SARDAA – Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America

Stars of The Voices of Support Videos - The Voices They Want to Hear is Yours

The voice they want to hear is yours

SARDAA Programs

Peer Support for Diagnosed Individuals and Families
Information and Resources for people with Schizophrenia-related brain disorders, their families, professionals, and the public
Personal Stories of Recovery and Hope
A Speaker’s Bureau of People with expertise about Schizophrenia-related brain disorders
Public Education Campaigns
Online Resource Library of Promising and Evidence-based Practices
Advocacy at the Federal, State, and Local Levels to increase access to treatment for Neuropsychiatric Policies and Funding
BRAIN Campaign to amend language recognizing schizophrenia spectrum illnesses are physical, neuro-circuitry disorders of the brain.

Our Mission and Vision

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America improves lives affected by schizophrenia-related brain illnesses (mental illnesses involving psychosis). SARDAA promotes hope and recovery through support programs, education, collaboration and advocacy. Our vision is that every person living with a schizophrenia-related brain disorder receives respect, appropriate treatment and an opportunity to live a meaningful and satisfying life in a compassionate community free of discrimination.

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Featured Hearing Voices
of Support Stories

Morgan

Dad & Musician
Brandon

Marketing and
communications director
Jessica

Singer and songwriter
Lance

E-commerce company worker
Dan

Stand-up comic and writer
Doris

Director of education, NAMI
Ismael

TV and radio personality
Leslie

Emmett’s dad, chorister
with the Houston Opera

Morgan

Dad & Musician

Morgan’s son has schizophrenia, which first became apparent after a drug-induced psychotic episode when his son smoked marijuana. Morgan speaks of looking after yourself so you can look after your child – spending time together and not giving up is important, and so is having common interests. Morgan and his son are both foodies and enjoy sports.

Brandon

Marketing and communications director

Brandon experienced his first psychotic episode right after his freshman year in college. It was a difficult journey. But his treatment and therapy, along with the love of his family, have helped him enormously – and now he is helping others. Happily married, he is also the Director of Marketing and Communications for both the Staglin Family Vineyard and IMHRO/One Mind Institute, as well as a webcast producer, blogger, and public speaker. Brandon is the recipient of many awards, including the SAMHSA Lifetime Achievement VOICE Award.

Jessica

Singer and songwriter

Jessica experienced drug-induced psychosis in her early twenties and was later diagnosed with paranoia and mania. The treatment she is taking, along with support from her family and her own determination to stay on track, mean she is doing well. She is a musician and songwriter with a following, and is optimistic about her future.

Lance

E-commerce company worker

Lance has been on medication for OCD and ADHD since the age of 12. Later, he started experimenting with drugs like marijuana and cocaine and became addicted. It took 6 years for Lance to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. After multiple hospital and rehab stints, Lance is now off illicit drugs and living independently in Great Neck, thanks to the support of his family and doctors. He works part-time for an e-commerce company.

Dan

Stand-up comic and writer

Dan started to experience symptoms, including hearing voices at summer camp, when he was in his teens. He kept this secret for a year. But his symptoms worsened and, realizing that something was terribly wrong, his parents took him to a psychiatrist. He was subsequently diagnosed with schizophrenia. Finding the right treatment and the steadfast support of his family got him back on track. He loves comedy and writing, and performs regularly at comedy venues throughout New York.

Doris

Director of education, NAMI

Doris has a family member with schizophrenia. She believes that, at times, the dramatic way police respond to psychiatric crises can negatively escalate the situation. In 2006, Doris was instrumental in developing the Crisis Intervention Training Program for the Texas police. The program involves a much calmer approach, including the responders speaking positively and quietly to the person in crisis instead of responding with force, lights, sirens, and guns.

Ismael

TV and radio personality

Ismael had a happy but turbulent upbringing in Cuba: two family members committed suicide in his home due to schizophrenia. He has heard voices himself but deals with them by being aware of and proactive about his mental health. It hasn’t gotten in the way of being successful – he has been a radio and TV personality with his own show Cala on CNN en Español, and is a producer, journalist, motivational author, and speaker.

Leslie

Emmett’s dad, chorister with the Houston Opera

Leslie is Emmett’s dad. He realized Emmett was different as a child – and it was challenging at times. But they’ve come a long way, and he is proud of Emmett and supports him fully in his endeavors and ambitions. As well as being a dad, Leslie is a networking consultant and a chorister with the Houston Grand Opera.

Positive Voices

of Support can Make
a World of Difference

Voice Your Support

You are Not Alone

Our vision is that every person living with a schizophrenia-related brain disorder achieves recovery and a fulfilling life in a compassionate community free of stigma and discrimination.