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Response to Request for Proposal Cass County, North Dakota submitted by Sheree Spear INTRODUCTION Profile I have a passion for improving the quality oflife for people with mental illness, and am the third generation of mental health advocates in my family. The first time I walked the under-ground tunnels of a state hospital was when I was eight years old going to visit my paternal grandmother, who had schizophrenia. Over the years, and across generations, I've followed the medical advances that came about through improved medications, and have watched as those for whom there was once no hope have gained clarity of thinking and the chance at a normal life. My own son, in fact, developed schizophrenia in his early 20's and is a miraculous example of the dramatic change that can occur when an individual receives early and appropriate treatment. Along his journey there have been obstacles and challenges that have required a great deal of knowledge and energy on my part to overcome. In the process, I strived to achieve a positive working relationship with those within systems who may be able to influence positive changes that will ensure early identification and treatment for those who suffer with treatable severe mental illnesses. My personal research led me to promote the Council of State Government's Criminal Justice/Mental Health project, beginning in 2003, to ND's Attorney General; former Dir. of Dept. of Correction, Elaine Little; and former Director of the Div. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Karen Larson. That work helped lay the foundation for the JICC project in Cass County. My work history includes sales and marketing experience and receipt of four promotions within a company formerly called Teltech, Inc. in Bloomington, MN. As an Account Executive with Teltech, I managed a multi-state territory with new and renewal sales objectives. My responsibilities included identifying and securing contracts from executives within manufacturing or research and development divisions/firms. I consistently achieved the highest client retention rate in the Company, year alter year. In 2003 I was recruited by the Mental Health Association in ND and filled their Director of Public Policy and Advocacy role through February 2005. Currently, I am employed at Pioneer Hi-Bred, a research facility in Moorhead, and am taking additional college courses. Current Associations I am a member ofNAMI ND's state board of directors. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest grass-roots mental health advocacy organization in the nation. 2