Karen Silberman

Consumer Advisory Board Chair

I am a 49-year-old Bipolar woman in recovery from Alcoholism. I have a 19-year-old son who was diagnosed at age 5 with BP with schizoaffective disorder who is also on the autism spectrum . I also have an 18-year-old son with ADD and Depression. Their father, who committed suicide, also suffered from BP and substance abuse.

Currently I am completing my studies for my CAADAC Certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor and am doing my internship with adolescents with Dual Diagnosis.

I am on the Mental Health Committee of Jewish Family Services. Some of our major projects are the creation of Hope Village, an apartment complex for mentally ill persons who can live independently but need onsite support and desire communal living. We also put on an annual luncheon with Best Selling Authors or Actors, Professors or other known Professionals who are living with Mental Illness or working towards a solution to ease the stigma of Mental Illness.

I also sit on the Board of Hillel of San Diego, which is a Jewish university organization that brings Jewish life to college campuses in San Diego City and North County.