Our Team

The NAMI Chicago team

Our team includes clinicians, advocates, and people with lived experience, all working to support individuals and families and improve mental health across Chicago and Cook County.

On this page:

NAMI Chicago leadership team

Lacetti Fields, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Director of People Experience

Teri McKean, LCSW

Director of Crisis and Support Operations

Elena Ivanova

Director of Communications and Marketing

NAMI Chicago Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides governance and strategic oversight. Board members bring diverse expertise across sectors, and work to ensure the organization remains accountable to its mission, financially sound, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.

Teresa Garate – Chair

Aurelia Daniels – Vice Chair

Dean Stork – Treasurer

Laura Hearn – Secretary

Matt Davison, CEO

Peter Daniels

Eddy Eisenberg

David Freed

Marilyn Griffin

Chris Lozier

Michael Lufrano

Nikki Lynette

Bashir Qaasim

Jess Rappé

Renée Reid

Catherine Starks

Dr. Shastri Swaminathan

Shawna Teodori

NAMI Chicago Associate Board

The NAMI Chicago Associate Board is a group of young professionals who support our mission through community engagement, events, and advocacy. By connecting with diverse communities across Chicago, the Associate Board helps expand awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen support for mental health.

Caitlin Tirakian (Co-chair)

Annika Severson (Co-chair)

Cari Onwualu

Janelle Gibney

Shannon Laws

Tuhina Bhatt

Niko Sward

Patrick Hodan

Becca Hansen

Taylor Coward

Kristopher Butler

Justin Paykin

Nicole Yainne

Whitney OBrien

Carley Mikkelson

Colin Segner

Lexi Chodash

Vaishnav Vijayakumar

Isabelle Brookover

Logan Campbell

Cecilia Walsh

Tatiana Villarreal

Sarah Brett

Noelle Rotte

Jimmy Castelluccio

Myron Nelson

Frequently asked questions

How can I join the NAMI Chicago team?

Visit our Careers page to explore current opportunities and open roles.

Board of Directors

What is the role of the Board of Directors?

NAMI Chicago’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure the organization remains aligned with our mission and responsive to the communities we serve. The Board helps guide organizational priorities, supports long-term sustainability, and ensures accountability across programs, operations, and advocacy efforts. A core strength of NAMI Chicago’s governance model is its commitment to lived experience, with board members and senior staff bringing personal experience with mental health conditions or supporting a loved one through their mental health journey. These perspectives inform strategic planning and shape the organization’s wellness, prevention, recovery, and advocacy initiatives.

How is the Board structured?

The Board meets in person on a quarterly basis and operates through a committee structure that supports effective governance and organizational oversight. Each board member is required to serve on at least one committee, with committees generally consisting of 4–7 members and supported by staff liaisons. Committees typically meet bimonthly for 1–1.5 hours, with additional time commitments for projects or events.

What are the Board's standing committees?

Executive Committee: Comprised of the CEO and committee chairs, providing strategic leadership and addressing urgent organizational matters.

Nominating/Governance Committee: Oversees board recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and governance policies.

Finance Committee: Provides financial oversight, including budget review, investment monitoring, and financial planning.

Program and Policy Committee: Oversees program quality, strategic alignment, and public policy initiatives.

The Board also reflects diverse lived and professional experiences, with 56% of members identifying as women and 50% identifying as people of color, helping ensure culturally informed and community-responsive leadership as of March 2026.

What are the Board’s responsibilities?

The Board of Directors is responsible for organizational governance, strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and supporting NAMI Chicago’s long-term sustainability. Responsibilities include approving organizational strategy and policies, monitoring financial health and investments, supporting fundraising and donor engagement, overseeing program effectiveness, and advancing advocacy priorities aligned with the organization’s mission.

How are Board members selected?

Prospective board members are identified and screened by the Nominating/Governance Committee. Candidates are evaluated based on their alignment with NAMI Chicago’s mission, lived experience, professional expertise, leadership capacity, and commitment to advancing mental health equity. Following the initial screening process, members of the Executive Leadership Team meet with prospective candidates before they are formally presented to the full Board for a vote at the next board meeting. NAMI Chicago also prioritizes recruiting members with diverse personal and professional backgrounds to ensure the Board reflects the communities the organization serves.

Associate Board

What is the role of the Associate Board?

The Associate Board supports NAMI Chicago through community engagement, events, and advocacy, helping expand awareness and strengthen connections across Chicago.

Who is eligible to apply?

Associate Board members are typically between the ages of 22 and 39 and have a strong interest in mental health and community impact. We look for individuals who are committed to reducing stigma, understand the importance of mental health as a public health issue, and are willing to dedicate time and energy to this work.

How can I join the Associate Board?

If you are interested in getting involved, we encourage you to check back when applications reopen.

When is the application open?

Applications are currently closed. Please check back in late 2026 for future opportunities.

What is expected of Associate Board members?

Associate Board members are expected to:

Attend at least five meetings per year

Fundraise a give-get of $750/annually

Engage in social and community activities, including NAMIWalks and our annual gala, Light the Darkness

Host fundraising events and support associate board member recruitment

Amplify NAMI Chicago’s mission and development strategy

Our approach

We meet people where they are and combine direct support, community-based services, and advocacy to help them get the right care and support.

Our impact

Each year, we support more than 40,000 people and continue to expand access to mental health services across Chicago and Cook County.

News and media

Our team contributes to public conversations on mental health through research, policy updates, and media engagement.

The NAMI Chicago team

NAMI Chicago leadership team

Matt Davison

Jasmine Watkins, LCPC

Alison Bouchard

Lacetti Fields, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Jim Poole, LSW

Ben Frank, MSW

Kathy Ziecik, LCPC

Teri McKean, LCSW

London Woolman

Elena Ivanova

Matt Boston

Kelly Sappington, LCSW

Lauren Smith, PhD

Kathy Pilcher