Nominee's Key Links:
Bio: Andrea Polnaszek
Resume or CV: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-polnaszek-a6345b1a/
Writing or Publications:
Website: www.andreapolnaszek.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/@apolnaszek
Socials: @andreapolnaszek. @apolnaszek
Agency or agencies for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Organization name(s) and position(s) for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Policies which the nominator knows the nominee supports or in which they have expertise:
Before I share some of my expertise I would like to highlight my heartfelt belief that the rising mental health crisis in America (while there are many sub categories) was ignited by the COVID pandemic. I care deeply for children and we must care for them first - they are our future. We need to help them dream again (school age, preteen and teens). Part of my dream is that we will reduce the rate of diagnosis and normalize mental health in similar ways of that of physical health. I believe we must address with PSA type education how the school and community closures affected everyone (the general public) so that our nation can grieve and move beyond this catastrophe. I believe we are collectively stuck and that by naming what has happened we will immediately see relief from a percentage of our anxiety. We need to talk about how our nation/world was affected in general terms - so that those of us with some resilience can mourn our losses and then hold space for our neighbors to heal as well. I have worked with children and their families as a mental health provider for more than 25 years. I believe that the idea of mental health and the types of programs currently designed to help Americans with overall health and mental illness are not working. We need a radical overhaul of how we are caring for each other - as well as those with the most grave psychological disorders. I also have an expertise working with foster children, this population has a low High School graduation rate and high addiction rate and we owe them better care. I would like to be part of the solution using innovative mental health care strategies to literally heal our land.
Nominator's thoughts on what would make this nominee a valuable member of a future Trump Unity Government
1) Is Competent: I have worked in community mental health for years. During this time I have run my own private practice and kept a consistent case load through country contracts working with underserved children and their families.
2) Is Honest: I have a reputation as a truth teller. My clients often ask very sensitive questions because they trust that I will advise them as honestly as I can. I am genuine and authentic and this often requires me to be brave as my opinions are not always popular.
3) Is Respectful: I believe that words are very important and I choose mine carefully. This is one of the many ways that I demonstrate respect to others.
4) Has Integrity: This quality is very important to me as I believe that our attitudes and actions must match up both in front of people and behind closed doors. As a mother and a professional I want my family to see that I act the same way with my clients as I do with them. I take this ideal so seriously that it is the theme of a movie that I wrote and co-produced called: Catching Faith (www.theboylansisters.com)
5) Has Courage: I am courageous in various ways but one of the most significant ways is my work in Cuba. I have developed a variety of self-help curriculums that have been used by a mission organization - that equips women to care for their mental and spiritual health. My trips have included teaching tours and working with hundreds of women across their country, despite the government opposition.
6) Has a Proven Record: I have worked professionally as a social worker in various settings since 1994.