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
Mindy Garverick
Director of Children's Division
mindy@namiohio.org