Helpline: 1-800-686-2646 or text NAMI to 741741 namiohio@namiohio.org 1225 Dublin Road, Suite 210, Columbus OH 43215

Everything you ever wanted to know about NAMI Ohio.

Learn more about our mission, our history, our team, and our staff.

Our mission

To improve the quality of life and ensure dignity and respect for persons with serious mental illness, and offer support to their families and loved ones.

Our history

NAMI Ohio (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio) was created in 1982 by a small, dedicated group of family members to provide mutual support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by serious brain disorders. Over the years, our membership has expanded to include family members, mental health consumers and providers, community mental health boards, mental health organizations and other supporters.

As a grassroots organization advocating for mental health issues, NAMI Ohio has an outstanding history of affecting public policy and legislation regarding care and resources for persons with serious mental illness. NAMI Ohio members testify before the General Assembly, educate business and education leaders, and sit on state planning and advisory committees, Community Mental Health Boards, and various task forces. NAMI Ohio’s network of 39 local affiliates, serving most of Ohio’s counties, plays an active role providing support, education, and advocacy on a local level.

Our team

NAMI Ohio Board of Directors Officers

Lovell Custard

President (Cleveland)

Jessica Hartman

Secretary (Bowling Green)

Jack Sherman

1st Vice President (Euclid)

Tom Standish

Treasurer (Grove City)

Donna Heck

2nd Vice President (Mansfield)

Judge Joyce Campbell

Immediate Past President (Fairfield)

NAMI Ohio Board of Directors

Anne Walker

Southeast Region

Janet Polzer

Southeast Region

Andrea Frohne

Southeast Region

Peggy Lomax

Northwest Region

Eric McKee

Northwest Region

Jamison Martinez

Northwest Region

Nichole Macknight

Northwest Region

Karen Cousins

Central Region

Etta Almon

Central Region

Jenny Schoning

Central Region

Marcia Knapp

Central Region

Valerie Walker

Southwest Region

Gloria Walker

Southwest Region

Tim Meyers

Southwest Region

Linda Stagles

Southwest Region

Catherine Morris

Southwest Region

Bob Spada

Northeast Region

Lori D'Angelo

Northeast Region

Doug Smith, M.D.

Northeast Region

Mackenzie Varkula, MD

Northeast Region

Quentin Monden

Peer Council Representative

NAMI Ohio Staff

Luke Russell

Executive Director

Stacey Smith

Director of Operations

Katie Dillon-Luli

Director of Communications

Emy-Lynn Marhulik

Director of Affiliates & Programs

Mindy Garverick

Director of Children's Division

mindy@namiohio.org

Danielle Smart

Client Navigator

Tamisha McKenzie

PAC Program Coordinator

Terry Russell

Senior Advisor

Tameika Wright

Family Peer Support Training Coordinator

Raven Oglesby

Director of Housing

Mary Barczk

OACFA Admin

Angela Lariviere

YouthMOVE Ohio

Zach Johns

OACFA Coordinator