​Desi (Desiree) Avitia joined the Board of Directors for NAMI in August of 2021. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified therapy dog handler. Desi graduated from Aurora University with her MSW (master’s in social work) in 2019. She has over 5 years of experience in crisis work that includes working with AID (Association for Individual Development) as a Victim Services Case Manager and as a victim advocate with Mutual Ground. Desi is now a police social worker with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. As a police social worker, she is often called to provide support to individuals experiencing a crisis. She has extensive experience working with victims, providing services to families, and working with individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder. She is passionate about spreading mental health awareness and helping others feel supported on their mental health journey. Because of her work in the community, Desi strives to work with others to collaborate, build partnerships and have important conversations about mental health.