Hey everyone! I'm Vanessa, thank you for stopping by!
I’m running the NYC Marathon because mental health matters deeply to me. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my journey to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and to come together in supporting a cause that provides real help to those who need it. My wish is to create impact and encourage others to be part of something substantial. If you feel called to support, any contribution toward this cause truly goes a long way.
More about what I do and why I run
I'm a licensed psychotherapist and school-based psychotherapist, every day in my work I meet children and adolescents who are quietly carrying more emotional weight than most adults realize. Some are navigating anxiety, family instability, trauma, disability, or the intense pressure of trying to fit in socially while still figuring out who they are. Many of them don’t yet have the language to express what they are feeling. Helping students develop coping skills, resilience, and self-belief while witnessing their growth are some of the most meaningful parts of what I do.
Running has become an important part of my own mental wellness and resilience. Training for endurance sports has taught me discipline, patience, and the ability to stay present during challenging moments. Many of the same themes I explore with my students and clients such as perseverance, self-belief, and coping with discomfort are also present in endurance sports. The opportunity to run the New York City Marathon while supporting a mental health organization such as Minding Your Mind allows me to combine two important parts of my life: advocating for mental health and pursuing a personal challenge that promotes resilience and community.
Supporting an organization such as Minding Your Mind that expands access to mental health education, prevention, and care is deeply important to me because I see firsthand how early intervention can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
I am proud and very excited to share my training journey and fundraising progress with my broader community to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the value of early support and intervention.
Running the New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity to advocate for mental health in a significant way. It is an honor to represent Team Minding your Mind and to help amplify the importance of mental health support for those who need it most.
Why support Minding Your Mind?
The majority of Minding Your Mind’s programs are provided on a donate-as-able basis to the schools or organizations requesting them.
Each individual program costs Minding Your Mind approximately $500 plus overhead. While hosting groups are invited to make a donation to Minding Your Mind, we do not decline presentations due to an inability to pay. Because of this policy, most of Minding Your Mind’s financing is derived from fundraising events, personal donations, and charitable grants. Your donation can change, and save, lives. Thank you.
Minding Your Mind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your donation. Tax ID# 20-8448707.
