On September 13th, I had the opportunity to represent Chicagoland Neuropsychology at NAMI DuPage’s Run for the Mind/NAMIWalks event. It was a beautiful September day. As I drove out Interstate 290 on the bright Sunday morning, I was glad for a couple reasons: A) 7 am on Sunday morning is probably the only time there’s no traffic on 290, and B) I was reminded of all the fun runs, bike rides, and events I have done.
That excitement never really goes away and seeing folks come together is even more special in our increasingly isolating world. I really relished seeing so many families, mental health professionals, community organizations, and advocates come together to support mental health awareness and access to care.
Connecting With the Community
The event gave me an opportunity to connect with other professionals in the community. I had a great conversation with Monica Guilhot-Chartrand and Cynthia Penne from SamaraCare about increasing access to mental health services across diverse communities. We also discussed the importance of connecting individuals and families with services that are accessible and responsive to their particular needs. These conversations are one of the reasons I value attending community events like this. There is a tremendous amount we can learn from other providers about the resources available to the people and families we serve.
Learning About Virtual Intensive Outpatient Treatment
I also enjoyed speaking with Riley Sigler Brindley, Clinical Outreach Manager with Charlie Health, and learning more about their virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Charlie Health offers virtual behavioral health treatment that provides a greater level of structure and support than traditional weekly therapy, including group, individual, and family therapy.
A Colorful Lesson in Neuroanatomy
One of my favorite parts of the day was watching the kids come back from the Color Run. Heck, I had forgotten what a color run was until I saw a mom hauling two kids who looked like the inside of a kaleidoscope over to my booth! Their shirts were covered in bright, colorful powder, and the energy and excitement they brought back to the event was contagious.
At the Chicagoland Neuropsychology table, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce some of the kids to the brain. My table became a mini lesson in neuroanatomy, where kids could learn about some of the major parts of the brain and then test their knowledge with a quick quiz. Those who completed the quiz earned one of our Chicagoland Neuropsychology brain-shaped squishies. It was a simple and fun way to get kids thinking about how fascinating the brain really is. And, as a former 3rd grade teacher, I just can’t let go of one of those “teachable moments!” I promised all of them they could count on me to help them with their PhD research if needed.
Why Community Connection Matters in Neuropsychology
I left the event feeling reminded of why I enjoy this work so much. Neuropsychology can sometimes feel like a very focused and individualized field—we spend a lot of time sitting across from one person or family, trying to understand their unique strengths, challenges, and experiences. But days like this remind me that our work is also part of something much bigger. The conversations I had with other providers, the kids who stopped by to learn about their brains, and the shared focus on making mental health care more accessible all reinforced for me how important it is to stay connected to the larger community.
Learning, Connecting, and Celebrating the Human Brain
For me, continuing to learn about new treatment approaches, meeting the people doing this work every day, and understanding the resources available to our patients is just as important as the evaluation itself. I was grateful to spend such a beautiful day learning, connecting, and talking about something I find endlessly fascinating—the human brain. And, of course, it was even better to send a few brain-shaped squishies home with some future neuroscientists along the way.
