Why I do what I do – Sara Godinez, Community Support Services program manager

Growing up, I saw my older brother struggle with a serious mental health condition. As a young adult, he died by suicide. It was at this time that I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could about how to help other individuals and families who are affected by mental illness.

Shortly after receiving my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I came to Bert Nash as an emergency services clinician with the Access Center. There, I saw first-hand the challenges, struggles, and pain that can bring someone to a place of hopelessness. I was also inspired by seeing expressions of care, the emergence of hope, and the strength of the human spirit.

In my current role as a program manager, I continue to be inspired every day by my colleagues and the individuals we serve. My personal and professional lives are continually enriched by the lessons I learn from them.

As a certified Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) trainer and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer, I have incredibly fulfilling, enlightening, and often humbling experiences training others, and hearing their stories. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Bert Nash, to learn, to teach, and to help further our agency’s mission of meeting the mental health needs of our amazing community!