Our People

Becca joined NAMI CDA because mental illness has greatly impacted her family. Growing up with a twin brother who struggled with undiagnosed mental health challenges, she saw firsthand how the lack of understanding and resources can lead to self-medicating and addiction.

By being part of NAMI CDA, Becca hopes to honor his struggles by highlighting the importance of early support, awareness, and compassion, and by helping reduce stigma and ensure that others have access to support and resources.

When her own family experienced a mental health crisis, Sherri sought additional resources and assistance and learned about NAMI CDA.  Sherri subsequently reached out to NAMI CDA and accessed valuable resources and support, which inspired her to become a board member in 2021.

Sherri is an Independent Living Advocate at Disability Action Center NW. She is a NAMI-trained Family Support Group facilitator and Peer Connections group facilitator.  Sherri has three sons and four grandchildren.

Kate joined the Board in 2021 because mental illness has deeply affected her family.  During her 13 years as a Girl Scout leader, Kate saw many of her teenage troop members struggle with depression and anxiety, and she wanted to learn more about helping young people find mental health resources.

Kate is a NAMI-trained Family Support Group facilitator and is also a member of the NAMI Idaho state board.  Kate is a happily retired attorney, wife, and mom to two young adult children.

Joy got involved with NAMI CDA in 2010 to help understand her and her family members’ mental health issues. Joy is a NAMI-trained In Our Own Voice presenter, a Family-to-Family workshop facilitator, and a Family Support Group facilitator.

Joy joined the Board in 2014 and served for one year on the NAMI Idaho State Board. Joy is a retired recovery coach and is a Certified Peer Support Specialist. Joy is also a wife, mom and grandma.

Jennifer joined the board in 2023 to learn and inform others about mental health resources. Jennifer is the St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho Access Point Case Manager, where she has worked with people with mental health issues for several years.

Jennifer has her own mental health diagnoses and turned to drugs at a very young age to self-medicate. Jen is now 5 years sober. She is an Alaska Native and a member of the Tlingit Brown Bear Clan of the Cape Fox Tribe. She has two children.

Annie joined the board in 2023, bringing her own lived experience with co-occurring disorders and complex PTSD. As a social worker and Social Services Manager at St. Vincent de Paul, she oversees housing programs for chronically homeless families and for individuals managing ongoing mental health conditions.

Annie is a NAMI-trained Peer Connections group facilitator and is pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Boise State University. Annie is the proud mother of three grown children.

Melissa joined the board in 2024 to foster greater awareness, reduce stigma, and promote education around mental health. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals with mental health challenges and is passionate about suicide prevention.

Melissa holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and has a private psychotherapy practice with a specialization in trauma-related disorders.  She is expanding her expertise in psychological and neuropsychological assessments. Melissa is married with four kids.

In 2023 Jill became NAMI CDA’s first Executive Director, shortly after retiring from Panhandle Health District as a Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator. She is a certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention trainer, a certified grief facilitator, and for 9 years was a co-leader for the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho (SPAN). Jill also served for three years on the NAMI Idaho Board.

Jill lives with her husband and three dogs and is a mom and grandma.

Anastazia was drawn to NAMI for its in person support group meetings many years ago.  She has previously served on the NAMI CDA Board and volunteers several times per week in the NAMI office.

Anastazia is a Certified Peer Support Specialist. Pursuing her interest in mental health wellness, she went through training to be able to co-facilitate NAMI Peer Connection support group meetings, which are held in a hybrid format, both in person and online.