Her Story
About Darcy
Darcy Marwick serves as a volunteer NAMI Connections support group facilitator in Prescott, Arizona, where she leads weekly meetings that begin with principles of support and guidelines before moving into participant check-ins and group discussions. Her approach emphasizes creating a safe space for sharing rather than offering advice, drawing on her background as a special education teacher who specialized in behavioral disorders. Marwick earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and obtained a special certification in middle school behavioral disorders and learning disabilities, beginning her teaching career in 1994 after initially working as a teacher assistant and substitute. Following a mental health crisis that led to roughly 20 years away from the workforce, she has returned as a volunteer, also contributing to PNHP efforts for Medicare for All and working with NNU. She is now transitioning into public health, conducting research and planning to pursue a master's degree specializing in mental health promotion and hygiene in the community, with a focus on supporting underserved populations through teaching de-escalation skills and community education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Darcy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my support system, my husband has a disability as well so he's kind of into his own thing, but I would say my current therapist is probably my best support. She has been my biggest cheerleader and she believed that I could do it on my own. She made me realize that my support back then was really not my support. Moving to Arizona was the best decision I ever made. I just used what I have here and it was like pulling teeth to get me to come to Arizona but my therapist made me see what I had in Chicago was not supportive and there was a lot of trauma back there.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Put down and to the side your ideological and political beliefs and work as a team funding common ground.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them that no matter what someone says you don't need outside validation. If they say you can't do it just do it anyway and you'll never know unless you do it. If you fail then it'll be a learning experience. Recovery is not linear. You could have good days you could have bad days. Take it day by day and celebrate your victories whether they're small.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would definitely say political and ideological resistance. It's sad because what I advocate for shouldn't be political.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The first one is probably self-validation. To believe in yourself. You don't need anyone's permission to pursue a goal. The other goal would be to look out for others who are struggling and that includes everyone. I want to make sure that the next person has an easier path, easier access to get what they need.
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