This month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our incredible Peer Mentors, Judith!

Judith has been part of The NAN Project for nearly a year, and in that time, she’s made a powerful impact in the fight against youth mental health stigma. Through her courage and compassion, Judith has shared her lived experience with many students across Massachusetts, helping to create space for honest conversations about mental health and recovery.

Her impact on the team also goes beyond her presentations. Judith brings a bright, bubbly energy to every day of work, uplifting those around her with her warmth and positivity. Whether she’s speaking to a classroom full of students or encouraging her fellow Peer Mentors behind the scenes, Judith embodies the heart of our mission.

Want to hear more about her journey and what inspires her work?
️Read the full interview here: 

 

What is your name? What are your preferred pronouns? And when did you start working for The NAN Project?

My name is Judith Basile, My preferred pronouns are She/They. I started working for The NAN Project on April 25th 2024.

 

What made you want to work with the NAN Project?

What made me want to work with The NAN Project was knowing that this type of work is saving lives by sharing my own experience with my mental health. I love helping people and honestly I was looking for a better job that involves helping people. I feel as if the universe guided me towards this opportunity when I needed it most. I honestly love working for The NAN Project!

 

Can you tell me about how your cultural background connects to your mental health?

My mental health is somewhat connected by my culture. I was always seen as the weird kid because I am autistic and that has caused me to have trust issues. People would act like my friend because I was the “Special Needs” kid but as soon as my back was turned, I would be made fun of. I feel that this has made my anxiety the way that it is now.

 

Did you ever imagine yourself working in the field of mental health?

I honestly didn’t think I was ever going to be working in the field of mental health, then again you never know what the universe holds for you! I thought by now I would be stuck in retail still but thankfully I’ve been out of retail for at least a year now.

 

 Have you had any student questions or comments that especially stuck out to you?

There was this one time that a kid at one of the presentations at an old school I used to go to said their coping strategy was to eat a lot of ham. That comment definitely made my day and even now thinking back to it makes me laugh. It’s honestly one of the many things that make me smile whenever I feel sad.

 

How does it feel going back to communities you grew up in and presenting there with The NAN Project?

It makes me overjoyed especially due to the fact that in most of these communities/schools, I really was struggling. Knowing that an old teacher you had or an old councilor you had remembers you and lets you know how proud they are of you is honestly one of the most rewarding feelings. I love telling people who knew me back then, all the amazing work that I have done and what’s yet to be done. 

 

How do you think hearing a NAN Project presentation would have affected you as a kid?

I feel like it would have made me realize that I wasn’t broken like I thought I was. I would realize that what I was going through didn’t define who I am. I believe that also would have possibly caused my classmates to treat me better than how they did, because they would hear how it actually can hurt people (A.K.A Me)

 

What advice would you give to yourself as a younger kid

I would tell my younger self “You are stronger than you think. You are smarter than you think. Those other people who like to talk about you behind your back are just jealous of how amazing you are. You are gonna do amazing things, trust me”

 

Can you tell me what inspires you the most

What inspires me most is the fact that I’ve overcome so many struggles with education, relationships, and even grief and yet I still keep

 going.  I have made some amazing achievements academically including Phi Theta Kappa (Honors for Community colleges) and Merits list. Also the fact that when I’m working, I’m making a difference. It’s such a rewarding experience and I want to keep making a difference in the communities we go to.

 

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are to graduate BHCC with my Associates Degree in Computer Science, keep being an amazing Peer Mentor, and hopefully go back to my old high school and help there with the IT department or join Eliot Community Human Services’ IT department.