Katherine Smithson is the Senior Manager for the Youth and Young Adult Initiatives team in with NAMI, where she leads efforts to expand meaningful, accessible mental health resources for youth and young adults nationwide. With over 10 years of experience in mental health, she has supported young people navigating complex challenges through direct clinical care, program leadership, crisis response, and the development of national initiatives such as back-to-school tools and seasonal resource campaigns. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, youth development frameworks, and a deep commitment to equity, access, and ensuring every young person has the support they need to thrive.