Kaleigh Peery Defilippo
Pontoon Beach,USA
Summary
Dynamic advocate and communications leader with a proven track record in mental health outreach, program development, and strategic engagement. Passionate about empowering communities through education, storytelling, and advocacy. Adept at building relationships, managing initiatives, and driving impactful change in the mental health space. Seeking a leadership role to expand youth programming and outreach at NAMI Western Carolina.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Business and Communications Manager
National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Illinois
Granite City, IL
09.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented social media strategies to increase engagement and awareness
- Managed social media content creation, scheduling, and monitoring
- Created visual content using Canva; distributed materials via Mailchimp, print, and in-person outreach
- Engaged with the public via phone and digital platforms, providing support and resources
- Created and edited quarterly newsletter 'Beyond the Label'
- Advocated for improved mental health access and supported families of individuals with mental illness
- Participated in local mental health committees and community initiatives
- Coordinated events, vendor management, and promotional material production
- Maintained confidential records and responded to inquiries via phone/email
- Managed accounts payable/receivable, reconciled financial statements, and supported audits
- Collaborated on marketing efforts for email, social media, website, and newsletters
- Board Member - 2021 – 2024
- In Our Own Voice — 2016 – Present
- Ending the Silence — 2020 – Present
Small Business Owner/Artist
Gypsydaze / Art from the Heart
East Alton, IL
10.2018 - 07.2024
- Marketed business, managed finances, tracked inventory, and created original art
- Opened storefront in 2023; created an inclusive space for community engagement
- Managed daily operations and brand messaging through marketing channels
Volunteer Coordinator
Preferred Hospice
Ballwin, MO
07.2022 - 04.2023
- Recruited and assessed volunteers, assigned them to clients based on compatibility
- Conducted follow-ups with clients and families to verify visit records
- Input validated interaction notes into internal systems
- Resigned due to recovery from major surgery and responsibilities as a small business owner
Private Caregiver – Independent Contractor
01.2020 - 09.2022
- Provided emotional and bereavement support to elderly and hospice clients
- Administered medications, provided pericare, and offered companionship
Residential Recovery Support Specialist / Crisis Residential Unit Recovery Support Specialist
Chestnut Health Systems
Granite City, IL
07.2017 - 12.2019
- Provided case management, medication monitoring, housing inspections, and documentation
- Led one-on-one sessions, facilitated groups, and supported clients through recovery
- Used motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care
- Assisted with intakes, drug testing, crisis intervention, and client outings
Recovery Support Technician Intern
Chestnut Health Systems
Granite City, IL
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Interned at Crisis Residential Unit, later hired full-time
- Responsibilities mirrored full-time support roles
Pharmacy Technician
Schnucks
Collinsville, IL
09.2015 - 12.2015
Trainer
Panera
St. Louis, MO
04.2009 - 03.2015
- Customer service, food prep, safety compliance, and staff training
Shift Manager / Barista
Java Plus
St. Louis, MO
02.2008 - 03.2010
Customer Service Representative
CDI Communications
Granite City, IL
03.2007 - 01.2008
Midnight Shift Server / Associate
Steak & Shake
Collinsville, IL
06.2004 - 09.2007
Unit Secretary Clinical Trainee
Gateway Regional Medical Center
Granite City, IL
03.2007 - 05.2007
Temporary Office Assistant
JAL Bookkeeping
Granite City, IL
01.2007 - 04.2007
Education
Southwestern Illinois College -
Southwestern Illinois College
Granite City, IL01.2007
Columbia College -
Columbia College
Chicago, IL01.2006
High School -
Granite City High School
Granite City, IL05.2005
Skills
- Mental health education & community outreach
- Public speaking & presentation
- Volunteer coordination
- Event planning
- Marketing & content creation
- Case management & crisis intervention
- Documentation & data entry
- Customer service
- Financial tracking (QuickBooks)
- Community engagement
- Motivational interviewing
- Administrative organization
- Visual arts & community engagement
- Networking and outreach
- Youth empowerment
- Nonprofit experience
- Emotional intelligence
- Vendor relationship management
- Creativity and innovation
- Fundraising events
- Leadership
Timeline
Business and Communications Manager
National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Illinois
09.2024 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
Preferred Hospice
07.2022 - 04.2023
Private Caregiver – Independent Contractor
01.2020 - 09.2022
Small Business Owner/Artist
Gypsydaze / Art from the Heart
10.2018 - 07.2024
Residential Recovery Support Specialist / Crisis Residential Unit Recovery Support Specialist
Chestnut Health Systems
07.2017 - 12.2019
Recovery Support Technician Intern
Chestnut Health Systems
07.2016 - 07.2017
Pharmacy Technician
Schnucks
09.2015 - 12.2015
Trainer
Panera
04.2009 - 03.2015
Shift Manager / Barista
Java Plus
02.2008 - 03.2010
Customer Service Representative
CDI Communications
03.2007 - 01.2008
Unit Secretary Clinical Trainee
Gateway Regional Medical Center
03.2007 - 05.2007
Temporary Office Assistant
JAL Bookkeeping
01.2007 - 04.2007
Midnight Shift Server / Associate
Steak & Shake
06.2004 - 09.2007
Southwestern Illinois College -
Southwestern Illinois College
Columbia College -
Columbia College
High School -
Granite City High School