FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Matt’s Why: A portion of my life has been spent painfully and inefficiently navigating the mental healthcare system since sudden and severe symptoms of OCD onset at age 15 - and neither my family nor I chose that.

For a long time I have worked very hard to minimize the role my OCD and trauma play in my life. Per my lived experience, I’ve come to believe with unwavering conviction that there is no excuse for structural violence in Psychiatry. There is a tremendous amount of untapped human potential and quality of life that could be unleashed in society if we collaboratively work to eradicate the social disease currently in existence in mental healthcare systems.

This calls for further transparency in mental healthcare settings, a nationwide standardization of trauma-informed care, and equitably incorporating voices of those with lived experience into executive reform.

DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALH LAW

Elyn’s Why: Matt's Mission, focused on patient advocacy, has peers at its center. No one understands a condition like mental illness as well as a sufferer; and in this case stigma is kept to a minimum.

Putting peers at the center of mental health restores more people to being the architects of their own lives. As people who have had choice taken away from them, as Matt and I have, we can attest that this is a very important thing to do.

DIRECTOR OF PSYCHIATRY

Sam’s Why: As a psychiatrist serving people experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness and a nephew of someone with schizophrenia who was shot by police during a behavioral health crisis, I know how important it is to get crisis care right, and the deadly consequences when it goes wrong. I believe Matt’s Mission will not only improve patient safety, but also help the field of psychiatry reconcile with those have been traumatized within psychiatric settings by empowering their voices and turning their lived experiences into a power source for change.

MEDICAL LIAISON

Richard’s Why: As we begin to fully embrace the complexities of mental health in the western world, I believe that the voices of those who continue to struggle are invaluable. I would like to see a continued push toward de-stigmatization of mental health and sustained exploration of innovative techniques with which we can approach those affected. I believe that Matt’s Mission will help illuminate both areas of strength and weakness as our community continues to seek nuanced appreciation of the human condition and improve the treatment of those living with mental health challenges.

GENERAL MANAGER

Alex’s Why: We need to remove the stigma that is often attached to mental illness. All patients, including mental health patients, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. As an organization and mental health advocacy, we hope to affect improvements in policy, legislation, and care as it relates to anyone who is subject to this discrimination.

ATHLETICS LIAISON

Andy’s Why: I wanted to help Matt and his mission to reform the mental health care system because I have a family member that has sought out help at a mental institution and they couldn’t connect with him and failed to help him causing him more problems down the road. Mental health is a serious issue and we need people willing to connect and sympathize with patients to help them overcome their illness in a positive way.

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Jake’s Why: As the Volunteer Chair for the South Boston YAC, I’ve seen asymmetry in mental healthcare firsthand. The most vulnerable demographic in our communities must bear the brunt of an overstretched mental healthcare system that is often unable to meet basic needs. As such, accessibility and standardization of care are two causes that I previously fundraised for through the Movember Foundation and that I believe can be directly addressed in the state of Massachusetts through our work with Matt’s Mission.

Director of Community Engagement:

Steve’s Why: Mental health is complex and unique to each individual, and I believe the treatment should reflect that.

My hope for the future is that the medical field will emphasize understanding the patient first, providing fair and accountable treatment, and giving guidance to ensure each person living with mental health challenges has continued access to trusted care.

MEDICAL LIAISON

Rachael’s Why: I believe that every human is entitled to wholistic and compassionate care, regardless of who they are or what they are going through. Those that suffer from mental health conditions are among the most marginalized and through listening and working collaboratively we will be able to improve the lives and health of the communities who need it most.

ATHLETICS LIAISON

Mike’s Why: Everyone should be comfortable seeking guidance and help for mental health issues in a trustable environment. Responsibility and accountability are paramount to creating an effective ecosystem in the mental-health care space.

VOLUNTEER PATIENT ADVOCATE

Bob’s Why: As a father, to a child with a disease that currently has no cure, I believe all patients should have access to breakthrough therapies and treatments. Access to mental health treatment, specifically, can save lives, improve communities and de-marginalize a patient population that is not currently receiving equitable care.

VOLUNTEER PATIENT-ATHLETE ADVOCATE

Shane’s Why: Matt’s Story is about what the future looks like and how we can continue to grow and adapt and be better people. I think that the more Matt’s story gets out, he’ll be a trailblazer in this space, and I’ll be there backing him up.