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

Judge Joyce Campbell

President

Janet Polzer

Secretary

Lovell Custard

First Vice President

Tom Standish

Treasurer

Catherine Morris

Second Vice President

NAMI Ohio Board of Directors

At large

Donna Heck

Central / Southeast Region

Anne Walker

Etta Almon

Karen Cousins

Marcia Knapp

Andrea Frohne

Jenny Schoning

Northeast Region

Bob Spada

Jack Sherman

Lori D'Angelo

Doug Smith, M.D.

Mackenzie Varkula, MD

Northwest Region

Peggy Lomax

Eric McKee

Jessica Schmitt

Southwest Region

Heather Smith

Gloria Walker

Linda Stagles

Valerie Walker

PEER COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

Quentin Monden

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

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

Angela Lariviere

YouthMOVE Ohio

Zach Johns

OACFA Coordinator

Mary Barczk

OACFA Admin