NAMI Brown County’s volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of a group of people who meet monthly giving of their time and talent. Each May, Directors are elected by NAMI members to provide strategic guidance in the fulfillment of NAMI’s three-point mission of advocacy, education and support.
Together and with input from members and volunteers, the Directors make policy to govern NAMI Brown County, set the budget, priorities and develop strategic plans to guide organizational development.
If you’re interested in participating on our Board or joining one of our many committees, we want to hear from you!
NAMI Brown County Board of Directors, GALA 2018
NAMI Brown County Board of Directors 2021
Tracy Schiesser
President
May 2018 – Current
2015 – 2018 – Board Member
Pronouns: She/her/hers
2015 – 2018 – Board Member
Pronouns: She/her/hers
- I am a social worker and work for Family Services, NEW. I am a program manager of a CBRF that serves adults experiencing chronic mental illness challenges.
- I began working with NAMI years ago and I am now the vice president. I enjoy meeting and working with so many wonderful people. I especially appreciate the enjoyment the CBRF residence get attending the picnic, walk, and the peer support groups.
- I’m also in school obtaining my master’s degree! I have always had the desire and drive to help others.
- I’m married and have two beautiful grandchildren. I love spending time with my family and friends.
Amy Helein
Vice President
May 2018 – Current
2013 – 2017 Joined the board and served as Vice President
Pronouns: She/her/hers
2013 – 2017 Joined the board and served as Vice President
Pronouns: She/her/hers
- It is my goal that no one feels alone on this difficult journey which many of us or a loved one has experienced.
- My adventure began when I started volunteering at NAMI Brown County as a way to help with the Crisis Intervention Team training in 2012. I began serving as the NAMI Brown County Board Vice President in approximately 2013. As a counselor in our community, I work with individuals and families striving to improve their mental wellness
Daniela Santiago Escamilla
Treasurer
- I am a victim advocate with the Sexual Assault Center of Family Services, NEW. I advocate for clients of all ages, providing medical advocacy, legal advocacy, childhood sexual abuse prevention, and emotional support. I work with a diverse population of clients that often have or develop a mental health diagnosis after the trauma endured.
- I recently obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Lakeland University and plan to continue to develop my skills and practice as a therapist.
- I have had many roles and hats to wear in my short life span serving as a teacher, nurse, business owner, and coach; giving back to my local community. The various experiences have led to my passion to advocate and create awareness for mental health. I am excited to have joined NAMI and help make a difference for mental health/illness!
Executive Committee
Mary Mason
1999 – Current
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Pronouns: She/her/hers
- I’m passionate about breaking stigma surrounding mental health! I taught Family to Family Classes for over 5 years.
- I’m a nurse and have been a liaison at Bellin Behavioral Health while serving on the NAMI board.
- I’ve enjoyed being a fundraiser for NAMI by partnering with other groups sponsoring softball tournaments and other community events. In addition, I’ve been a speaker at many community events including CIT classes.
Barb Gerarden
Co-Vice President
2006 – Current
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Pronouns: She/her/hers
- I’m retired from Green Bay Police Department where I served as the coordinator for our CCIT – Community Crisis Intervention Team and was a Behavioral Health Officer for the last 5 years. I remain the NAMI CCIT Liaison as we continue our work with local law enforcement to provide training in crisis response. NAMI’s pillars of education, support, and advocacy are the perfect platform to help make a difference and improve the quality of life for people living with mental illness. I love being part of this fun and passionate organization!
- I’ve been a long time jail diversion advocate and worked hard towards decriminalizing people with serious mental illness while serving on the Brown County Mental Health Court Team.
- Like one in four Americans, I have struggled with depression and anxiety since my youth, I am blessed to be a suicide survivor. I’m a strong advocate for wellness.
Members at Large
Cheryl Passel
May 2022-Present
Pronouns; She/her/hers
I have worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years, primarily in mental health. Over the past 16 years, I have taught students in the classroom and the clinical setting.
- I graduated with a PhD in Leadership Studies from Marian University, a MSN in nursing education from Bellin College, and a BSN in nursing from Florida Atlantic University. I am a board certified, advanced holistic nurse (AHN-BC).
- Mental health and wellness has always been my passion. I strive to bring awareness and education to the community/nursing students about mental illness to help fight the stigma. I have been involved with NAMI for over 12 years.
- I am a certified yoga instructor (RYT 200) and integrate mind, body, spiritual, practices into my daily life.
Megan Kamps
February 2019 – Current
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Pronouns: She/her/hers
- I joined the NAMI board after going through a family tragedy. In April 2018 my brother lost a long/hard fight with mental illness and took his own life. During the grieving process I needed to do what I could to try and help others. I knew it would make my brother proud and also be very therapeutic for me.
- I’ve enjoyed being part of the NAMI Walk with my team “Peace Love Be Hippy”. I received a great amount of support and that’s what inspired me to become part of NAMI. I have made it my goal to help remove some of the stigma that is associated with mental illness. Peace Love Be Hippy!
- I’ve served as the raffle coordinator for several NAMI sponsored events.
Eric Arnesen
May 2019 – Current
Pronouns: He/him/his
Pronouns: He/him/his
- I retired last year after almost 20 years in the mental health field in New Jersey. In NJ, I co-facilitated a weekly family support group and served on The Board for a newly formed NAMI affiliate.
- Since moving to Green Bay, I’ve volunteered for NAMI of Brown County, for The Aging and Disability Resource Center in Green Bay, for the Brown County Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and for the Advocacy Coalition.
- I’ve been happy to represent our local affiliate at several community meetings and coalitions and am an advocate for positive change.
Caryn Forrest
September 2022 – Current
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Pronouns: She/her/hers
- I am a Care Manager with Lakeland Care Inc. serving adults that have been diagnosed with a development disability, physical disability, or are frail elders. Several of my members have also been diagnosed with a mental illness. My lifelong goal has been to serve others, advocate for positive change, and ensure individuals have the services they need and are entitled to.
- I have been involved with NAMI for 8 years as one of my adult children was diagnosed with a mental illness. My husband and I attend the monthly support group, I am a co-leader of that support group, and am on the NAMI State Public Policy and Advocacy Committee as well.
- I am married and we have four adult children and four grandchildren. We love to spend time with our family, go motorcycling, and go camping.
