Candidate Profiles

The following candidates need to be confirmed for their three (3) year term, which will run from 2021-2024:

The following candidates need to be elected for their three (3) year term, which will run from 2022-2025:

The following candidates need to be re-elected  for their three (3) year term, which will run from 2023-2026:

The following candidates are our newest class of prospective Board Members. They need to be elected  for their three (3) year term, which will run from 2023-2026:

KenNeth Herrmann, MD

Principle and Chief Financial Officer - Psychiatric Services

I am here because… Besides the mission statement being honorable, I am concerned that when people with mental illness are incarcerated they don't always get their prescribed medicine or compassionate mental health treatment. Also, as the State Domestic Abuse arrest requirement is starting to be enforced by local law enforcement, people with mental illness who don't require hospitalization are at risk for criminal charges. Awareness needs to occur and a solution needs to be found.

Nadine Nehls

Retired School of Nursing Professor and Associate Dean - University of Wisconsin-Madison

I am here because… I want to stay engaged in improving the lives of people with mental illness and their families.

Whitney Cook

Group Auditor - Buttonwood Partners, Inc.

I am here because… I joined NAMI in 2010 and found my forever home among peers who helped me process my father's suicide and who support me through my own mental illness. I joined the NAMI Dane County Board to give back and help guide the organization to even greater heights of inclusion and first-rate services so others can find the same help and community I relied on all those years ago.

Bailey Dvorak

Advanced Program and Policy Analyst - State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Service

I am here because… As a policy analyst for the Wisconsin Medicaid program, I have become an expert in the practice of mental health parity. I want to contribute my knowledge and expertise to further NAMI Dane County’s mission.

Benita Walker

Retired Social Worker

I am here because… I’ve been involved with NAMI on and off for 30 years. I was inspired to join the Board after attending the virtual NAMI National Convention in the Summer of 2022.

Coty Roberts

Social Worker

I am here because… I am a Social Worker with firsthand experience with mental illness. Through working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, I learned the importance of fundraising and engagement with donors and to communicate how their support will be put to use to help others. I served as the Vice President of the Madison chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers from 2017-2019.

Brian Russell

Senior Advance Business Process Manager, Operational Governance, State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB)

I am here because… This is a way to give back to an organization working towards a cause that resonates with me. Additionally, I am optimistic that my financial acumen and governance skills will help enhance the board overall.

Caitlyn Liu

Manager of Business Intelligence & Analytics, Optum

I am here because… Growing up in a low-income, immigrant family, I benefited greatly from the services provided by nonprofits, local groups, and government programs. As an adult, I want to give back to my community. In searching for an organization with an amazing mission where my time and efforts will make the most meaningful impact, I found NAMI Dane County.

S.tariq Saqqaf

Neighborhood Resource Team and Equity Coordinator, City of Madison Department of Civil Rights

I am here because… Mental health care can be a nightmare for those living with mental illness

Nikyra McCann

Mental Health Activist/Founder, Still Standing Enterprise

I am here because… I am a person with lived experience of mental health. I have a story of overcoming and like to implement ways for others to overcome also. Mental health is not only my personal story but my passion.

Paco Bonnin

Madison Fire Department C.A.R.E.S. - Paramedic

I am here because… As a mobile crisis paramedic, I’m fortunate to have a real time perspective on the varying dynamics occurring in the community and can contribute that information to better serve our people.

Nakia Wiley

Professional Learning Coordinator, Special Education Administrative Team - Madison Metropolitan School District

I am here because… I have advanced interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that support children and families who have been historically marginalized. I was a regular and special educator for over twenty years. I currently lead equitable practices in student services for Madison Metropolitan School District. I believe in using my time and talent to uplift communities and bring people together.