P-CCS’ Kathy Grodus Named NAMI Secondary Educator of the Year

 

P-CCS’ KATHY GRODUS NAMED NAMI SECONDARY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
P-CEP SENIOR JOSH PATTERSON ALSO RECOGNIZED FOR ADVOCACY WORK

PLYMOUTH, MI – Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) Psychologist and Mental Health Manager Kathy Grodus has been named the 2026 Michigan Secondary Educator of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), recognizing her outstanding commitment to student safety and emotional well-being.

Grodus was nominated by colleagues in the mental health field who highlighted her leadership in developing programs and services that support student mental health. She was also recognized for her work with the Wayne County Suicide Prevention Coalition, a partnership among several area school districts focused on addressing teen and young adult suicide.

Her advocacy efforts include the creation of the annual P-CCS Mental Health and Wellness Fair, a community event that connects families with mental health resources in a fun, interactive, and welcoming environment. The fair has earned a strong reputation among professionals as one of Southeast Michigan’s premier opportunities for families to explore available mental health programs and services.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award and grateful to my colleagues for their nomination,” Grodus said. “I’m also thankful to work in a district like P-CCS, where leadership understands the importance of mental health awareness and supports programs that help students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.”

Also recognized among the 2026 NAMI honorees is Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (P-CEP) senior Josh Patterson, who was named one of three NAMI Youth Advocates of the Year. Patterson was honored for his leadership in helping to shape, launch, and guide Students vs. Stigma, a student-led initiative operating under the Wayne County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Through collaboration with adult leaders across the mental health community, Students vs. Stigma works to reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges and encourages individuals to seek support.

For more information about mental health resources available to the P-CCS community, visit the Department of Student and Family Engagement page at pccsk12.com.