Feature Friday: Kristen Genovese of notMYkid on Helping Youth

Kristen Genovese

CEO of notMYkid, Inc.

www.notMYkid.org

Under the leadership of Kristen Genovese, CEO, the nonprofit notMYkid has expanded its services to provide a full continuum of prevention, early intervention, and treatment programs. Her personal journey with a substance use disorder fuels her passion for reducing stigma and ensuring access to care for all who struggle with behavioral and mental health challenges. She is a longtime resident of Scottsdale and moved to the Valley of the Sun from New York in 1997.

Tell us about notMYkid.

NotMYkid was born from a fierce vision: a world where every child possesses the knowledge, strength, and confidence to reach their fullest potential by making positive life choices. In 1999, Steve and Debbie Moak stood at the crossroads of heartbreak and hope, facing the devastating reality of their teenage son’s battle with addiction. They made a brave choice to transform their personal tragedy into a powerful mission. With unshakable courage, they founded notMYkid to share their story, ignite change, and shatter the silence that often surrounds addiction and mental illness. The Moaks’ raw, first-hand experiences sparked a movement that embraced prevention as the key to saving lives, breaking the stigma, and restoring hope. They believed, and continue to believe, that recovery is not only possible but essential for healing communities.

For 25 years, notMYkid has served more than 3 million Arizonans by going UPSTREAM to prevent addiction and mental health challenges. Our mission is to ensure every kid thrives by inspiring positive life choices. With more than 300 school and community partners statewide and a full continuum of services available, our focus remains on directing resources and funding to Arizona’s escalating opioid/fentanyl crisis and youth mental health crisis. Our priority services have expanded support for underserved Title I schools and communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid and mental health crisis, including Spanish-speaking communities.

At notMYkid, our goal is to use the power of lived experience to connect with youth (10-24) and families to meet them where they are in their journey. We understand that every family is unique, and that is why we prioritize listening first, and offering solutions that fit the needs of the family. We also know that we cannot do this work alone. Our collaboration with other providers and organizations has been vital in amplifying our impact.

What are you proud of the most about the organization?

This lifesaving work is essential, and I am proud to be doing it with such a passionate and caring team of professionals who also have lived experience and a powerful story to tell.

Most challenging aspect of notMYkid?

The past four years being on the front lines of a youth mental health and fentanyl crisis have proved to be the most challenging phase of my career since it started. It’s hard to describe being a witness to the pain a parent or loved one feels who loses their child to a fentanyl poisoning or suicide. I will never get used to this reality of our jobs, but we keep going when we see lives changed for the better and/or saved.

Why did you choose a career in nonprofits?

I have always known my path was to help others once I understood some of my own challenges and struggles with mental health and addiction. I knew right away when I was 19 years old what I wanted to do in life, and it’s been an incredible journey of service to others.

What brings you the most peace in life?

Aside from the work I have been doing in this community for 28 years, the other aspects of my life that bring me peace are raising two incredibly loving sons and the support I receive from my closest friends and family.

Motto you live by?

“If it doesn’t add joy to your life, subtract it.”

Favorite movie?

I’ve been on this planet for half a century, and my favorite movie of all time will always be Forrest Gump.

Favorite places in Scottsdale?

I’ve lived in Scottsdale for over 28 years. My favorite spots are walking or riding the Greenbelt, visiting the arts district in Old Town, and I always love the beautiful hikes in the McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve.

One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?

I am the biggest geek when it comes to birds. I’ll talk your ear off for hours about the many species you see around town, and I will successfully turn you into a birder too. Who doesn’t get excited about hummingbirds, love birds, and all the amazing creatures that fly around us in the desert.