Spotlight on Mental Health First Aid Trainer: Katelyn “Katie” Huiras
November 7, 2025
Through the Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition (RCCMHC), HCI offers free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for youth and adults in Rice County. In these 8-hour training sessions, participants learn how to help individuals who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. They learn to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness or substance abuse.
These trainings are made possible thanks to a Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This month, we’re excited to feature one of these Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainers, Katelyn “Katie” Huiras. Katie is a dedicated Mental Health Therapist who brings passion, purpose, and personal connection to her work in Rice County.
Meet Katie
Katie primarily trains at the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) in Faribault, where she has been teaching Mental Health First Aid for the past two and a half years. Her commitment to mental wellness stems from both her professional experience and her personal connections to those working in high-stress environments.
“I’m passionate about spreading awareness about mental wellness and breaking down the stigma that is often associated with mental health support,” Katie said. “I work in a correctional setting, have four immediate family members who work in corrections, and many friends who work in law enforcement. The statistics of mental health challenges and suicide rates among corrections is far too high. If I can share information and connect even one person with appropriate help and support that prevents them from dying by suicide, it’s worth every second of the work I’m doing.”
Hopes for the Future
Katie hopes to continue offering trainings for correctional staff and community members throughout Rice County. Her goal is to make MHFA training more accessible and to empower others to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in their families, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
“By teaching these skills, we can support our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and others in our community,” she said.
Staying Balanced Through Self-Care
When she’s not training or working with clients, Katie practices self-care through reading, spending time with her husband and dog, scrapbooking, and getting outside for fresh air.
“By practicing self-care, I’m able to better support myself, my family, friends, coworkers, clients, and individuals I train in MHFA,” she said.
Words to Remember
Katie leaves us with a powerful message about the importance of awareness and connection:
“Simply by noticing the warning signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge, you can save a life. Talk about mental health like you would physical health and how getting appropriate help does not have to be something to be ashamed of but rather something to be proud of. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather bravery—as it’s not easy to speak up and advocate for yourself when you’re struggling and need support.”
We’re grateful for Katie’s dedication and the meaningful impact she continues to make in our community through her work and advocacy.
