NAMI Maine Talks

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, sit down with our team and take a look back in history. This October marks 63 years since President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act. This act was one of the driving forces behind the deinstitutionalization of mental health treatment in America. By removing these barriers and bringing mental health care and education into communities, it was one of the first major movements to reduce stigma around mental illness. Learn about the act and how it’s left a lasting impact on mental health care in this episode of NAMI Maine Talks.

Host:

Libby Wright, Deputy Director

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Links:

Check out more from NAMI Maine: https://namimaine.org/

Look though NAMI Maine’s resource database: https://namimaine.org/maines-mental-health-resource-database/

Nellie Bly podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eJrDdgpVhFZRBWvWyAHpN?si=19c249896e0140f6

MEMHCA podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3IwzaUkx9XgXYsXNSkkzhG?si=3c10492b23164814

Join us for the second part of our conversation with ADHD specialist Dr. Chrisite Pickel in our deep dive into ADHD. What is it? How can you recognize it? What are the best practices? In this episode, you’ll hear some of the best first steps to seeking help with ADHD. You’ll also learn about some great voices in the ADHD community that offer free information online! Dr. Christie Pickel explains how she first began studying ADHD and how it has become a hot topic on social media.

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Deanna Plaisted, Mental Health Education and Outreach Lead

Guests:

Dr. Christie Pickel, Maine ADHD Specialist

Links:

General ADHD Resources and Statistics: https://chadd.org/

ADHD focused magazine with stories and articles from real people: https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4XFqtKPczEPay0i75W7GSJ0pE5VygLt2CviQUHTFmEILQzSxAY

Facts-Based Approach to ADHD: https://www.adhdevidence.org/

Dr. Russell Barkley: https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023

Learn more about Dr. Christie Pickel: https://www.psychologyspecialistsme.com/dr-christie-pickel

2 Distractable Doctors Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sw88loeEhlpyidoPc6ill?si=5e1bb4be01d84487

How to ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoADHD

Tune in to episode one of two for our discussion on ADHD with Maine ADHD specialist Dr. Christie Pickel! In this episode, our team goes on a deep dive into ADHD. What is it? How can you recognize it? What are best practices? You’ll hear from ADHD specialist Christie Pickel, who shares her own experience and how she has built a career around studying and working with individuals with ADHD. Keep an eye out for part two as we continue our conversation!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Deanna Plaisted, Mental Health Education and Outreach Lead

Guests:

Dr. Christie Pickel, Maine ADHD Specialist

Links:

General ADHD Resources and Statistics: https://chadd.org/

ADHD focused magazine with stories and articles from real people: https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4XFqtKPczEPay0i75W7GSJ0pE5VygLt2CviQUHTFmEILQzSxAYl

Facts-Based Approach to ADHD: https://www.adhdevidence.org/

Dr. Russell Barkley: https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023

Learn more about Dr. Christie Pickel: https://www.psychologyspecialistsme.com/dr-christie-pickel

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we sat down with Dianne Bunch, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Saint Mary’s. In this week’s conversation, we’ll learn more about their plans to expand their mental health facility and resources. You’ll learn about Maine’s growing need for mental health care and the work Saint Mary’s is doing to fill that void and help individuals navigate mental health support and resources. Make sure to tune in and see what the people of Maine are doing to strengthen their mental health and support one another in this week’s episode!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Dianne Bunch, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Saint Mary’s Medical Center

Links:

Saint Mary’s Behavioral Health - https://stmarysmaine.com/services/behavioral-and-mental-health-services/Strong Futures (Adolescent Support) - 207-777-8898

Rapid Access (Recovery Support) - 207-376-3419

Behavioral Health Home (Behavioral Health Support) - 207-330-3962

Partial Hospitalization Program (Day Hospital Program) - 207-777-8100

St Mary's (General Information) - 207-777-8100

NAMI Maine upcoming events - https://namimaine.org/events/

NAMI Maine Helpline - https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

Today marks the start of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and NAMI Maine wants to bring light to this important observance. Join our suicide prevention team to discuss the importance of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our team talks about the importance of suicide prevention work, especially for the state of Maine. You’ll learn about risk and protective factors, what to look for if you think someone is struggling, and the best language to use when offering help to a loved one. This month shows us that suicide prevention efforts are important and that it’s important for everyone to have an understanding of how to reach out and look after our own friends and family.

Hosts:

Mary Gagnon, Senior Clinical Director

Ian Gould, Suicide Prevention Trainer

Links:

Check out the work of NAMI Maine’s Suicide Prevention Department: https://namimaine.org/suicide-prevention/

Get in contact with us: https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

Upcoming events from NAMI Maine: https://namimaine.org/events/

Stay for Life: https://www.stayforlife.org/

Maine CDC: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/substance-use-and-behavioral-health/suicide-prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join Ambrose Ward and Delaney Ireland to discuss the stress of going back to school. Although this shift back to school life can be stressful, learn about the resources that NAMI Maine provides. There are also plenty of other resources and materials to help you prioritize your mental health and wellness. From useful mental health apps to Maine-specific resources, there are plenty of ways to help Build Your Mental Health Toolkit!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Delaney Ireland, Youth Mental Health Education and Prevention Lead

Links:

NAMI Maine Youth Education Resources: https://namimaine.org/youth-ed-resources/

OUT Maine LGBTQ+ Youth Resources: https://www.outmaine.org/programs/for-youth/

Maine Youth Thriving: https://maineyouththriving.org/

SPURWINK Youth and Family Resources: https://spurwink.org/youth-and-family/youthbehavioralhealth/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #Youth, #Backtoschool, #Youthresources, #Youthmentalhealth

In this week’s special episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we took our staff on the road to speak with Cara Cribb, Founder of Anchor ME Harbor. Cara speaks about her vision to provide a safe space for people and animals to come together in healing. Providing a respite from the stressors and anxiety we face each day. You’ll learn about how Cara first began her journey to bring this idea to Maine, and how it’s grown over the years. You’ll also learn about how animals can help be a positive aspect of someone’s mental health journey. Make sure to check out this episode and visit Anchor ME Harbor!

Host:

Jill Henderson, Director of Development and Communications

Guests:

Cara Cribb, Founder and Executive Director of Anchor ME Harbor

Links:

Check out Anchor ME Harbor: https://anchormeharbor.org/

Visit their social media: https://www.facebook.com/anchorMEharbor

Register for the 2026 Walk and Family Fun Fest: 2026 Walk & Family Fun Fest

NAMI Maine Helpline: https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

NAMI Maine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namimaine/

NAMI Maine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMIMaine/

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join Deputy Director Libby Wright to learn about the work the Maine Celtics does to encourage healthy living in Maine schools. In this episode, we sit down with Jazz Rugira, Community Engagement Manager for the Maine Celtics, to learn more about this program in collaboration with Martin’s Point. You’ll learn about what a typical presentation looks like and how to reach out if you’re interested in seeing it at your school!

Host:

Libby Wright, Deputy Director

Guests:

Jasmine Rugira, Maine Celtics Community Engagement Manager

Links:

Check out more from the Maine Celtics: https://maine.gleague.nba.com/

Check out their social media: https://www.instagram.com/maineceltics/

Maine Outdoor Kids: https://www.maineoutdoorkids.com/

NAMI Maine Helpline: https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

NAMI Maine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namimaine/

NAMI Maine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMIMaine/

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we sit down with Christy Gardner, president and founder of Mission Working Dogs. This organization raises and trains service animals to be matched with individuals with disabilities to give them their lives back. They also train therapy dogs to bring mental wellness to Mainers.

This group brings their work into schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to help encourage mental well-being. The team also works in the Maine Department of Corrections, asking inmates to help train service dogs for veterans returning home from service. Learn about all this and more in this week's episode of NAMI Maine Talks!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Christy Gardner, Founder and President of Mission Working Dogs

Links:

Check out the work of Mission Working Dogs: https://www.missionworkingdogs.org/

Looking to support their work: https://www.missionworkingdogs.org/support/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #ServiceAnimals, #TherapyDogs, #ServiceDogs, #WorkingDogs

As June is recognized as PTSD awareness month, it is important to bring awareness to the Maine men and women who fought for their home and country. For this week's episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we were able to speak with the Executive Director of Vet 2 Vet Maine, Maggie Catanese.

Vet 2 Vet Maine is a non-profit organization that serves the veteran population of Maine. Matching veterans with other local volunteer veterans, Vet 2 Vet provides support, companionship, and links to services across the state.

Learn about the work that Vet 2 Vet has done to help fight social isolation and loneliness among our veterans. You’ll hear about the process to become a veteran volunteer, stories of success, and even how their organization is able to stretch from Presque Isle to Kittery. All this and more on NAMI Maine Talks!

Host:

Tori Tracy, Sr. Manager of CIT Partnerships and Education

Guests:

Maggie Catanese, Executive Director of Vet 2 Vet Maine

Links:

Check out the work of Vet 2 Vet Maine: https://www.vet2vetmaine.org/

Looking to get involved as a veteran: https://www.vet2vetmaine.org/join-vet2vet-maine

Check out NAMI Maine's guide to caring for your veteran: https://namimaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Guide-to-Support-Your-Veteran.pdf

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join NAMI Maine’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Jill Henderson, as she talks about The Mental Edge Softball Camp with its founder, Oakley McLeod. Created in 2024, Oakley has organized this event to bring mental health awareness to youth softball players across the state. Her work has gained attention statewide, and this year the camp welcomed over 200 softball players.

Host:

Jill Henderson, Director of Marketing and Communications

Guests:

Oakley McLeod, Founder of Mental Edge Softball Camp

Links:

Learn more about Mental Edge Softball Camp: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579289657434

Check out Oakley in the news: https://www.wmtw.com/article/scholar-athlete-of-the-week-oakley-mcleod/71312315

Check out NAMI Maine’s Youth Resources: https://namimaine.org/youth-ed-resources/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #Softball

We all appreciate walking through gardens during the summer, but did you know gardening is a form of therapy for many people? In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, learn about the practice of Horticulture Therapy. Featuring Garron Dorr from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, he’ll break down what Horticulture Therapy means and the benefits it brings to so many! You’ll also learn more about the work that the Maine Botanical Gardens does to make gardening accessible to everyone!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Garron Dorr, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Horticultural Therapist

Links:

Check out more from The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: https://www.mainegardens.org/

Plan your next visit: https://www.mainegardens.org/visit/plan-your-visit/

Check out the American Horticulture Therapy Association: https://www.ahta.org/

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, take a trip back in time to learn about the historical figure, Nellie Bly. As an investigative journalist, Nellie Bly faked mental unrest to be admitted to an insane asylum, so that she could bring to light the horrid conditions that patients were subjected to.

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Delaney Ireland, Programs Coordinator

Links:

Learn more about Nellie Bly’s story here: https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/590464/nellie-bly/

Learn more from the National Women’s History Museum: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/nellie-bly-0

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI

April is Counselling Awareness Month, so for this week's episode, we were able to sit down with members of the Maine Mental Health Counselors Association to learn more about counselling! Our guests delve into the work they do as counsellors and how MEMHCA works to encourage collaboration and support for developing and current counsellors. You'll also learn about the history of counselling and its roots in the world of mental health!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Alexander Katopis, MEMHCA Membership Chair

Jordan Shaw, 2026 MEMHCA President Elect

Links:

Learn more about MEMHCA - https://memhca.org/

Check out the National Chapter - https://www.amhca.org/home

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, our Suicide Prevention Director, Mary Gagnon, sits down with Gordon Smith of the Maine OPTIONS Program to discuss substance use and its impact on families and communities. You’ll learn about the creation of the OPTIONS program and the work their liaisons do across the state. You can also learn about the use of Naloxone to save the life of someone during an overdose. Make sure to check out the great work of the OPTIONS program, and the work professionals are doing to reduce harm and prevent overdose.

Host:

Mary Gagnon, Director of Suicide Prevention

Guests:

Gordon Smith, Director of Opioid Response, The OPTIONS Program

Links:

Learn more about the OPTIONS Program: https://knowyouroptions.me/

Find out more about Naloxone, and where to get it: https://knowyouroptions.me/get-naloxone/

Learn about the OPTIONS program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0LhJcnrXPw

Check out upcoming NAMI Maine events: https://namimaine.org/events/

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, learn about the Magic of Social Work with Maine’s resident wellness wizard, Conjuring Carroll! Join NAMI Maine’s Deputy Director, Libby Wright, as she sits down with Conjuring Carroll to learn about his work tying together magic and social work.

Working to strengthen communities and empower those within them, Conjuring Carroll is a public speaker who uses magic to amplify his messages of belonging and mental well-being! He was a great guest and brought to light the important role that Social Workers play in our state.

Host:

Libby Wright, Deputy Director

Guests:

Carroll Chapman (Conjuring Carroll)

Links:

Check out the Magic of Conjuring Carroll: https://www.conjuringcarroll.com/

Learn more about Carroll’s work and see his updates here: https://www.facebook.com/ConjuringCarroll/

Learn about ways to celebrate National Social Workers Month: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month

Check out NAMI Maine resources: https://namimaine.org/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join Ambrose and Libby as they sit down to talk with the Executive Director of Maine Youth Thriving, Dr. Delvina Miremadi-Baldino! Learn about the work that Maine Youth Thriving does around the state. Hoping to foster positive change in Maine, MyT works to highlight youth voices to help build strong and supportive communities. MyT also works to encourage care for the adults who serve the state's youth!

Hosts:

Libby Wright, NAMI Maine Deputy Director

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Dr. Delvina Miremadi-Baldino, Executive Director of Maine Youth Thriving

Links:

Check out Maine Youth Thriving: https://maineyouththriving.org/

Find out more about Dr. Delvina Miremadi-Baldino: https://drdelvina.com/

Learn about the Mattering Cabins with Maine Cabin Masters: https://maineyouththriving.org/event/%f0%9f%8c%b2-crafting-mattering-a-family-event-for-maines-mattering-cabins/Learn more about NAMI Maine: https://namimaine.org/

Check out NAMI Maine’s youth resources: https://namimaine.org/youth-ed-resources/

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #YouthMentalHealth, #OnMyMind

Today marks the start of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and to highlight the importance of this topic, NAMI Maine’s marketing and media specialist, Ambrose Ward, sat down with representatives from the Eating Disorder Association of Maine! Learn about the work that EDAM does across the state to promote body positivity and help prevent eating disorders. Listen to our guests' advice on how to start the conversation if you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, and learn about access to resources that can help!

Host:

Ambrose Ward – Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Sarah (Say) Carnahan, MA, MSW, LCSW – EDAM President

Joshua Palomera, MS, RD, LD, CSN – EDAM Membership

Links:

Learn more about EDAM: https://www.maineeatingdisorders.org/

Check out EDAM on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/edammaine & https://www.instagram.com/edam_maine

Check out the National Eating Disorder Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Food Psych Podcast: https://christyharrison.com/foodpsych

Learn more about NAMI Maine: https://namimaine.org/

NAMI Maine’s Calendar of Events: https://namimaine.org/events/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #EDAW, #EatingDisorderAwareness, #edrecovery, #recovery

Join NAMI Maine’s marketing and media specialist, Ambrose Ward, as he sits down with Karl Schatz and Margaret Hathaway to talk about their work with The Community Plate. Dedicated to reducing isolation and improving communities across Maine, the Community Plate travels the state organizing community potlucks. Learn about the start of The Community Plate and how it has grown over time!

Host:

Ambrose Ward – Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Karl Schatz and Margaret Hathaway – Creators of The Community Plate

Links:

Learn more about The Community Plate: https://www.communityplate.me/

Check out the Community Plate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communityplate.me

Look for an upcoming dinner near you: https://www.communityplate.me/events

Learn more about NAMI Maine: https://namimaine.org/

NAMI Maine’s Calendar of Events: https://namimaine.org/events/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI

Join some of the #NAMIMaineTalks crew and special guest, Ryan Eldridge from Maine Cabin Masters in this week’s new episode! With the snow finally starting to melt, it’s important to get outside. Ryan discusses how to destress after work, the importance of the outdoors and what "camp" means in Maine. He also shares how his success with the show caused a greater need for him to prioritize his mental health.

What helps you unwind while in nature? Comment below.

Host:

Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director

Libby Wright, Deputy Director

Guests:

Ryan Eldridge, Maine Cabin Master

Links:

Maine Cabin Masters - ⁠https://mainecabinmasters.com/meet-the-masters/ryan-eldridge/

Mental Health Events in ME - ⁠https://namimaine.org/events/⁠

Maine Mental Health Database - ⁠https://namimaine.org/maines-mental-health-resource-database/

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