Susie Piasecki smiled as she shared that “independence” was what she liked most about living at Myers Place. “Being free to do what I want, when I want, and having my own place to call my own.” Susie has been a resident of Myers Place located in Mt. Prospect, Illinois since 2017. Prior to residing in her apartment, she lived with her parents in Hanover Park. “Supportive housing is awesome and life changing,” said Susie. Equally important to Susie as her freedom is her music. She is a songwriter, singer, and plays the guitar as well as ukulele. Susie stated that she has been playing and singing “for decades.” Some of the songs she has written include: “Psychiatric Nurse”, “12 Days Treatment”, “Ode to Ambien”, and “Managed Care Blues”. During the “Music Night” group at Myers Place, Susie and other residents are given the opportunity to perform and share their talents. Susie realized years ago while working at Good Samaritan Hospital that she could use music to support others just as it had supported her throughout her life. She wrote “Psychiatric Nurse” as a way for her to “help nurses develop a sense of humor.” Susie loves the opportunity to share her songs during open mic nights. Her song “Ode to Ambien” helped her win “a hundred dollars with NAMI open mic night.” Susie is an active participant of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and stated that she believes that family involvement in understanding mental illness is very important.
