NAMI Central Virginia is a local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a grassroots organization.
In 1980, the late Bertha Emroch and the late Ceal Bloch founded the Richmond Area Schizophrenia Foundation. The organization was later renamed the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Central Virginia, to be an affiliate of both the Virginia Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI-VA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In 1998, all Alliance affiliates were renamed to reflect the name recognition of the national presence of this grassroots organization.
Our Purposes:
Family Support
To provide emotional support, fellowship, and information for parents, relatives, and friends of those with mental illness, as well as for consumers themselves.
Advocacy
To support the rights of persons with mental illness. To work for a comprehensive, nondiscriminatory system of care for those with mental illness.
Public Education
To reduce stigma by providing education about mental illness to the public. To provide mental health education to peers, family members, and caregivers.
Housing
To promote the establishment of non-profit, structured, and therapeutic residential facilities for persons with mental illness.
Research
To support research and study relating to the treatment and care of children, adolescents, and adults with chronic mental illness. To inform the membership about new medications.
Board of Directors
Board Meetings
Board meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month from September to June at 6:00 PM.
All board meetings are open to the public.
Location
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
6004 Three Chopt Road Richmond, VA
Board of Directors 2018-2019
President – Sherwood Atkins |
1st Vice President – Tessa Shuk |
2nd Vice President – Michael Joynes |
|---|---|---|
Treasurer – Arnold Woodruff |
Secretary – Linda McLeod |
 Gloria Green |
Pamela Wooldridge |
Angela Harris |
Mike Parker |
Patrice Beard |
Colin Connelly |
Kelly Humes |
|
Lynn DiChristina |
Margaret O’ Connor |
Chairs
Administrative: Sherwood Atkins
Advocacy: Tessa Shuk
Peers/Community Support: Colin Connelly
Education: Lynn DiChristina
Faith: Colin Connelly
Fundraising: Mike Parker
Handbook: Kathy Harkey
Hospitality: Gloria Green
Membership: Mike Joynes
Telephone WarmLine: Betty Miller
NAMI CVA Staff
Kathy Harkey – Executive Director
Kathy Harkey is the Executive Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Central Virginia (NAMI Central Virginia). NAMI Central Virginia is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness.
In an executive capacity, Kathy manages the day-to-day operations of NAMI Central Virginia, serves as community speaker and media liaison for the organization, and advocates at the Virginia General Assembly and in Washington D.C. Kathy is an industry expert with more than 10 years’ experience in the non-profit sector. Her opinion and judgment is respected and sought after by community leaders and media outlets. Kathy’s family was personally affected by mental illness leading her to serve as a champion for Mental Health policy and Suicide Prevention measures. Kathy is an experienced Family Mental Health trainer, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainer, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) trainer, and Mental Health First Aid Youth trainer.
Previously, Kathy was a business owner, served as President of NAMI Central Virginia, Board director for NAMI Virginia, and President of Hanover Community Support Services. Kathy holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Multidisciplinary Studies with education and business management cognates. Mrs. Harkey received her certificate in non-profit management from Duke University and she completed an internship in biogenetic research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Mrs. Harkey is the recipient of numerous awards including the CIT International advocate award.
Jeff Conley – Program Coordinator
Mr. Conley attended Christopher Newport University and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. Jeff joined NAMI-CVA in 2013 after learning that some of his friends and acquaintances were personally affected by mental illness; some dying by suicide. Since joining NAMI-CVA, Jeff has completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), NAMI Smarts Advocacy training, Youth Mental Health First Aid Mentor Training, and the Duke University non-profit management Certificate offered thru the Cameron Foundation. Jeff has provided mental health and suicide intervention presentations at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Occupational Therapy, Elephant Insurance, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Managers Association, the Health Planning Region IV Peer Recovery Conference, and many other venues. Today, Jeff coordinates consumer and family members programs and represents NAMI-CVA at stakeholder meetings, local health fairs, and regional health summits.
Outreach Coordinator – Lindsey Bat
Lindsey joined NAMI Central Virginia in September 2017 as Community Outreach Coordinator. She recently moved to Richmond from Gainesville, Florida in hopes of working for a nonprofit organization and in pursuit of cooler weather. Lindsey graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and coursework in Multicultural Studies. Her passion for community outreach and mental health awareness stems from lived experience, as well as her time spent as an intern at the Gainesville Child Advocacy Center. Lindsey is devoted to advocating for those affected by mental illness in Central Virginia, particularly the Tri-Cities region.
Life Members
Elizabeth Brockman
Helen Foster, M.D.
Hugh McGuire
Doris Roberts
Raymond Roberts
Past Presidents
Bertha Emroch
Joseph Mason
David McKinney
Camilla Miller
Mary Louise Trusdell
Suzanne Wiltshire
Robert Trusdell
Doris Roberts
Robin Wintzer
Don Ford
Deborah Michael
John Baumann
Kathy Harkey
Joy Rowsey
Mike Francisco
Rick Stuller
Vince Cammarata
Reports
- Form 990
- Form 102
- Articles of Incorporation
- Budget
- Annual Report