Welcoming our new and returning IOCDF Advocates: Amplifying Voices for Mental Health

By Liz Lindley, Director of External Relations and Partnerships

The IOCDF is honored to announce our newest advocate volunteers and the continued commitment of our 31 renewing IOCDF advocates.  These individuals are a vital part of our mission, and we are grateful for their dedication to advancing our efforts in the key impact areas of increasing awareness and community, expanding access to effective treatment, and advancing research. 

All of our volunteers, including over 4,000 Grassroots advocates and the 42 IOCDF Advocates play a critical role in helping transform lives globally. The IOCDF’s goal is to empower and equip individuals to pursue advocacy through their unique experiences, to reach diverse populations, and to break down the stigma and barriers faced by those within the OCD and related disorder communities.

In January 2025, the International OCD Foundation launched a transformative  5-Year Strategic Plan. Vision 2030 builds on decades of progress to ensure that by the year 2030, millions more people living with OCD will be met with support, understanding, and a clear path to effective treatment and healing. Our advocates are vital to advancing our strategic plan, serving as catalysts for change. The IOCDF Advocate program is designed to offer meaningful opportunities for growth, collaboration, and IMPACT! 

The Power of Diversity

The strength of our advocacy program lies within the diversity of our group, and we welcome advocates from various countries, backgrounds, professions, and life experiences, each bringing a unique perspective to the program.  This diversity enriches our efforts and fosters a greater understanding of the challenges our communities face worldwide.

The IOCDF pledges to continue the commitment to amplify new and diverse voices, which is central to achieving our long-term goals and servicing global communities.

Lived Experience Matters 

Our advocate volunteers are the backbone of the IOCDF.  Their efforts are vital to our mission whether that is participating in awareness campaigns, fundraising, supporting local affiliates and global partners, sharing their story publicly, or engaging policymakers to secure funding for OCD research. We appreciate the time and dedication they invest in advancing our work and creating space where everyone can be heard, respected, and valued.

Thank You to over 80 applicants!

We extend a sincere thank you to everyone who applied to join the IOCDF Advocate program.  The tremendous interest and passion are greatly appreciated and we are taking great care to thoughtfully review each IOCDF application, and ensure the onboarding is meaningful and supportive.  While we have completed the first round of selections, there will be additional reviews and onboarding in the fall 2025.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of our many volunteers.  We recognize that their contributions are essential to the cause, breaking down barriers, reducing stigma and advocating for policies that improve access to mental health treatment. 

Your voice can make a difference no matter what role and we encourage you to stay engaged with our community:

• Join the Grassroots Advocates! Each month you will receive the Advocates in Action e-Newsletter with challenges, projects, and other ways you can make a big impact. Sign up today!
• Share Your Story: Submit a blog post about your experiences to stories@iocdf.org for potential publication on our IOCDF Blog.
• Join a Special Interest Group: Explore and join our SIGs at iocdf.org/sigs to participate in focused initiatives.
• Participate Locally: Connect with your local IOCDF Affiliate, Global Partner and join an OCD Walk in 2025 (iocdf.org/walk).
• Host an Event: Consider organizing an OCDare to Share event, especially during OCD Awareness Week (October 12-18, 2025). Learn more at iocdf.org/ocdaretoshare.

Welcome New IOCDF Advocates!

Stacey Black

Jessie Birnbaum

Jonathan Clark

Łukasz Czajkowski

Tyler Falcoa

Tracie Ibrahim

David Kedeme

Yann Lana

Hakim Rahman * Due to safety concerns in Bangladesh, the name Hakim Rahman is a pseudonym. While some details of personal identity have been protected, their story reflects real experiences.*

Megan Remer

Leigh Sheppard

Thank you to our returning IOCDF Advocates!

Valerie Andrews

Leslie Arturi, LMSW

Chris Baier

Kyra Cheung

Julia C. E. S.

Summer Contreras Lemmon

Megan Dailey

Justine De Jaegher

Molly Fishback

Shaun Flores

Alie Garza, LCSW

Andrew GottWorth

Jana Hahn

Micah Howe

Darcy Howell

Kyle King

Katy Marciniak

Erika McCoy

Brooke Miller, RN

Allie Mills

Krista Reed, LCSW

Mackenzie Reed, RN

Morgan Rondinelli

Alex Rosenberg

Thomas Smalley

Maya Tadross

Chris Trondsen, MS, LMFT, APCC

Erica Wang

Hannah Zidansek

Kim Quinlan, LMFT

Caroline

For more information about the Advocate Program and the IOCDF Advocates, please visit our webpage.