Meet Sierra

Sierra’s mental health journey began at age eleven in 2006 when she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression, leading to medication and therapy. Throughout her school years, she faced numerous hospitalizations, including a three-month stay in a residential treatment center at age fourteen.

Upon turning 18, Sierra faced adult hospitalization and underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which resulted in a year of amnesia, making her forget important life events. Her early adulthood years followed a pattern of intense depression, hospitalizations, ECT, and temporary stability. By age 25, she had attended three undergraduate colleges without completing her degree.

In 2018, Sierra was hospitalized again due to intrusive self-harm thoughts, but ECT was no longer effective. In April 2019, she found a new treatment that allowed her to develop healthy coping skills, engage in self-care, and joined NAMI. She eventually graduated with a psychology degree, started facilitating support groups, and applied to law school in 2020.

Starting law school in Fall 2021 led to increased symptoms, prompting a comprehensive neuroevaluation in 2022. She received an updated diagnosis of ADHD and autism, shedding light on her past misdiagnoses and trauma.

Since her mental health recovery, Sierra has presented over 60 times, shared her story widely, and become a leader and mentor. She’s now focused on advocacy and aims to contribute to discussions on disability topics through public speaking, media appearances, consulting, and writing. Sierra is excited to see where her journey as a disability advocate leads.