Today is a bittersweet day at the IOCDF office as we say goodbye to Marissa Keegan, the IOCDF’s program director (pictured left above, along with fellow IOCDF staff members Stephanie Cogen and Tiia Groden). We as a staff will miss Marissa very much, and wish her all the best on future endeavors!
I vividly remember my first day of work at the IOCDF back in August 2010. I started at the Foundation as the program coordinator, joining a team of six staff members at the old Boston office on Water Street. I distinctly recall not only the butterflies in my stomach, but the excitement I felt about starting my career, fresh out of college. What I didn’t know at the time was that I would not only be joining an immensely dedicated staff, but also the most incredible community I have ever encountered. Deciding to begin my career at the IOCDF is absolutely, hands down, one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Over the past five and a half years, I have had the privilege of watching the Foundation grow — five additional staff members have been hired, bringing the team to a total of eleven. The IOCDF now has both a robust communications department and development department, allowing the team to expand its reach in ways we had not been able to previously. The amount of professional training opportunities available has also increased each year, ensuring that the Foundation continues to work toward its mission of providing effective treatment and support to all suffering from OCD and related disorders. And the Annual OCD Conference has grown exponentially — not only in terms of the programs offered, but the amount of attendees registered. It’s truly amazing to think back to the organization in 2010 compared to now in 2016 — just look at how much we have all accomplished in six years time!
This brings me to announce to all of you that today is my last day working at the IOCDF, as I will be leaving to take the next step in my career. This was an incredibly difficult decision for me to make — I have truly loved my time working here with all of the staff, board members, and volunteers. I am also incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to talk with and meet so many members of the OCD community, as you are the heart and soul of the IOCDF. I know one thing to be true — the OCD community is the most understanding, compassionate, and dedicated community I have ever been a part of. My experience working here will forever have a special place in my heart.
I am also very pleased to introduce the IOCDF’s new event manager, Melissa Smith, who will be replacing me in the newly titled education & training department (formerly called the program department). Melissa brings with her extensive experience running events and professional trainings, most recently at Harvard Medical School. I could not think of a better fit for the event manager position than Melissa — you are all in excellent hands under her watch!
Again, I will always cherish my time working at the IOCDF and having the opportunity to collaborate with so many of you. It has been an honor, and I cannot wait to see all of the amazing things the IOCDF accomplishes in the future!
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