[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING JOANNE GILLESPIE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Joanne Gillespie has made to our community through 
her volunteerism at NAMI Hernando. Joanne is a retired Exceptional 
Student Education (ESE) teacher and current Board Secretary of NAMI 
Hernando since 2017. In these roles, she has been a dedicated champion 
for mental health education and inclusion. As the mother of an adult 
son living with schizophrenia, Joanne brings both personal insight and 
professional experience to everything she does. NAMI is grounded in the 
power of lived experience, and Joanne embodies that mission 
wholeheartedly. For eight years, Joanne has taught Family-to-Family 
classes and led Family Support Groups, offering encouragement and 
understanding to others walking a similar path. She is also a certified 
instructor for Mental Health First Aid and Wellness Recovery Action 
Plan (WRAP), further extending her impact in the community. In addition 
to her peer support and education roles, Joanne chairs NAMI Hernando's 
Fundraising Committee and has been an active contributor to the Finance 
Committee, helping guide sustainable growth for the organization. Her 
thoughtful insight and nurturing spirit bring clarity and compassion to 
board decisions, and she has played a key role in streamlining internal 
communications and administrative processes. Joanne's background as an 
educator gives her a unique perspective on the emotional and 
developmental needs of families and youth. She frequently goes above 
and beyond to offer support, guidance, and hope to those navigating 
complex mental health systems. Whether advocating for youth mental 
health, organizing community events, or mentoring families, Joanne is a 
voice of wisdom, patience, and grace.
  It is clear Joanne Gillespie has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to 
serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

                          ____________________