I am incredibly grateful for the transformative support I've received from Kristin Colino. Her unique approach combines a deep faith with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector of behavioral health services. She creates a safe and nurturing space for those navigating the challenges of mental illness. Her guidance has been instrumental to my emotional healing, providing not only practical strategies but also spiritual encouragement. Her empathetic nature, coupled with a strong foundation in Jesus Christ, makes Kristin an invaluable resource for anyone seeking wholeness and understanding on their path to wellness. Kristin Colino is a compassionate ally and wise advocate. - 44 year-old, Peer/Consumer and Writer/Mother

About k.co.

A Letter from Kristin Colino

I have felt called to ministry for over 15 years now. The Lord and I have been working hard to try and discern where that would manifest. In 2003, I started on a journey to write my memoir about how the Christian life influenced and affected me given my struggle with bipolar disorder. I was clinically diagnosed in 1991, and the process of recovery has been a lifelong pursuit toward mental health, physical wellness, and spiritual maturity.

After being raised Catholic and attending worship every Sunday, I was surprised to learn in my late teens/early twenties that I knew very little of what Scripture said about my beliefs. While I had attended Sunday School (CCD) each week and received all of the sacraments through Confirmation, I didn’t comprehend I was receiving God’s grace throughout my early years as a practicing Catholic.

It was in my college years that I searched for a spiritual connection through a campus Christian fellowship group. I was amazed at my lack of education in regards to The Bible’s contents. Furthermore, I felt supported in the ability to explore my faith outside the restrictions of the Catholic doctrine. It was not until my early twenties, however, that I truly felt touched by the power of the Holy Spirit. I went from being an observer of Christianity to a believer.

I felt a calling at that time to search the Scriptures, enroll in a new church, and spend daily devotional time. I enrolled in a two-year survey course on the Old Testament and New Testament through the local Presbyterian Church. I spent hours reading the Bible, communing with Lord, and attending educational groups. Not only did this enhance my knowledge, it filled a huge void in my spirit. I finally felt the presence of Jesus Christ in my daily life. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship with the Lord.

It’s now over 25 years later, and I continue to nourish my life as a Christian. When I arrived in the Silicon Valley in 2006 from the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area, I was very active in finding a place to worship and to establish a community. After attending Westgate Church for only a few months, I knew the Lord had called me there for a greater purpose. Not knowing what that was exactly, I pressed forward with enthusiasm as I attended Discovery classes, Exploring Christianity, Community Groups, and attained Six40 Discipleship. Being baptized at Westgate Church as a believer in Christ (as opposed to my Catholic baptism) was truly a life-changing experience for me. It not only represents my commitment to my faith but to the community I have found as well.

While I don’t personally consider it a means of disrepute, it may be that some would claim my clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder brings controversy to my testimony. In my opinion, my testimony is based on years of exposure to the Christian faith prior to discovering my chronic illness. Further, my mental health condition in no way compromises what I learn directly from the Bible. Therefore, anyone who would find issue with my testimony would also have to find argument in the Scriptures. I do not profess anything other than what I have experienced through the power of the Holy Spirit and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

k.co. Connections LLC

Our mission is to increase fellowship and compassion within the Church by celebrating God’s Kingdom here on Earth. We are an outreach ministry and disciples of Christ. We offer a mentoring perspective to our online community in order to build resilience through mental wellness, foster the development of spiritual practices, and encourage the discovery of local missions.

KRISTIN COLINO BIO

Kristin Colino is an active mental health advocate and writer who has spent 20 years serving as a peer support group facilitator for depression and bipolar disorder. After moving to the Bay Area from Washington, DC in 2006, she established a long-term community relationship with WestGate Church and married her husband of eleven years. In 2008, she founded the San Jose Chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) educating others on mood disorders. As a faithful disciple of Christianity and now President & CEO of DBSA California, Kristin’s life experiences have fully equipped her to work in a spiritual capacity as a peer mentor and team lead for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) FaithNet Program in Santa Clara County. Kristin initially came to NAMI to volunteer as a Peer Pal in February of 2017, completed their Peer-to-Peer Course along with Youth Mental Health First Aid USA Certification and NAMI California’s Family/Peer Support Specialist Education; she has over 100 hours of training in peer support. As time permits, Kristin is also a spiritual mentor for City Team’s Heritage Home in San Jose. Kristin especially enjoys music, creative endeavors, and making connections with people. She exhibits an extensive, documented history helping all types of organizations and individuals succeed.