Caring for the Mental Health of Caregivers in Rural and Agricultural Communities
Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez
Session Overview:
This interactive session will explore the mental health stress associated with being a caregiver for people with disabilities in rural and agricultural populations. Caregiving across different cultures, challenges, and coping strategies among caregivers will be discussed. Participants will leave with strategies to support caregiver mental health and well-being.
Additional Session Materials:
About Your Presenter:
Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez
Kimber J. Nicoletti-Martinez, LCSW, is the Founder/Director of MESA: Community Empowerment and Violence Prevention Program at Purdue University and serves as the Latina Farm Worker Outreach Coordinator for the National and Indiana AgrAbility projects. Kimber has advocated for Latina immigrant and farm worker communities for more than 25 years. Kimber is a licensed clinical social worker in Indiana and has worked in a clinical and home-based setting providing mental health services. Kimber who brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to her work has a positive attitude and is skilled at using an arts-based approach to engage and empower clients.
Ms. Nicoletti-Martinez was named National Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers in 2018 and was awarded the 2017 Indiana Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers-Indiana Chapter. She was the recipient of the 2021 Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by the Multiplying Good Foundation. Kimber was recognized by the Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and was the recipient of the 2023 L.U.P.E. award (Leadership, Unity, Professionalism, and Excellence) award. Kimber who has 3 adult daughters and 5 grandchildren lives in West Lafayette, IN. She is passionate about using music and the arts to inspire and empower others to lead happy, healthier lives.