Mental Health Matters

Kathleen Rhoads Merriam moved to Hawaii in 2003 from working at Fountain House, NYC, the largest psychiatric rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness. The Department of Health hired her to strengthen and develop Clubhouse Day programs and since then, she has held a variety of positions with the Adult Mental Health Division.

Kathleen joined Rotary as soon as she moved to Hawaii and met her husband and former district governor, Mark.

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor; she has worked in mental health services over 35 years.

Kathleen’s perspective comes from being a consumer, family member, provider, and administrator in mental health. She believes her own experience in various mental health systems as someone living with Bipolar illness has provided her with the greatest wisdom.

Kathleen is the recipient of the Mental Health Outstanding Government Leader Award and the Department of Health Sustained Superior Performance Award. Additionally, she is the Past President of the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu and a current member of the Kaneohe Rotary Club.