Cailey Crusemire is the Education and Support Group Coordinator for NAMI Chester County Pennsylvania. Cailey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Drexel University and a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Services from Chestnut Hill College. As a Pennsylvania board-certified Peer Specialist since 2018, Cailey focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for equitable treatment in mental health services. She envisions a future where every person feels valued, supported, and empowered in their mental health journey.

Joel Richard is the Program Director of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania (NKPA), the state affiliate for the commonwealth of PA. As a peer, Joel first got his start with NAMI as an In Our Own Voice presenter in 2017 before joining NKPA's staff in 2018 as their Data and Communication Specialist. Over the next several years, Joel became heavily involved in NAMI's programs, becoming a State Trainer in several and even a National Trainer in NAMI Peer-to-Peer. Joel became the Program Director of NKPA in September of 2023.

Susan Caban, Interim Chief Program Officer Susan Caban is the Interim Chief Program Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), overseeing NAMI’s Peer and Family-led National Signature Programs that reach tens of thousands of people in communities across the U.S. every year.  Ms. Caban is an experienced mental health trainer, educator, and leader with over 20+ years’ experience with NAMI on a regional, state and national level.  Ms. Caban is also passionate about empowering individuals to share their own mental health journey and break down the negative stereotypes that confine individuals living with a serious mental health diagnosis.  Ms. Caban is a certified program leader and trainer in several NAMI National Signature Programs and has also received certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aid instructor.  Ms. Caban holds a BS in Elementary Education from Carlow University. 

Jennifer Hughes, LCSW is the Chief of Staff at NAMI NJ. She is passionate about providing programs for all cultures and identities in mental health. Previously, Jennifer worked in a K-12 setting as a Clinician & Program Manager. During the peak of COVID & social isolation, she provided telehealth counseling in a private practice setting.

Viviana De Los Angeles is the Program Director at NAMI NJ. She advocates for eliminating stigma by sharing her mental health journey in English and Spanish. Previously, Viviana worked for the County Dept. of Public Health & Safety for 13 years. Viviana is a Master Trainer for the SMRC programs hosted by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

Subha Bolisetty is a parent advocate passionate about inclusion & eradicating stigma around disability and mental health. At NAMI NJ, she is the Program Manager and Statewide Coordinator for SAMHAJ (South Asian Mental Health Awareness Program in Jersey). She is a graduate of NJ’s Partners in Policymaking leadership development program from Rutgers.

Anita Herron, Sr. Manager, NEP  Anita Herron serves as the Senior Manager of Family Education Programs for NAMI. She began working at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in August of 2017 as the Programs Manager for NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics and NAMI Homefront.  Prior to coming to NAMI, Anita served as Young Families Program Advocate at NAMI North Carolina for seven years.  Anita is a certified program leader for NAMI’s family education programs along with a state trainer and national trainer for NAMI Basics and NAMI Homefront. Anita currently lives in Severn, Maryland with her husband Shaun who retired from the Army after 28 years of service. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Troy University. 

Gabrielle Montgomery, Senior Coordinator, Family Education Programs Gabrielle Montgomery (she/her) is the Senior Coordinator for the NAMI National Family Education Programs. She joined NAMI National in September of 2022, and previously worked at NAMI Erie County PA for 1.5 years as their Community Outreach Coordinator. Gabi received her bachelor's degree in strategic communications at West Virginia University and has a background in digital marketing. As both a peer and family member, she is proud to be part of the Education team where she knows the programs she works with daily make a significant impact on people’s lives.

Tara Gwynn is the Programs Director and volunteer coordinator for NAMI Wichita (KS) as well as a full-time caregiver, a full-time student of Psychology and Law, minoring in Accounting and Business, and a volunteer for the V.A. Caregiver Support Program in addition to NAMI. She was the recipient of NAMI El Paso’s (TX) 2021 Volunteer of the Year and NAMI Kansas’s 2023 Peer Program Leader of the Year. She is a certified NAMI Signature Program Leader for Provider, Basics, Peer-to-Peer, Connection, Family & Friends, Hearts & Minds, and Frontline Wellness. She is a certified State Trainer/Mentor for NAMI Homefront, Family to Family, In Our Own Voice, Family Support Group, Ending the Silence, and Sharing Your Story with Law Enforcement programs. She is currently in the National Training Academy for NAMI Homefront. Tara is also the co-creator/presenter and moderator for NAMI Kansas’s highly successful Faithnet summit, “Standing in the Gap: Rural & Frontier Access to Mental Health Care: A Faith-based Perspective.” She is currently creating and organizing a community outreach program in collaboration with the Wichita public library system while leading the rebuilding of NAMI Wichita post-COVID. Additionally, she is assisting in modernizing and standardizing in-person and virtual program procedures and data collection for NAMI programs across affiliate borders throughout Kansas and co-leading the Family Program Leader Network for all Kansas family program leaders. Her passion is working with and supporting those affected by mental health conditions, especially those in the Military and Veteran communities.

Juliana Hicks, Manager, NEP, Ending the Silence and Family & Friends  Juliana Hicks is a dedicated professional serving as the manager for Ending the Silence and Family & Friends NAMI. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, Juliana has accumulated five years of valuable experience in the field of youth support and advocacy. Through the Ending the Silence and Family & Friends initiatives, she works diligently to foster understanding, provide education, and promote acceptance of mental health conditions. 

Becca Lane, Manager, NEP, Peer Education Programs  Becca Lane is the National Program Manager for Peer Education responsible for both NAMI In Our Own Voice and NAMI Peer-to-Peer programs. Before joining the NAMI National team, she spent 6 years at NAMI Philadelphia where she served as the Education Manager. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in growing NAMI programs from the ground up. She also has many years of experience in publicity and journalism on both a local and national level. As both a publicist and a journalist, one of the primary skills she has developed is how to shape a narrative to reach the largest possible audience. 

Deniece Chi turned to NAMI-NYC Metro for help in January 2002, two weeks after her daughter Lucy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression. A single immigrant mother at the time, Deniece decided to educate herself about her daughter’s conditions, particularly since she was finding that the existence of mental illness was not talked about in her Caribbean culture. Inspired by what she had learned, she soon went back to school to obtain her associate degree in early childhood education, while volunteering at NAMI. After demonstrating strong leadership skills and a passion for helping others, in 2008 Deniece became one of the first NAMI Basics teachers. Her commitment to the program led to her hire in January 2010 as NAMI-NYC Metro’s Program Coordinator. Deniece is also a certified Support Specialist as well as a State Trainer and National Trainer for NAMI Basics, NAMI Peer to Peer, and NAMI Support Groups. Deniece is also an In Our Own Voice, Ending the Silence, and Family and Friends Presenter as well as a Teacher for NAMI Basics, NAMI Family to Family, NAMI Peer to Peer, and NAMI Homefront Deniece served as the Program Director at NAMI-NYC Metro for eight years where she oversaw the Family Support Liaison Center, city wide contract (FSLC). She has taught over 5,000 classes and graduated over 12,000 parents and professionals. She also worked closely with the Manhattan VA in training and supporting Families of children and adolescent whose parents have been deployed. Deniece has been instrumental in NAMI-NYC Metro’s use of NAMI Basics to train workers in the child welfare and foster care system. She is also a parent advocate in the mental health systems. She was given the very first NAMI Basics Leadership Award in 2011. She is honored to assist family members find the support, respect and services that they deserve. In 2017, Deniece joined NAMI South Carolina Family as the Midlands Ending the Silence Coordinator in 2017, in 2021 Deniece was promoted to the Manager position overseeing the Midlands, and Pee Dee Region. Deniece is now serving as the Statewide Bilingual Program Director. Deniece was awarded the Joyce Burland Inspiration Award at NAMICon 2024 in Denver, CO.

Jo Burkholder is a family member with lived experience and has been a member of the NAMI PA Western Borderline Personality Family Group (Pittsburgh) since 2010. Shortly after joining that group, she was introduced to the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) and their free Family Connections (FC) 12 week class for families of loved ones with Borderline Traits. After her 35 years at PPG Industries as a chemist, technology and process manager, she retired and devotes all her skills to both of these beloved non-profits that literally changed her life and the life of their family. Jo volunteers at NAMI leading Family Support Group growth and became a State Family Support Trainer in 2022. At NEABPD, she continues leading Family Connections every year (15 classes to date including a mentorship program last Winter in 2024). She also volunteers to lead groups at NEABPD revising FC curriculum and helping with database conversions/improvements. She is forever grateful for the support, hope and encouragement of these two organizations on her journey and strives to give back a portion of the compassion, love and leadership to offer the same to others.

Rhonda Herman is a family member with lived experience and has been a member of NAMI Keystone PA Borderline Personality Family support Group since 2/2018. Shortly after joining that group she became aware of the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) and their free - 12 week class for families of loved ones with Borderline Traits. Learning DBT skills and being a member and co-leader of these groups has literally changed her life for the better. Rhonda volunteers as a co-leader for the NAMI Borderline Family Support Groups and a is co-leader with NEABPD Family Connections classes as well. She has co-led five Family Connections classes to date. She is forever grateful for the hope, support and encouragement of these two organizations on her journey and strives to give back a portion of the compassion, love and leadership to offer the same to others.

Marijayne is the mother of a family in which several family members experienced mental health and/or substance use disorder. While attending Alanon, NAMI and other support group meetings, she met many parents who, like herself, were seeking support to manage their concern for their family members. While attending these meetings, she found many families who shared similar experiences. These group was very informative and helpful and gave her a community to seek compassion and guidance. Over the past 15 years, Marijayne has continued attending these meetings, becoming a group leader and dedicating herself to giving back to other parents with children ns adult children who are suffering. Although her role, as well as the names and faces, may have changed many times over during her lengthy tenure, her love for what has become a continuously growing community remains a constant in her life. From the beginning of her family’s journey in 2007, Marijayne has been eager to learn more about how mental health challenges and substance use disorder impact family systems and the individual mental health of family members walking alongside them. To this end, Marijayne has sought out and participated in educational programs for family members available through numerous treatment centers, including but not limited to the Hazelden-Betty Ford and Caron Treatment Centers. Be A Part of The Conversation, and NAMI. As a single parent raising four children, she is deeply grateful for the support of these programs and communities. And so, she has decided to use this experience and knowledge to benefit families facing similar challenges. Accordingly, she has now earned several certifications in the Addiction and Mental Health field. She is a Certified Family Recovery Specialist, a Family Support Group Leader for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and a Family Connections and Managing Suicidality and Trauma Recovery Leader. She is also certified in Motivational Interviewing and CRAFT, a technique to support significant others in guiding loved ones towards seeking recovery as a Parent Coach for Partnership to End Addiction and she works for Pyramid Health Care facilitating support groups for parents of adolescents with mental health challenges. These groups offer family members the opportunity to learn from other families facing similar circumstances, receive support from those that may be able to relate, and gain tools for improving family lives while navigating the mental health system. Throughout her career as an attorney, Marijayne has always been motivated to help others. Her work in addiction and mental health is a natural extension of her desire to help improve the lives of suffering families. Using her lived experience, training, and love as a beacon to lighten the load and light the way, she hopes to ease the suffering as others as others once did for her and her family.

Elizabeth Stephens is the Program Director at NAMI WLA and has been with the affiliate since 2018. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she is dedicated to ensuring that appropriate mental health services are accessible to all. Drawing from her lived experience, Elizabeth deeply understands the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a community of hope for those affected by mental health conditions. As program leader for NAMI WLA’s educational initiatives, Elizabeth teaches peer classes and leads peer support groups designed to support adults with mental health conditions as they navigate barriers in both the mental health care system and society. As a teacher and facilitator, she aims to create a space where individuals can find support and resources for self-advocacy and empowerment. 

Elaina Wright, Manager, Training Delivery Elaina Wright (she/her) is the Training Delivery Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Training of Trainers. Elaina joined NAMI National in February of 2022. Before joining NAMI, she was the Administrative Program Coordinator overseeing the helpline, volunteers, programming, and all front desk administrative tasks at NAMI Montgomery County PA. Elaina is currently working towards her first bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida and is scheduled to graduate Fall of 2025 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with concentrations in sociology and criminology. She currently volunteers time with the Aid in Re-entry (AiR) program at USF where she works with incarcerated individuals to find the needed resources and supports for successful transition back into society.

Leticia Jacobowitz, Manager, Digital Learning Leticia Jacobowitz (she/her) is the Digital Learning manager at NAMI National, working on projects including Training of Trainers and Continuing Education initiatives. She has been with NAMI for three years and is also a NAMI Peer-to-Peer state trainer. Leticia has experience in public health administration, marketing, and communications. She considers it a distinct privilege to use her skills and experience as part of a passionate and dedicated Education team at NAMI National. Leticia holds a bachelor's in digital communications from the University of Baltimore.

My name is James Ramirez, and I currently reside in lovely Grants Pass, Oregon. I grew up in California. I have a bachelor's degree in business and an MBA, and I am working toward a doctorate in organizational leadership. I am a US Navy veteran, and now retired from the power generation industry. I have had four children: three daughters, one son, and now five grandchildren.  Over the past 20 years, I have worked closely with three family members with a brain disease.  When my son encountered his first episode and was diagnosed bipolar, I found all my training, current education, and business acumen could not help him resolve the issue.  I then took my first NAMI Family to Family class. Shortly later, I joined NAMI. Today, I am blessed to have been graciously certified as a NAMI Family-to-Family National trainer, a NAMI Family Support Group, Homefront, and Basics state trainer. NAMI has saved my relationship with my loved ones and my personal mental health. 

Susan Caban, Interim Chief Program Officer Susan Caban is the Interim Chief Program Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), overseeing NAMI’s Peer and Family-led National Signature Programs that reach tens of thousands of people in communities across the U.S. every year.  Ms. Caban is an experienced mental health trainer, educator, and leader with over 20+ years’ experience with NAMI on a regional, state and national level.  Ms. Caban is also passionate about empowering individuals to share their own mental health journey and break down the negative stereotypes that confine individuals living with a serious mental health diagnosis.  Ms. Caban is a certified program leader and trainer in several NAMI National Signature Programs and has also received certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aid instructor.  Ms. Caban holds a BS in Elementary Education from Carlow University. 

Sarah C. Hines, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 18 years in the digital development industry, leads the Information Systems team of NAMI. They are working to forge resilient, pragmatic, and human-centric engineering teams & processes to improve the experience of everyone who interacts with our technical systems. Previous to NAMI, Sarah cofounded and led shines & jecker labs, a successful tech agency who supported mid and large organizations in modernizing their legacy web applications. Operating comfortably in ambiguity and consistently pursuing incremental process improvements, they are a skilled communicator, collaborating effectively with partners and unifying teams. An experienced public speaker, they offer invaluable insights into the use of technology, organizational development, and team leadership.

Ann Canastra has served the Central New York Community for over 19 years as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and recently relocated to sunny Florida to serve as the Local Recovery Coordinator at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. In her role as LRC, Ann oversees directives related to ongoing recovery process and the greater idea that all people can heal and live their best lives.  Ann has served NAMI - the National Alliance for Mental Illness for over 20 years, both on the NAMI Syracuse Board of Directors, the NAMI NY State Board of Directors, and she is a national consultant and trainer for NAMI.  Ann serves for Regis College’s Masters in Counseling Program Advisory Board, the Board of the Miss Military Star National Pageant System, and the Board of the Northeast College of Health Sciences.  Ann is an Adjunct Faculty Member for SUNY Oswego.  Ann specializes in serving military and Veteran families during her clinical time at VA, and enjoys teaching family support and psychoeducational groups and delivering evidence-based care including Behavioral Family Therapy.  Ann received her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University, her first Master’s degree from Syracuse University’s Community Counseling Program, and her second Master’s degree from Syracuse University’s School of Social Work.  Ann is an Approved Clinical Supervisor and a Nationally Certified Counselor.  She owns two small businesses, one private therapy practice and one floral boutique that specializes in bridal flower preservation.  She is married and a mother of 3 children, two cats, and a golden retriever.

Dr. Maggie Bristol of Pennellville, New York is a military caregiver to her Army husband, Jeremy. One of her biggest challenges is trying to help her husband manage his mental health illnesses, as well as assist her children with understanding why, and when their father needs time to recharge. Maggie works as a literacy specialist and administrator for Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central Schools. She also proudly serves on the Board of Directors for both NAMI NYS and NAMI Syracuse, serves as the Veterans Chair, a state trainer for NAMI Homefront, teacher leader for Homefront and Family to Family classes, and speaks at events for NAMI throughout the year. She will be completing NAMI National Homefront training this November. For NAMI, as well as her role as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow for NYS, Maggie’s goal is to advocate and spread awareness for mental health issues and ending the stigma surrounding mental illness among our veterans and the community by being their voice

Nikki Rashes, Director, Training and Program Development Nikki Rashes is the Director of Training and Program Development at NAMI. She holds a BSW from Eastern Michigan University, which she has used to become a mental health advocate.  Nikki has dedicated herself, both as a volunteer and a NAMI employee, to raising awareness and helping individuals, families and communities affected by mental health conditions.  Along with being certified to lead most of NAMI’s Education Programs, she is also a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, WRAP Educator, and Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor.  

Mallory Kloucek, Manager, NEP Support Groups  Mallory Kloucek is the Manager, National Education Program (Support Groups). Before her work at NAMI, she spent 3 years as the Ending the Silence (ETS) Coordinator at NAMI South Dakota and prior to her time at NAMI South Dakota, worked for 5 years as the Development Manager at a local nonprofit organization. While completing her master’s degree in administration from the University of South Dakota she transitioned to the nonprofit sector where she worked briefly for the Ronald McDonald House of Charities South Dakota. Mallory gives back to her community by volunteering for the local chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America as a board member along with numerous local committees.  

Daryn Nelsen-Soza, Sr. Manager, NEP Daryn Nelsen-Soza, LICSW is the Senior Manager for NAMI Provider and SYSLE.  Daryn is a licensed clinical social worker in both Washington and Oregon with over 30 years of community service work including medical social work, managed care, and counseling as well as program and staff development and teaching experience. Daryn has a special interest in helping others find their voice and empowerment as they engage in the healing processes. Prior to working at NAMI National, Daryn served on both state and local affiliate boards. Daryn continues to work affiliate programs to assist with sustainable growth and leader development.  She is a state/national trainer for both NAMI Provider and NAMI Homefront programs.

Juan Bacigalupi, Coordinator, National Education Programs Juan Bacigalupi is the Coordinator for National Education Programs, organizing quarterly technical assistance calls for NAMI Signature Education Programs and supporting the Program Managers in their communication with the field. Juan joined NAMI National in May of 2023 after spending two years as a recovery support specialist with NAMI Metro Suburban in the suburbs of Chicago. He graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2009 with an environmental science degree and from Lewis and Clark Law School in 2014 with a J.D. He stays active in his community by serving as the President of his church council and by doing pro bono legal work with a local legal aid organization.

Jennifer Hughes, LCSW is the Chief of Staff at NAMI NJ. She is passionate about providing programs for all cultures and identities in mental health. Previously, Jennifer worked in a K-12 setting as a Clinician & Program Manager. During the peak of COVID & social isolation, she provided telehealth counseling in a private practice setting.

Viviana De Los Angeles is the Program Director at NAMI NJ. She advocates for eliminating stigma by sharing her mental health journey in English and Spanish. Previously, Viviana worked for the County Dept. of Public Health & Safety for 13 years. Viviana is a Master Trainer for the SMRC programs hosted by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

Subha Bolisetty is a parent advocate passionate about inclusion & eradicating stigma around disability and mental health. At NAMI NJ, she is the Program Manager and Statewide Coordinator for SAMHAJ (South Asian Mental Health Awareness Program in Jersey). She is a graduate of NJ’s Partners in Policymaking leadership development program from Rutgers.

Teri Brister, Ph.D., serves as Senior Advisor at NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She works collaboratively with NAMI’s Medical Office to ensure that all clinical content created and disseminated by NAMI attains the highest possible standards of accuracy, relevance, value supported by research. She serves as subject matter expert on NAMI National Signature Programs works with all members of the Executive Team as needed to establish and maintain collaborations that advance the resources and partnerships at NAMI. Dr. Brister is the author of NAMI Basics and co-author of the NAMI Homefront program. From July 2018 through June 2024, she served as the SMI Patient and Family Engagement Expert for the SAMHSA funded APA SMI Adviser project. Prior to joining NAMI in 2005, Dr. Brister worked for twenty years in the community mental health system in Mississippi, working in both clinical and administrative roles, including Assistant Executive Director in two different centers. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi.

Juliana Hicks, Manager, NEP, Ending the Silence and Family & Friends  Juliana Hicks is a dedicated professional serving as the manager for Ending the Silence and Family & Friends NAMI. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, Juliana has accumulated five years of valuable experience in the field of youth support and advocacy. Through the Ending the Silence and Family & Friends initiatives, she works diligently to foster understanding, provide education, and promote acceptance of mental health conditions. 

Anita Herron, Sr. Manager, NEP  Anita Herron serves as the Senior Manager of Family Education Programs for NAMI. She began working at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in August of 2017 as the Programs Manager for NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics and NAMI Homefront.  Prior to coming to NAMI, Anita served as Young Families Program Advocate at NAMI North Carolina for seven years.  Anita is a certified program leader for NAMI’s family education programs along with a state trainer and national trainer for NAMI Basics and NAMI Homefront. Anita currently lives in Severn, Maryland with her husband Shaun who retired from the Army after 28 years of service. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Troy University. 

Gabrielle Montgomery, Senior Coordinator, Family Education Programs Gabrielle Montgomery (she/her) is the Senior Coordinator for the NAMI National Family Education Programs. She joined NAMI National in September of 2022, and previously worked at NAMI Erie County PA for 1.5 years as their Community Outreach Coordinator. Gabi received her bachelor's degree in strategic communications at West Virginia University and has a background in digital marketing. As both a peer and family member, she is proud to be part of the Education team where she knows the programs she works with daily make a significant impact on people’s lives.

Becca Lane, Manager, NEP, Peer Education Programs  Becca Lane is the National Program Manager for Peer Education responsible for both NAMI In Our Own Voice and NAMI Peer-to-Peer programs. Before joining the NAMI National team, she spent 6 years at NAMI Philadelphia where she served as the Education Manager. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in growing NAMI programs from the ground up. She also has many years of experience in publicity and journalism on both a local and national level. As both a publicist and a journalist, one of the primary skills she has developed is how to shape a narrative to reach the largest possible audience. 

Daryn Nelsen-Soza, Sr. Manager, NEP Daryn Nelsen-Soza, LICSW is the Senior Manager for NAMI Provider and SYSLE.  Daryn is a licensed clinical social worker in both Washington and Oregon with over 30 years of community service work including medical social work, managed care, and counseling as well as program and staff development and teaching experience. Daryn has a special interest in helping others find their voice and empowerment as they engage in the healing processes. Prior to working at NAMI National, Daryn served on both state and local affiliate boards. Daryn continues to work affiliate programs to assist with sustainable growth and leader development.  She is a state/national trainer for both NAMI Provider and NAMI Homefront programs.

Dawn Grittmann, Sr. Manager, National Education Programs Dawn Grittmann is a licensed Doctor of Pharmacy with over 18 years of hospital, quality, managed care, and teaching experience. Dawn is also a Certified Professional in Health Care Quality. Prior to working at NAMI National, Dawn served as both a member and President of the NAMI Iowa Board of Directors. In addition, she has been a Family to Family, Provider, and Hearts+Minds teacher. Dawn is a suicide loss survivor, losing two cousins and her father to suicide. Dawn joined NAMI around a decade ago to work to prevent other individuals and families from experiencing the trauma and losses that her family has realized. Outside of NAMI, Dawn is involved in her church and several community groups. Dawn has also recently authored her first book entitled The Great Physician. Dawn is married with one son and lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Susan Caban, Interim Chief Program Officer Susan Caban is the Interim Chief Program Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), overseeing NAMI’s Peer and Family-led National Signature Programs that reach tens of thousands of people in communities across the U.S. every year.  Ms. Caban is an experienced mental health trainer, educator, and leader with over 20+ years’ experience with NAMI on a regional, state and national level.  Ms. Caban is also passionate about empowering individuals to share their own mental health journey and break down the negative stereotypes that confine individuals living with a serious mental health diagnosis.  Ms. Caban is a certified program leader and trainer in several NAMI National Signature Programs and has also received certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aid instructor.  Ms. Caban holds a BS in Elementary Education from Carlow University. 

Nikki Rashes, Director, Training and Program Development Nikki Rashes is the Director of Training and Program Development at NAMI. She holds a BSW from Eastern Michigan University, which she has used to become a mental health advocate.  Nikki has dedicated herself, both as a volunteer and a NAMI employee, to raising awareness and helping individuals, families and communities affected by mental health conditions.  Along with being certified to lead most of NAMI’s Education Programs, she is also a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, WRAP Educator, and Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor.  

Leticia Jacobowitz, Manager, Digital Learning Leticia Jacobowitz (she/her) is the Digital Learning manager at NAMI National, working on projects including Training of Trainers and Continuing Education initiatives. She has been with NAMI for three years and is also a NAMI Peer-to-Peer state trainer. Leticia has experience in public health administration, marketing, and communications. She considers it a distinct privilege to use her skills and experience as part of a passionate and dedicated Education team at NAMI National. Leticia holds a bachelor's in digital communications from the University of Baltimore.

Elaina Wright, Manager, Training Delivery Elaina Wright (she/her) is the Training Delivery Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Training of Trainers. Elaina joined NAMI National in February of 2022. Before joining NAMI, she was the Administrative Program Coordinator overseeing the helpline, volunteers, programming, and all front desk administrative tasks at NAMI Montgomery County PA. Elaina is currently working towards her first bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida and is scheduled to graduate Fall of 2025 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with concentrations in sociology and criminology. She currently volunteers time with the Aid in Re-entry (AiR) program at USF where she works with incarcerated individuals to find the needed resources and supports for successful transition back into society.

Mallory Kloucek, Manager, NEP Support Groups  Mallory Kloucek is the Manager, National Education Program (Support Groups). Before her work at NAMI, she spent 3 years as the Ending the Silence (ETS) Coordinator at NAMI South Dakota and prior to her time at NAMI South Dakota, worked for 5 years as the Development Manager at a local nonprofit organization. While completing her master’s degree in administration from the University of South Dakota she transitioned to the nonprofit sector where she worked briefly for the Ronald McDonald House of Charities South Dakota. Mallory gives back to her community by volunteering for the local chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America as a board member along with numerous local committees.  

Jessica Howell, Manager, NEP Outreach Jessica Howell (she/her) is the Manager of National Education Programs Outreach for NAMI National. She received her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from George Washington University before joining the Education Team at NAMI National. As a true believer in the phrase, “knowledge is power,” she is excited to be a part of a team that works to provide accessible education, resources, and support to empower all people affected by mental health to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Valerie Giusti Saba is a Certified Health Education Specialist since 2019 and Health Education and Promotion advocate since 1995 with 29 years of various experiences in healthcare and education settings. She holds a MS in Health Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University. Instructing at Southeastern Louisiana University for two years in the Kinesiology and Health Studies Department and at Delgado Community College for eight years in the Allied Health Department. Also, Health coaching with Motivational interviewing and experience advocating for a greater quality of life. She has been a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor for the Adult, Youth, and Teen curriculum, community advocate and educator, as well as a training coordinator since 2021 at NAMI Southeast Louisiana.

Mia Scocozzo is the Youth Programs Director at NAMI Bucks County PA. She attended Cabrini University where she studied Finance and International Business. While working in Finance, she realized she wanted to do something more for the community. She completed a year of service with AmeriCorps stationed at her alma mater where she ran a program that provided both service and mentorship opportunities for the students. While completing her year of service, she was also pursuing her master’s in Education. After her year of service, she worked as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia. Throughout her time teaching, it was important for her to develop relationships with her students to create a safe space for them. She learned the importance of social emotional learning through their summer school program, and she was able to incorporate these ideas into her classroom. During her three years at NAMI Bucks County, Mia has presented nearly 500 presentations in the county talking about mental health. In the last year, Mia has created, developed, and presented Small Talk, an engaging program where students in grades K-5 discuss mental health, learn how to name their feelings, differentiate between emotions, and practice healthy coping skills.

Juliana Hicks, Manager, NEP, Ending the Silence and Family & Friends  Juliana Hicks is a dedicated professional serving as the manager for Ending the Silence and Family & Friends NAMI. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, Juliana has accumulated five years of valuable experience in the field of youth support and advocacy. Through the Ending the Silence and Family & Friends initiatives, she works diligently to foster understanding, provide education, and promote acceptance of mental health conditions.