The Balanced Mind Foundation Board of Directors
| Suzanne Bergoffen New York
"Society is on the cusp of acceptance and understanding of mood disorders. It is my goal to assist The Balanced Mind Foundation in educating the public and supporting the families whose children are struggling with this condition.” |
| Boris Birmaher, MD Pennsylvania Chair - Scientific Advisory Council
Boris Birmaher, M.D. is the director of the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Program and co-director of the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. He also serves as endowed chair in Early Onset Bipolar Disease and professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Dr. Birmaher is a widely recognized expert in children and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders. He has published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals and published a book for parents and clinicians entitled “New Hope for Children and Teens with Bipolar Disorder”. Dr. Birmaher was recently named as co-director of the Pittsburgh Bipolar Institute (PBI), an international program for the service, teaching and research of bipolar disorder across the lifespan.
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| Karen Cruise, B.S. Massachusetts
"The Balanced Mind Foundation has been a lifeline of information, resources and support for my family and countless others. I am proud to be a part of this vital foundation." |
| Catherine Fields
Illinois
As a single parent raising a young son with bipolar disorder, I was extremely fortunate to have gotten my son the treatment he needed. Although not easy, it was the through our school district, insurance company and of course my wonderful extended family that my son received more treatment than most. However, as a college-age adult, many of the services he received are no longer available to him because of his age. We are at a time in the world of mental illness where the medication and therapeutics, while not perfect, enable children to reach achievement levels not previously seen. However, public policy, social services and extended care options have not kept pace with this realization. Mental illness is not like a common cold-it does not go away. It is a life-long illness that may require life-long accommodations. It is my hope that The Balanced Mind Foundation will continue to educate society on the life-long impact of mental illness on individuals and families and influence societal change for ongoing support and services.
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| Louis Kraus, M.D. Massachusetts
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| Susan Madian, M.S.W. Pennsylvania The Balanced Mind Foundation President
"The Balanced Mind Foundation was there for me when our family was going through difficult times. I've seen first hand how stigma affects those with bipolar disorder and the people who love them. Too many have suffered in silence for too long. I'm excited to be a part of The Balanced Mind Foundation's anti-stigma campaign and helping build a nationwide coalition to end the prejudices against those with mood disorders." |
| Sheila McDonald, J.D. Maryland
"The Balanced Mind Foundation provides the information, support, and encouragement you need to take charge of the challenges you face. I know because The Balanced Mind Foundation was there with my family from the beginning. I continue to serve on the board of directors and remain dedicated to The Balanced Mind Foundation because I am convinced that providing the tools for our members to become educated, compassionate advocates can make a difference to the lives of families living with bipolar disorder." |
| Jean Meister, B.A. Illinois
"The Balanced Mind Foundation has been a lifeline of information, resources and support for my family and countless others. I am proud to be a part of this vital foundation." |
| Pam Moskowitz, M.S.W. New York
"The Balanced Mind Foundation is the pioneering organization of parent to parent support for children with mood regulation challenges. Currently, The Balanced Mind Foundation's extensive website can help any of us to better understand the needs of children with mood disorders. As a Board member, I am honored to be a part of The Balanced Mind Foundation and its tireless efforts to educate, advocate, and raise awareness." |
| Jerry Pavlon-Blum, M.A. New York
"Gandhi offered, 'Be the change you want to see in the world.' The board membership of The Balanced Mind Foundation takes up this call daily, as do many of you. I found The Balanced Mind Foundation when my family was overwhelmed by the challenges posed by our child's early onset of BP. The Balanced Mind Foundation ended our isolation, and helped us to build a supportive community. Now, I'm happy to provide new resources for our members, fortify them with helpful programs, and reach out to new families."
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| Robin Prunty, CPA South Dakota
"It is through the lens of my daughter's bipolar disorder that our family has gained a knowledge and compassion we may not have otherwise had. I believe in the mission of this organization. It is through the people we meet and stories we share that our ability to educate and enact change becomes ever more powerful."" |
| Robyn Hardt Schultz Wisconsin
“Families come in search of answers. They find understanding, resources, and hope. For now, there is no cure for mood disorders, but there will be. Until then, there is The Balanced Mind Foundation – a foundation dedicated to supporting families as they face the challenges and joys of raising a child who struggles with bipolar disorder.” |
| Julia Small Maryland
Picture "It is through the lens of my daughter's bipolar disorder that our family has gained a knowledge and compassion we may not have otherwise had. I believe in the mission of this organization. It is through the people we meet and stories we share that our ability to educate and enact change becomes ever more powerful."" |
