Judd

Judd  is an accomplished educator, administrator with extensive experience and interest in Japanese culture. He first went to Japan as a teenager to seriously pursue his martial art training in Aikido. Later he returned to Japan and remained there for 22 years. During his time he continued to deepen his knowledge of Japanese language, culture and martial arts, while also building his career at the Osaka College of Foreign Languages and International Business. He was the academic director and general manager running 54% of the whole school. It was through his leadership and efforts that the school grew from 120 students to just fewer than 2,000.

It was during those last few years when he was being promoted to Dean of the MBA program and in line for vice presidency that he was struck with a serious mental illness. His illness forced him to retire and sell his beautiful 4 bedroom home and caused his marriage to fall apart. Years later he was hospitalized for two weeks for feelings of delusion and paranoia. Medications with group therapy helped him get back on his feet. He remarried and moved to New Zealand where he bought a 14 acre farm with a 3-bedroom house, a large art studio and two barns.

Unfortunately because he was in denial of his mental illness he did not take his medication. His symptoms rose again and he found himself in a psychotic nightmare which landed him back in the hospital. Once again, he lost everything, his job, his wife and his child. With only a $100 in his pocket, he took a plane to the United States. His brother picked him from the airport and took him to John George Hospital. After 10 days in the hospital, a short stay at the City Team Shelter, and through Access he was referred to the Oakland Homeless Project. Norman took him in that same night. The next day he met his counselor Judy whom he trusted, and then he met James and Daniel who were supportive, very loving and helped with his recovery. Having hit bottom, the staff at OHP gave him emotional support. He was an active participant in the therapy groups that helped while he stabilized on his medications. Later he moved into Rosa Parks Transitional House where he met Tim and Molly who further assisted in his recovery. He became an active member of Town House and had a wonderful therapist at Earth Circles. He was still on a long road to recovery and back to living a high functioning life.

He is now living independently. The Town House staff encouraged him to work. He volunteered part time at BACS which lead to a part-time job at the Mental Health Association. He volunteered at OHP as a martial arts instructor and then works as on-duty counselor at OHP and South County Homeless Project. All this helped to contribute to his recovery and self-esteem. He is presently enrolled in the BEST NOW program to further his education as a mental health provider; his new chosen career path. He wants to help others on their road to recovery like those that helped him.

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