On October 18, 2025, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Illinois Office announced the results of their election for new leadership. Among the newly elected board members, was 29-year-old Dr. Calynn Lawrence, trauma specialist and Founder of The Holistic Healing Source for Marginalized Society. As a serial entrepreneur and decorated humanitarian with an extensive history of breaking records, beating the odds and making a difference, we aren’t surprised at this win. We sat down with Dr. Lawrence and had a few words with her about her career trajectory and plans for the future.
Congratulations on your election to the NAMI Illinois Board of Directors! How are you feeling following the announcement?
Thank you so much! I am feeling ecstatic. As a Black woman with Major Depressive Disorder, NAMI’s virtual support groups have been an absolute lifesaver for me. I don’t know where I would be without them, honestly. I’ve pretty consistently had a private therapist doing one on one work, but the group piece changed the game for me with my mental health. Having that community of like minded people who struggle in similar ways in a judgement-free space is an experience that I cherish. So, I am more than honored to be among the volunteer leadership to help expand the organization’s reach to help even more people than they already have. I relate to this cause professionally as well, being a therapist and educator myself, but my personal ties and the sincere encouragement from my NAMI peers were the lifeblood of my campaign. I am incredibly grateful to all of my loved ones, family, friends, and the like, who supported me in this
What do you think made your campaign successful? We imagine that an organization so highly regarded would have high standards for their leadership.
I think that having someone on the inside who personally recruited me after witnessing me being very engaged and involved at last year’s conference was a major push. Shout out to Dr. Camilla Johnson who was the one who suggested I apply to be on the ballot in the first place. Also, the unfathomable backing of many NAMI facilitators and fellow group members who had gotten to know me through our meetings was vital to my success in becoming elected. They voted for me, advocated for me with their connections, and some even wrote me heartfelt endorsements. I couldn’t have done this without them. In addition to this, my social media posts got so much love online from people I know and many who I don’t! I believe the ample awareness for my campaign contributed to the results as well. Every single like, share and comment helped me to get noticed and display my zeal for the role.
That is amazing. How do you plan to impact the mental health field going forward?
In my role at NAMI Illinois as the new Development & Fundraising Chair, I plan to strategize and execute innovative campaigns with a big focus on public relations and social media since they are my biggest strengths. My deep roots in the news space as a seasoned journalist and publicist gives me a unique perspective and a useful edge to hopefully take these campaigns to the next level by increasing brand recognition and getting in front of new people. NAMI Illinois has so much good to offer, and I just want every person possible to know about the services that quite literally are to credit for saving me. Life has pushed me “through the valley of the shadow of death” more times than I’d like to admit.
Outside of that, my work with The Holistic Healing Source for Marginalized Society will be focused on continuing to book opportunities to educate and inspire people with my resources and research, which I worked very hard to earn global accreditation for through the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine board. We speak at all kinds of community events, conferences, and retreats to give those from underserved populations the tools they need to live their best lives. Our most popular is our free online library that houses several self help e-books with a wide variety of focuses such as holistic mental health, trauma processing, self care, dream analysis, manifestation, interfaith prayer reflection and more!
I also had the pleasure of speaking at the NAMI Illinois conference this year with my mom and colleague, Jasmin Ford. And, our session was a hit! We got so many questions, comments and compliments afterwards that confirmed our topic was of popular interest (“Bridging Experience and Innovation: Three Black Women’s Perspectives on Healing Justice and Liberation in Marginalized Communities”). We were even lucky enough to have the National NAMI CEO, Daniel H. Gillison Jr., sit in! It was such a pleasure to converse with him as someone I emphatically admire and look up to.
Wow! Your commitment to excellence in being an aid to humanity is extraordinary. What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t off saving the world?
Thank you kindly. I dedicate my life to this work because I know that I’m only still standing because of others who did the same. My motto is “each one reach one.” And, I’ll hold onto that forever. For fun, I adore doing things that are exciting and getting out of the house! I’m a real thrill seeker. Going to see horror and action movies is a big one. I’m a huge enthusiast and love a good scare. “HIM” with Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans is one of my recent favorites. I also nerd out big time on comic books and superhero lore. My entire 2 bedroom apartment is filled with posters from both DC and Marvel. Travel is also a big one for me! I’m obsessed with seeing new places and experiencing new things. I’ve been to 9 foreign nations and ~20 states so far.
That’s so cool! Thanks for taking the time to interview with us. Where can people find you and support the work that you’re doing?
You can find me on social media @calynnmlawrence and @holistichealingsource, or go to www.holistichealingsource.org. You can also support NAMI Illinois by visiting www.namiillinois.org.
