About Us

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of McHenry County (NAMI MCH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those whose lives are affected by mental illness.

NAMI MCH offers an array of services, at NO Cost, including one-on-one peer support, support groups, educational classes, workshops, trainings, community presentations, wellness programs and advocacy. These services draw on the lived experience of individuals who have experienced mental illness in their lives.

What We do

NAMI MCH provides free mental health services. All Support, Education, and Advocacy services are provided by trained individuals from all walks of life. Everyone at NAMI MCH has direct lived experience with mental illness.

Who We Are

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. NAMI relies on gifts and contributions to support our important work.

All of our facilitators are peers for the services they lead. This means they have lived experience in the area they are facilitating. They understand what is being discussed in the groups they facilitate and/or the classes they teach. As part of our resources, we offer several programs, newsletters, community information and local and national website links. NAMI McHenry County offers most of the NAMI Signature Programs as well as supporting other programs to help educate the public and reduce stigma about mental health issues.

Our Mission

To give our community a safe place to find hope and support on the journey to improve mental health.

Our Vision

A community where mental health support is accessible, inclusive, and prioritized without stigma.

Our Values

Advocacy, Awareness, Education, Hope, Inclusion, and Support

 

Board of Directors

  • Heidi Jenkins

    CO-PRESIDENT
    Superintendent of Recreation
    NISRA

  • Phyllis Seyler

    CO-PRESIDENT
    Kids Pastor
    Willow Creek

  • Kristin Schmidt

    VICE PRESIDENT
    Director of Social and Emotional Learning
    Crystal Lake District 47

  • Michael Smith

    TREASURER
    Managing Partner
    Insight Financial Partners, LLC

  • Grace Sterchi, MSW, LCSW

    SECRETARY
    Licensed Social Worker
    Pediatric Post Therapies

  • Pastor Zachary Baer

    Pastor
    Living Waters Lutheran Church

  • Scott Hennings

    Asst. Director of Transportation
    McHenry County Division of Transportation

  • Jake Homuth

    Executive Director of Workforce Development
    McHenry County College

  • Yvonne Kasper

    Chief Financial Officer
    Duraflex, Inc.

  • Dr. Melissa Katz, PsyD

    Clinical Navigator
    Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health

  • Suzanne Martinez

    Congregational Outreach Coordinator
    Advocate Health

  • Laura Piekos

    President
    LeadingIT

  • Kelly Scimeca, MA, LCPC

    Director, Office of Special Projects
    McHenry County 22nd Judicial Circuit

Staff

QPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Ending the Silence Instructors

  • Laura Crain

    QPR, ETS, and Youth MHFA Instructor

  • Gerald Schalk

    QPR Instructor- Fox River Grove Fire Protection District

  • Suzanne Martinez

    Suzanne Martinez

    QPR Instructor- Advocate Good Shepherd

  • Holly Puchner MA, LCPC

    QPR Instructor- McHenry County College

  • Nicole O'Dea, LCSW

    QPR Instructor

  • McKayla Babcock, MSW; PEL: SSW

    QPR, ETS and NAMI Homefront Instructor- Alden-Heron Middle/High School

  • Tami Broskow, LCSW; PEL:SSW

    QPR Instructor- Huntley High School

  • Sgt. Tiffany Decker

    QPR Instructor- Lake in the Hills Police Department

  • Elena Galarza

    QPR Instructor- Community Health Partnership Clinic

  • Edith Sanchez, BSW

    QPR and ETS Instructor

  • Cathy Saso

    QPR Instructor

  • Grace Sterchi, MSW

    QPR Instructor

  • Don Talend

    QPR Instructor

  • Dr. Melissa Katz

    QPR Instructor

  • Mike Bushman

    Youth, Adult, and Teen MHFA Instructor

  • Lou Ness

    Adult and Youth MHFA Instructor

  • Tara Guy

    Youth & Adult MFA Instructor- Veterans Assistance Commission

  • Clarissa Bartlett

    QPR and ETS Instructor

  • Jimena Nunez

    ETS Instructor and Speaker- Aurora University Student

  • Brian McCullum, LCPC

    QPR Instructor

  • Mike Iwanicki

    Adult MHFA Instructor- Veterans Assistance Commission

  • Pam Althoff

    Adult MHFA Instructor- McHenry County Board

  • Maureen Heun

    Adult MHFA Instructor

  • Faith Gancayco

    QPR Instructor

  • Nicole Allard

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Patsy Perez

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Madison Shedbalkar

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Madison Morse

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Katie Barlett

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Adina Walters

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Evelyn Mahler

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

  • Abi Gomez

    ETS Instructor and Speaker

Have more questions?

For service-related questions please email help@namimch.org

For educational and community outreach questions please email education@namimch.org

For all general questions please email admin@namimchorg

Funders

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation

Large Donors and Sponsors

 
 

John and Jenny Streit