Meet holly strayer

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Holly Strayer is a dedicated advocate for Severe Mental Illness (SMI) reform, specializing in helping families navigate the complex and often fractured systems of care for psychotic disorders and serious brain illnesses. Her dedication to systemic change is fueled by her family’s personal journey—a mission defined by the pursuit of meaningful recovery for her son and the belief that medical treatment is a fundamental human right.

Holly’s advocacy is built on a strong professional foundation. She holds a B.S. in Special Education from the University of Mississippi and served as a teacher and department head in Birmingham, AL, where she focused on supporting students struggling with various brain disorders. This early professional insight into systemic gaps provides her with a unique advantage in her current role as Alabama’s Policy Director.

Her perspective is further shaped by her tenure as a foster parent. Working closely with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Holly provided a stable environment for children in crisis, many of whom faced uncertain futures due to untreated mental health challenges. This frontline experience, combined with certifications in Trauma-Informed Parenting and NAMI’s Family-to-Family curriculum, allows her to guide others with both authority and deep empathy.

In addition to her leadership within the NSSC, Holly is an active force in the national advocacy community, collaborating with organizations such as CureSZ, the Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC), and Team Daniel. When she isn’t advocating for legislative reform or working in her family’s business, Holly enjoys traveling, gardening, and teaching children at her church.

Join the Alabama Shattering Silence Coalition Facebook page here.

“We are breaking the cycle of dysfunction by providing families with the roadmap to recovery.”