By Peter Tesei
Pathways, Inc. is proud to announce that Shari Shapiro, Executive Director of Kids in Crisis, has been named the 2025 Mental Health Champion. For more than four decades, Shari has been a tireless advocate for children’s mental health, building programs and services that ensure no child in our community faces crisis alone.
At Pathways, we believe a Mental Health Champion can be anyone — a caregiver, clinician, policymaker, or neighbor — who raises awareness, breaks stigma, and brings hope through compassion, courage, and action. Shari embodies all of these qualities and more. Her ability to stay nimble and innovative has allowed children here in Greenwich and surrounding towns to receive the best possible mental health care at their most vulnerable moments.
A Shared History of Caring
Both Kids in Crisis and Pathways were founded in Greenwich in the 1980s — born out of a recognition that our community’s children needed safe homes and compassionate support. In those early years, both organizations faced challenges acquiring housing for vulnerable populations, often encountering “Not In My Backyard” opposition. Yet, with persistence and local support, both agencies created havens of safety that continue today.
A common phrase in mental health circles is “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” As the understanding of mental health evolves, so must our approaches. Shari has modeled this adaptability — from crisis nurseries and school-based counselors to affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth and new elementary-level interventions — ensuring that children receive care when they need it most.
The Power of Community
Research affirms what we see every day: community itself offers protection. A 2023 study showed that individuals with a strong sense of community had significantly lower odds of depression, anxiety, or stress, whereas those who felt isolated were three to five times more likely to report serious symptoms.
This matters because mental health is not only about services — it is about belonging.
Why Early Care Matters
The evidence is also clear: childhood trauma is strongly linked to serious mental illness in adulthood. Children exposed to multiple forms of maltreatment have over three times the odds of developing a mental disorder later in life. Shari’s lifelong mission to intervene early and provide safe, supportive care for children has ripple effects that extend across a lifetime. Pathways continues that continuum of care by supporting adults who live with serious mental illness, many of whom first experienced trauma in childhood. Together with partners like Kids in Crisis, we help ensure that every individual — child or adult — has a safe place to live and sleep at night, and access to the support they need to recover and thrive.
Celebrating Positive Influence
Shari’s accomplishments are nothing short of heroic and celebrating her is a way to spark a contagion of positive influence in our community. When we recognize those who dedicate their lives to helping others, we inspire more people to act. And when nonprofits support one another, the entire community grows stronger.
The 2025 Mental Health Champion Award will be presented to Shari Shapiro at the Pathways’ Annual Gala on Saturday, November 8 at L’Escale, Delamar Greenwich Harbor. We hope you’ll join us as we honor Shari, celebrate our honorees Tom and Kim Athan, and stand together in support of mental health.
Kids In Crisis: Always There for Kids and Families
Under Shari’s leadership, Kids In Crisis has grown into a comprehensive safety net for children and teens. From the SafeHaven emergency shelter to school-based TeenTalk and KidTalk counselors, from Lighthouse peer groups to ClubTalk after-school support, thousands of young people each year find care and connection through these programs. And for anyone in need, the Kids In Crisis 24/7 Helpline (203-6611911) is always open, making sure that children, teens, and parents never have to face challenges alone.
Pathways: Empowering Adults, Strengthening Community
For more than 40 years, Pathways has empowered adults living with serious mental illness through providing safe housing and compassionate care. From our supportive housing, community social services and a day program at “The Club,” Pathways helps individuals build skills, find community, and live with dignity and purpose. Our dedicated case managers and residential staff walk alongside clients every step of the way — ensuring that no one faces mental illness alone. To learn more or get involved, visit www.pways.org or call 203-869-5656.
Peter J. Tesei is the Executive Director of Pathways Inc. and previously served as Greenwich’s First Selectman for 12 years (2007-2019). His public service spans 38 years as a former RTM District 9 Chairman and Board of Estimate & Taxation Chairman. He has served on several non-profit Boards and community organizations and has been leading Pathways since November of 2021.
