Welcome aboard Lori, Jason, Michael, and Joe! “Bringing on new board members is always exciting, but especially during times of transition,” says Suzanne King, President and CEO of Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (MHA-EM). “After last year’s challenges with COVID-19, our organization and world have been forever changed. We anticipate that each new member’s unique experience in nonprofit work will further our mission and impact in the community.”

We are excited to have these four new board members as part of the team here at Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri. As board members, they will share their talents to support the success of mental health advocacy, education, and services provided by Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri.

Lori Dowd

Lori Dowd, Founder and Executive Producer of StoryTrack, has long seen the connection between mental wellness and personal development. She is passionate about helping young people and families understand that while mental health concerns can be daunting, seeking and receiving help is a sign of strength. “Lack of access to mental health services is a serious public health problem. Studies report that untreated depression and anxiety in teens can have negative effects past adolescence. Let’s help our young people grow into strong, resilient people no matter what life deals out!”

Dowd is a founder of Midwest Moon Mindfulness Community and has served on the board of SSM Hospice. She has also volunteered with Alzheimer’s Association, Public Relations Society of America, Nicaragua Partnership Community, and Second Presbyterian Church in St. Louis.

Jason Henderson

Jason Henderson, a Principal at Edward Jones, has a history of community volunteerism and knows the value of connecting personal purpose to organizational mission. “My father has paranoid schizophrenia and I have witnessed firsthand the impact mental health has on society, both in education and other opportunities.” For Henderson, being a Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri board member is an important part of supporting people impacted by mental illness connect to opportunity.

Prior to moving to St. Louis, Henderson served on the boards and committees of the Mineola (TX) School District Education Foundation, the Mineola Civic Center, and Stepstones Ministry International.

Michael McCartney

Michael McCartney, owner of McCartney Wealth Management, LLC, recognizes the need for making mental health services more accessible for individuals and families. “I have been impacted by family and friends with mental health issues, including an uncle who died by suicide. Society generally has a hard time addressing mental health issues and it seems that resources are even more limited at times of crisis. Awareness and support from both the private and government sectors are desperately needed.” This mission is what drives McCartney’s service in the non-profit mental health sector.

McCartney has served on the boards of Boys Hope/Girls Hope of St. Louis and the St. Louis Soccer Club.

Joe Yancey

Joe Yancey, former CEO of Places for People, has been involved in the St. Louis behavioral health landscape for many years. He has had an ongoing relationship with Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri through his work with the Department of Mental Health, Places for People, and personal advocacy efforts. In 2017, Yancey also received the Silver Key award at the Snow Ball Gala.

“I am very aware of the critical role that MHA-EM plays within our regional behavioral health system and the diversity of those roles and contributions, not only to the system, but to providers and those served as well. I am also particularly interested in supporting the B4Stage4 philosophy of treating mental illness before a crisis.”

Yancey is currently serving as director on the SSM Health System (St. Louis Region) and St. Louis Regional Health Commission boards and has served on the boards of Behavioral Health Network and NAMI St. Louis.

 

See full bios and other board members on our Board of Directors page.