Paula Kuchta – Consumer Member of Capitol Hill Action and Recreation Group (CHARG )
When she was growing up, Paula Kuchta did not have a say in the treatment she received for her mental illness. She was expected to silently accept what the doctors told her. As an adult, Kuchta appreciates how far the mental health system has come. Now she has a say in her recovery process, and her voice is being heard.
Kuchta is co-president for the Consumer Member of Capitol Hill Action and Recreation Group (CHARG) board of directors. CHARG serves to improve the quality of life and functioning capacity of persons with severe and persistent mental illness in the Denver metropolitan area. Through her participation in CHARG and membership on the Mental Health Center of Denver board, Kuchta uses her own experience to educate others. A frequent speaker at mental health events, Kuchta hopes that sharing her story will inspire those dealing with mental illness that recovery is possible.
In her spare time, Kuchta enjoys ceramics and scrap-booking. She also enjoys working with her service dog, Gibson, who is a three-year-old yellow lab.