David Kamnitzer joined the inaugural TEAM ICL last year for his first marathon and now wants to see how much he can improve. “I like to set new challenges for myself so I can continue to learn and ultimately grow,” he explains.

As ICL Senior Vice President, Adult Mental Health Services, Brooklyn, David touches the lives of hundreds of adults and families – helping them to identify and hone strengths that they may never have realized before. For David, “The consumers and staff at ICL are part of my extended family. I believe in our mission and giving back to others. Running on TEAM ICL is a natural extension of that.”

He is a prodigious lecturer on issues relating to mental illness and subjects ranging from cognitive remediation to risk management. He is a strong proponent of strengths-based practice and motivational interviewing techniques, and his voice rings strong on behalf of those still struggling to find their own.

David has over twenty years of experience in the field of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Social Work at New York University, Silver School of Social Work, and a board member of the Supported Housing Network of New York. His most recent area of research has been around the area of Intimacy and Social Relations with consumers with severe and persistent mental illness. David is a staunch advocate on behalf of young adults and serves on the State Consortium to meet this population’s unique needs. He explains, “The transition from teen to adult is challenging – add in a foster care experience and other hurdles, and the need for thoughtful support is immense.”

Running enables David to transcend “the hustle and noise of the city into a zone of peace and calm.” It helps him “to maintain a balance between healthy mind and body.” He has been a runner for over 20 years and loves running on the west side of Manhattan along the Espanade, which spans lower Manhattan to the George Washington Bridge.

David is active with the New York Road Runners Club and is already running four times each week. “I’ve already completed my 9 races needed to qualify for next year. My best time is a 7:40 mile – now it’s time to break my personal best.”

As last year’s top TEAM ICL fund raiser, his best is already mighty good, and the team is fortunate to have him!

Help David reach his fundraising goal for TEAM ICL!