Stephen Nawotniak

Stephen Nawotniak, OTR/L, NYCPS

Occupational Therapist | Certified Peer Specialist | Lived Experience Bipolar

A licensed healthcare professional with the lived experience of bipolar

Stephen Nawotniak OTR/L, NYCPS has a Self-Designed Masters from Buffalo State College, a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Utica University, and is a New York State Certified Peer Specialist. Starting in May, 2000 Steve set out on an 8-month, non-motorized Trek of service where he hiked, biked, sailed and canoed from Buffalo, NY to Key West, FL as part of a self-designed master’s degree through Buffalo State College. He gave presentations to over 1000 youth on the values of volunteerism and education and completed over 230 hours of community service along the way.

in August 2002, Steve was hospitalized with a major depressive episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. From that point forward, Steve has spent his life learning how to live with his condition on the journey from hospitalized patient to licensed healthcare professional. Steve has spoken internationally on occupational therapy and mental health. He has also published the books Handbook for Healthy Living with a Mood Disorder and Bipolar Life Hacks: Keys to Loving Life with a Bipolar Disorder to share the skills and tools he uses daily to live, what he calls, a desired quality of life. Steve lives and works in Buffalo, NY.

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