Thibodeau Named NAMI NYS 2025 Educator of the Year
December 10, 2025
Dr. Ryan Thibodeau, professor of psychology at St. John Fisher University, has been named the 2025 Educator of the Year by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New York State.
Thibodeau, who serves as a board member of the NAMI Rochester chapter, was recognized for his dedication to mental health education, historical awareness, and compassionate community engagement. He received the award in November during the NAMI NYS Education Conference held in Albany, NY.
In 2023, Thibodeau spearheaded a memorial project titled “Invisible No More” to honor hundreds of individuals buried in unmarked graves in Mount Hope Cemetery’s public section, many of whom were residents of the Monroe County Almshouse, Penitentiary, and Insane Asylum. The memorial, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and unveiled on Oct. 23, 2023, sought to restore dignity to those historically marginalized and forgotten, particularly former asylum and hospital patients. According to Thibodeau, the graves are a stark reminder of past neglect and called for a more compassionate, inclusive society that recognizes people with severe mental health challenges as integral community members. Supported by a committee of historians, medical professionals, and advocates, the initiative aimed not only to provide a venue for remembrance but also to educate the public about Rochester’s 19th-century social welfare institutions and inspire reflection on enduring issues of equity and care.
Thibodeau has served as a member of NAMI Rochester’s Executive Board of Directors and as the Board Chair for the 2025 NAMIWalks Rochester. In addition, he has served as a guest presenter on various mental health topics on behalf of the organization, sharing his expertise with the community.
In an article written by NAMI Rochester, the organization states, “His award underscores an unwavering commitment to advocacy, scholarship, and remembrance—illuminating the intersection of mental health, history, and social justice. His leadership has not only inspired students and colleagues at St. John Fisher University but has also strengthened NAMI Rochester’s mission to honor every individual’s inherent worth and to confront the stigma that has too long shadowed mental illness.”