Testimonials
“We were privileged to have Cathy as a keynote speaker for the 2016 NAMI Walks Oklahoma, as well as at the 2016 Oklahoma Substance Abuse Services Alliance Fall Conference. Her story sheds light on the stigma of mental illness and frees individuals and families from feeling they must suffer in silence. Cathy’s passion and resilience are a testament to her faith. I believe her story will transform the way our country views mental illness”
Traci Cook -
Former Executive Director of NAMI Oklahoma State Chapter
"Cathy Costello is an extraordinary woman, mother and mental health advocate with an amazing story of personal strength, balance and love. Cathy has vigilantly led the case for understanding of her child with mental illness and has emerged as the premier mental advocate for the state of Oklahoma by championing The Mark Costello Act. I encourage you to meet Cathy and learn from her experience and compassion."
Randy Tate
Chief Executive Officer - NorthCare Adult and Family Services
President - Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association
President - The University of Oklahoma School of Social Work Board of Visitor
Board of Director - The National Council for Behavioral Health
"As CEO of the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, it has been my honor to have worked with Cathy Costello over the past two years. Sadly, our paths crossed after the tragic death of her husband, and in the midst of her son's ongoing battle with mental illness. I have watched and observed how courageously Cathy has emerged into one of our country's leading advocates and spokespersons for full access to high quality treatment for individuals and families affected by mental illness. She is outspoken in her belief that one of the essential keys to more effective treatment is collaboration and communication between the individuals and families affected, and the professionals working to treat them. I have watched and listened to her sensitivity, her articulation, and her passionate message which inspires others to join together with her in this effort. Cathy's message speaks directly to our country's leadership pleading with them to help create a nation which invests the necessary time and resources into helping those affected by serious mental illness and their families."
Mike Brose - MSW
CEO Mental Health Association of Oklahoma
"The horror and heartbreak Cathy Costello has had to face would have been the undoing for many of us. Yet Cathy, in an extraordinary way, took one of the most painful experiences of her life and turned it around. Rather than becoming consumed with anger and resentment, she became consumed with advocating on behalf of those with mental illness (brain disease) and their families. Who better than Cathy Costello to educate others on something that is so real in her own life?"
Lesli Massad
Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships - Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
"Cathy is an incredibly special woman. She has truly touched our treatment facility and staff with her story of hope and change for the mental health community. Cathy delivered two impeccable speeches for Oakwood Springs and was the guest of honor at our grand opening ceremony. We are so proud to call her our friend and look forward to our next opportunity to partner. "
Alicia McAlpin
Director of Business Development
Oakwood Springs