Rachael Perez

Rachael implements evidence-based programs throughout the community on the topics of suicide prevention, substance use prevention, and mental health promotion. She is a part of the Johnson County Prevention and Recovery Coalition and on the leadership team. Rachael co-facilitates Foundations, an internal training for new employees to connect with their personal talents and strengths. She is certified to facilitate Mental Health First Aid (for adults, youth, and teens), Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up for 6mo-2yrs (ABC), Strengthening Families Program, and EAL (Everyone a Leader). Rachael also promotes and coordinates the Sources of Strength program.

Rachael has worked for Johnson County Mental Health Center for 8.5yrs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from McPherson College in Psychology and Sociology. Rachael also completed the Emerging Leaders Academy.

Rachael’s leadership philosophy could be defined by the famous Henry Ford quote “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” Leadership is not about status, how loud you are, or how smart you are, but more about how you treat individuals, even when no one is looking. My goal as a leader is to motivate, encourage, and develop others to be the very best that they can be while receiving the necessary support along the way. I want the people around me to know that they are seen and heard. As a leader you must be willing to change hats and step up when needed to support the others around you to achieve or identify what the goal is. A leader is having the willingness to step out of what is comfortable and approach every situation with curiosity and an open mind, clear of bias. Also, remembering to be who you needed when you were younger and deliver that daily to yourself and the people around you. Remember, everyone has a story, to give yourself grace, and to always be kind.