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A storyteller at heart who built a career in writing, media & marketing, Paolina Milana’s roots are entangled with mental illness -- having been raised by a mother diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and later having to raise her younger sister, also diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. “Caregiving” and “Crazy” have been part of her entire being; her book COMMITTED: A MEMOIR OF MADNESS IN THE FAMILY (SheWritesPress, May 2021) chronicles her struggles to stay sane while serving as primary caregiver to both her mom and sister who continue to battle their mental illnesses.
Paolina founded “Madness to Magic” – to help caregivers find the magic in whatever madness surrounds them – and also a podcast “I’m with Crazy: A Love Story”. It’s part of Paolina’s mission to bring to light stories of real world encounters with what we all experience and yet may feel shamed to keep silent; she hopes that her work helps to normalize the focus on mental wellness and elevate the importance of caregivers – both paid and unpaid. As an expert in business storytelling, Paolina coaches executives in resilient leadership. She’s also a writing coach and her mental health caregiving advocacy efforts include penning articles that have appeared in major media. She also puts her caregiving skills to use, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care deemed most at risk.
