Matthew Shapiro

GOAL: $3,000

Matthew has worked at NAMI-NYS for 13 years and now serves as the Associate Director, Public Affairs. He is proud to be a part of the NAMI-NYS family and the opportunity to help other families like his that have been impacted by mental health issues.

When not working, Matthew enjoys being outside in nature and hiking. He also enjoys traveling, going to concerts, movies, reading and watching sports especially baseball (Mets), football (Giants) and boxing. Matthew also enjoys writing and he used to be a music journalist.

Matthew thinks it's important to share our experiences and stories to help other people and to let people impacted by mental health challenges know they are not alone.

Matthew wants to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. Being a model ambassador is important to him as it allows him to use his story to help others.