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Board of Trustees

Officers

Jean Drees | President
Carla B. Davis, Esq. | Secretary
Dave Kipplen | Treasurer
Carrie C. Craun, MA, PCC-S | Past President

Members

Thomas H. Fine
Julie Beitelschees
Dr. Tiffany Hairston
Laura “Rena” Laws
Audrey Madyun
Silvia Snyder
Mariam Sraj
Alexandria Thomas
Dave Tippett
Norine Wasielewsk

Staff

Marriah Kornowa
Executive Director
Marriah joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Toledo as Executive Director in January 2024. A seasoned communicator, Marriah is known for building collaborative relationships and brings an impressive skill set which encompasses sales, marketing, program development, and significant leadership experience in both the private and non-profit sectors. Marriah’s dedication to the well-being of our community is evident in her work, including her service as the Board Chair for the Lucas County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Marriah has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University.

Sarah Gross
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Sarah has served as Family Navigator at NAMI Greater Toledo since January 2022. She is passionate about equitable access to mental health services and looks forward to connecting others to the services they need. Sarah brings a year of direct patient care in a mental health setting, crisis response skills, and a decade of advocacy experience to NAMI Greater Toledo. Sarah also spent a year mentoring refugee families in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

kristen zientekKristen L Zientek
Assistant Director of Programming

Kristen Zientek graduated from The University of Toledo in May of 2012 with a Bachelor of Social Work. She also completed the advanced MSW program at The University of Toledo, graduating May of 2013. She attained her LSW in 2013 and has plans to attain her LISW in the future. Kristen currently serves as a Program Coordinator for The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Toledo and has worked for NAMI Toledo since August 2013. Miss. Zientek has assisted in implementing the Creative Expressions program and continues to manage programs and volunteers. She is also a certified Family to Family facilitator along with Family and Friends facilitator for NAMI, helping families help their loved ones to mental health recovery. She is very passionate about helping individuals affected by mental illness as it is very near and dear to her heart.

Afaf Doumani
Sr. Manager of MENA Programs and Services, MSc, MSW

Afaf Adwan Doumani joined our NAMI Greater Toledo team in January 2020 as a Behavioral Health Navigator. Afaf’s primary focus has been connecting Middle Eastern and North African populations to mental health services. With a profound commitment to serving these communities, Afaf is the esteemed founder and chairperson of the MENA Mental Health Leadership Initiative.

Afaf brings a wealth of expertise to her role, holding two master’s degrees in Developmental Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies SOAS, University of London, and a master’s degree in social work MSW with a specialization in mental health from The University of Toledo. Her professional journey spans various sectors, including national and international social and community services, both in profit and nonprofit settings including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, showcasing her dedication to global welfare. Her advocacy, passion, and extensive experience make her an asset in our efforts to empower and uplift our diverse communities.

Sarah Smitley
Family Navigator

Sarah Smitley is a dedicated mental health professional with over 15 years of experience, personal and professional. Since 2008, she has been passionate about support individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and families. Specializing as a family navigator, she is committed to connecting clients with local resources to enhance their well-being. With expertise spanning over 5 years in substance use and addiction services, Sarah offers compassionate support and practical solutions to facilitate recovery and growth within the community.