e-learning modules, including scripting, video shooting and editing, text animation, and integration into Articulate Storyline360. 2018-2021.

National Neuroscience Curriculum Initiative  |  Design Manager
Developed and designed digital content for an interactive, adult-learning, multi-modal organization specializing in neuroscience education for psychiatrists. Created logos, print collateral, illustrations, and all graphic content. Produced 10-minute learning animations from provided scripts and voice overs. Edited video content using Premiere. Provided infographics and figures for accompanying content. Managed and executed email campaigns, newsletters, and social media updates to constituents. Built and maintained website using Wordpress. 2015-2021.

ELabNYC, (Bio & Health Tech Entrepreneurship Lab NYC)  |  Fellow
Received mentorship, resources, and connections to help move YouMatter forward, a consumer-based suicide prevention app. The program culminated in a pitch to various investors and influencers. 2018-2020.

Education

Adelphi University
Master’s Degree in Social Work
Expected graduation date: May 2026   

Adelphi University 2023 
Bachelor’s  Degree in Social Work

Pratt Institute 2000 
Associate’s Degree in Digital Design & Interactive Media