Nanette V. Larson, BA, CRSS
Deputy Director/Ambassador for Wellness & Recovery, Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health
Nanette V. Larson serves as the Deputy Director/Ambassador for Wellness & Recovery for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health. Ms. Larson provides leadership and consultation to further the development of recovery-oriented services within the public mental health system.
In her role as Ambassador, Ms. Larson promotes many of DMH’s successful recovery initiatives, such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP®), Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) training and development & the Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Calls.
Additionally, she and her team develop and expand proactive, outcome-focused wellness strategies organized around the eight dimensions of wellness identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Ms. Larson is a nationally recognized leader in the mental health recovery movement and has provided numerous presentations to diverse audiences on recovery, spirituality, and related topics. Her passion for this work comes from her personal experience of recovery from mental illness, and her message is one of hope for all whose lives are affected by these conditions.