NAMI Maryland is pleased to announce the slate of nominees for the upcoming election to our Board of Directors. These individuals have been recommended after a thoughtful review process to ensure strong leadership, diverse perspectives, and a continued commitment to NAMI Maryland’s mission of improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.
The following candidates have been nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for the upcoming term:
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| Lt. Steven Thomas, CCISM has a BA from UMBC and a MA from the University of Baltimore. He started as a patrolman with the Anne Arundel County Police in 1996 where he remained in patrol, until he became the CIT and Peer Support Coordinator in 2016. In 2020 the Anne Arundel County CIT Unit was named CIT International Unit of the Year and in 2024 the unit received CIT International’s only platinum certification, for a regional program. He is the Anne Arundel County CISM Team Coordinator. In the spring of 2019 received the ICISF Pioneering Spirit Award. He is a Youth & Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor and in 2018 he was named a top 100 instructor. He is on the Maryland In-Custody Death Commission, the Maryland Fatal Suicide Fatality Review Committee & the Maryland Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Commission. Additionally, he is on the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Multidisciplinary Advisory Team and the Johns Hopkins University National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, Peer Study Community Advisory Board.Steven was a Co-Chair of Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s Public Safety Transition Team. Lieutenant Steven ThomasCrisis Intervention TeamAnne Arundel County Police |
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| Dr. Constance Noll is a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with decades of experience across the continuum of Behavioral Health services. She has worked on multiple projects to decrease seclusion and restraint with success. She has been involved in ground-breaking efforts to provide peer support services in acute treatment settings. Committed to patient centered, trauma informed care, Dr. Noll served as Chair of the Recovery Council in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and is recognized as a national leader. Additionally, Dr Noll has volunteered with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Mental Health Specialist and Manager with several deployments to national tragedies. Personally, Dr Noll has lived experience with family members dealing with dementia and delirium health challenges and understands heartbreak and hardship of these diagnoses as well as all individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. “I believe in hope, the capacity to change and future breakthroughs not yet even imagined, but most of all the foundational principles of Recovery”. |
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| Dennis ShollerAs the adult child of a parent living with serious mental illness, I was inspired to pursue a career in psychiatric research and advocacy. I earned my PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology and completed postdoctoral training in psychiatry, later working in clinical research and drug development for treatments in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. I have also served in nonprofit leadership and founded When Men Are Silent, an initiative focused on men’s mental health in partnership with local NAMI affiliates. Serving on the NAMI Maryland Board would allow me to continue supporting individuals and families affected by serious mental illness. |
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| Enjoli Julia Gomez is a Community Engagement Specialist with the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration, where she serves in the Office of Integrated Wellness and Prevention (formerly the Office of Suicide Prevention). In this role, she leads statewide suicide prevention and integrated wellness initiatives across Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions, with a focus on community engagement, training strategy, coalition development, and systems coordination. Enjoli co-authored the Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in K–12 Schools (MAPS-K12) in collaboration with her colleagues and national experts, and she is currently spearheading the development of the Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide among Older Adults (MAPS-OA). Her work integrates suicide prevention, mental health promotion, substance use prevention, and problem gambling prevention through a trauma-informed, equity-centered lens. She has extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations, local health departments, school systems, faith and community groups, and statewide advocacy partners. Enjoli brings strengths in governance-adjacent work, strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, and translating complex systems into accessible, people-centered solutions. She is deeply committed to NAMI Maryland’s mission and to strengthening mental health advocacy, education, and support across the state. |
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| Lisa Egbuonu-DavisAfter training in pediatrics, public health, and health care management, I have dedicated my career to advancing physical and mental health and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations through research, policy, leadership, and governance. I have held senior roles at Eli Lilly, Lederle Laboratories, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Danaher Diagnostics, leading clinical research, public health policy, patient-centered innovation, and medical operations across psychiatry, neurology, diagnostics, and preventive care. Throughout my career, I have worked to expand access to evidence-based care, destigmatize mental illness, strengthen public health systems, and ensure that patient and family perspectives inform research and policy. I currently serve on multiple health care boards, including the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, bringing experience in governance, compliance, health equity, and cross-sector collaboration. As a potential board member of NAMI Maryland, I would offer strategic leadership in mental health policy and advocacy, deep experience partnering with patients and families, and a strong commitment to strengthening community-based care and advancing sustainable impact. |
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| Joe Clair is nationally known hip hop and comedy legend. As a beloved DMV native from Seat Pleasant, MD. He is a graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in Social Work. As a former social worker, he has a strong desire to continue to help drive awareness and provide resources for mental health and wellness through events and appearances. He is an advocate and spokesperson deep roots in the community through mentorship (covenant house), philanthropy and weekly community service engagements. Joe Clair is currently the drive time radio personality for WHUR, 96.3FM, Nina Brown and Joe Clair Show, host a monthly comedy show and podcast that uses his platforms to highlight resources in the Mental Health space. |
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| Alicia LuckstedI am a resident of Maryland since 1989, a clinical-community research psychologist by training and occupation, and am substantially involved in numerous issues in my communities (including several non-profit Boards past and present). I work at the UM School of Medicine and the Maryland VA Medical System in applied mental health research. This focuses on creating and testing therapeutic and psychoeducational programs to assist people navigating serious mental illnesses and to assist their loved ones. I have used outpatient mental health services myself and have several family members who have had serious mental health problems although I am not a primary “caregiver” to them. I have long been a NAMI member, and was part of the team that conducted research on NAMI’s Family-to-Family program that helped establish it as an evidence-based practice, years ago. |
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| Paul Bashea (Bah-Shay) Williams, LCSW-C, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Keynote, Relationship Advisor, Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Corporate Consultant and Author of the book Dear Future Wife: A man’s guide and a woman’s reference to healthy relationships. As a business owner, Paul Bashea Williams owns and operates, Hearts In Mind Counseling, a mental health private practice that specializes in marriage, family, couples, and individual therapy helping others address their mental health needs. Paul Bashea Williams was featured on HBO, CNN, A&E, Men’s Health Magazine, local and national television, radio and various publications. He is well sought after to provide corporate coaching and consulting helping companies address mental health concerns, establish psychological safety and design safe spaces while ensuring company growth. You can follow his work at BasheaWilliams.com, BasheaWilliams on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. His counseling services can be found at WWW.HeartsInMindCounseling.com |
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| STUART TENHOOR, Esq. Columbia, Maryland PROFESSIONAL SUMMARYExperienced executive legal search consultant and company founder with more than three decades of leadership in legal recruiting, career advising, and professional services. Bring deep governance experience through prior six years of service on the Board of Directors of NAMI Maryland (2018–2024), and in current position as a Board Member with the National Association of Legal Search Consultants. Acknowledged for contributing to strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and mission advancement. Known for thoughtful judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a sustained commitment to community and nonprofit service. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEFounder & CEO Stuart TenHoor Legal Search | Washington, DC Metro Area | 2004–PresentFounded and lead a boutique legal search and advisory firm focused on senior‑level legal talent for law firms, corporations, and government agencies. Provide strategic counseling to professionals and organizations on leadership, career development, succession planning, and long‑term professional growth. Recognized nationally for work within the FDA and life sciences legal community. (3 other search firms—1988 – 2004)Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson, & Hand |senior associate | 1987-1988Alexandria, Virginia | Assistant City Attorney | 1984-1987JHK & Associates | Transportation Counsel | 1981-1984U.S. Senate Labor & Human Resources Committee | Professional Staff Member | 1980-1981BOARD & GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCENational Alliance on Mental Illness – Maryland (NAMI Maryland) Board of Directors | 2018–2024 |
Chauna M. Watson is an educator, community activist, and advocate for children and families, dedicated to uplifting Baltimore through collaborative, equity-driven educational and behavioral health initiatives. As the founder of Sprouting Scholars and a leader in nonprofit and community-based work, she leverages her experience in teaching, program development, and grassroots engagement to support stronger outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Kelli Joy Richardson is a mental health advocate, nonprofit founder, and Emmy Award-winning marketing strategist dedicated to breaking stigma and expanding access to mental health resources. After her son’s suicide attempt in 2018, Kelli founded The SonRise Project, an NAACP Image Award-nominated nonprofit creating safe space for parents navigating children’s mental health, addiction, and trauma challenges. As host of The SonRise Project podcast, she has led over 300 weekly calls providing hope and support to families nationwide. Named NAMI Montgomery County’s 2023 Hero of the Year for her transformative impact on mental health advocacy, Kelli has spent the past six years translating her lived experience into systemic change. As Founder and CEO of House of JOY, she has created multiple award-winning mental health campaigns for The Ad Council and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, reaching millions with culturally relevant messaging that reduces stigma and increases help-seeking behaviors. Kelli’s career demonstrates a consistent commitment to health advocacy and social impact.
Shawnice Jackson is a servant leader, youth development practitioner, and nonprofit
professional with nearly a decade of experience designing and leading programs that
strengthen equitable public systems and expand pathways to opportunity and liberation for
young people and communities. Grounded in values of justice, care, and collective power,
her work centers youth leadership, community voice, and systems-level change.
Shawnice currently serves as Director of Youth Programming & Engagement at No
Boundaries Coalition, where she leads youth organizing, leadership development, civic
engagement, and mental health–centered programming for Baltimore City youth.
Hayley C. Kantziper is a dedicated leader in health science administration and strategic initiatives, currently serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Kennedy Krieger Institute. With a Master’s in Health Science Administration from Towson University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Maryland (UMD), Hayley brings expertise in project management, strategic planning, and team leadership. Hayley’s career spans roles in human resources, organizational development, and compensation management, with a strong focus on employee development, mentorship, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments. Hayley is an active member of professional networks, including The Leadership Baltimore program, the UMD Psychology Alumni Career Network, and the Evolving Minds Council—a nonprofit focused on advancing mental health in the workplace, which is a personal passion area. Hayley holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and is passionate about advancing mental health advocacy and community engagement.
Rebekah Owens
I am a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience in health care marketing, governance, and advocacy, currently at the University of Maryland Medical System. A proven advocate for resource generation, I am committed to leading fundraising efforts, securing grants, and developing new ways to help Marylanders build better lives by raising awareness for mental health. My commitment is deeply personal: I am an established peer educator who has shared my “lived experience” managing Bipolar Disorder since 2000, including presenting webinars and regularly blogging for the International Bipolar Foundation.
Dr. Brandon C. Newsome is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist with a specialty in trauma related disorders, neurodevelopmental concerns such as autism, and medical conditions and their interplay with behavioral health. He currently serves as a School Psychiatrist for the Sheppard Pratt Prince George’s and Montgomery County schools. In addition, he serves as the Medical Director in the Newport Academy Rockville Outpatient Program and a Medical Consultant Reviewer for Comagine Health. As a continued community leader, he works with numerous organizations to promote behavioral health education and access. He also serves on the town of Bladensburg’s Ethic’s Commission.
We encourage all members to participate in the election by attending the Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Wilde Lake Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia, MD 21044. Voting will take place in person, and this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members, learn more about our work, and help shape the future of NAMI Maryland.
Please click the link below to register for the Annual Meeting and confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there.
