Kayla Wilson
I am from Braintree, MA. I am the Lead Clinician at Vinfen where I support individuals with severe mental illness, including those with coexisting substance use challenges, to live in the community by providing mental and medical health care, symptom management, crisis response, etc.
Why I choose to run NYC with Herren Project: I will be running this race in honor of my mother, Melissa Wilson, who lost her battle with substance use disorder in 2018. I am also running in honor of a few fellow classmates of mine that have also lost their battle with substance use disorder. I am running this marathon for those who are currently struggling with substance abuse. For the families that are praying and holding onto hope that their loved one will receive the help they need. For those who have experienced immense loss due to substance abuse. Most importantly, I am running in honor of those who have lost their battle against this disease.
For fun, I love hiking, drawing, going to the beach, and spending time with my boyfriend, friends, family, and two dogs, Summit and Raina. One of my favorite places to hike is Acadia National Park in Maine.
I’m most proud of all the awareness and conversations that I have been able to have with family, friends, and my community surrounding substance use disorders since joining the Herren Project Team! Running the marathon for Herren Project has been something that I have wanted to do since high school, so I am happy that I am finally doing it.
