Meet The Team
In 1990, a small group of parents from Geneva and St. Charles came together looking for support and information after their children were diagnosed with a mental health condition. This small group became the nucleus of NAMI KDK which was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1993.
NAMI KDK has become a strong affiliate whose mission is to provide mental health education, support, and advocacy for individuals, family members, and communities in Kane-so, DeKalb, and Kendall counties. All programs are free to the public and facilitated by an individual living with a mental health condition, their family members, or their significant others.
Board Members
Here you can find information and get to know our lovely board members.
If you want to attend our board meetings click the button to find out more.
Kathryn Manning
President
In August 2021 Kathryn became a member of the NAMI-KDK Board of Directors. Kathryn retired in November 2020 from a 35-year career in global business consulting specializing in helping companies through major business transformations. The first half of Kathryn’s career was with one of the largest consulting firms in North America and the second half was serving as a director in boutique consulting firms. Kathryn specialized in process redesign to achieve strategic business goals, organizational change management (OCM), strategy development, organizational restructuring, competency modeling and curriculum development plus methodology and post-merger integration. Kathryn earned her master’s degree from Northwestern University, Evanston. Kathryn and her husband, Ed, are the adoptive parents of 3 children (now young adults) challenged with mental health disorders.
Lisa Holch
Vice President
In November 2021 Lisa became a member of the NAMI-KDK Board of Directors. Currently, she works as the Behavioral Health and Psychiatric Services Director for the Kendall County Health Department. She has been working with the health department for 5 years and in the field of mental health for over a decade. Lisa works to provide compassionate counseling to those who have chronic persistent mental health concerns along with the other unit staff. Lisa earned her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Kate Fish
Treasurer
Kate Fish is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Graceful Therapy, PLLC in Oswego and Aurora, Il. Kate has been working in the mental health field for 10+ years and has a passion for serving the community in and outside of the therapy office. Kate has served on the NAMI KDK Board of Directors since 2019 in the roles of President, Secretary and general board member. She currently serves as the Treasurer. Kate joined the board in hopes of bringing the perspective of a young adult, mental health provider, and a community member who desires to serve individuals with mental illness and their family members.
Toshia Moss
Secretary
Toshia Moss, M.B.A, SHRM-CP has 15 years of experience in public administration at the City of Aurora and joined the Human Resources Dept. in 2015. She is currently the Recruitment & Retention Coordinator and is responsible for Talent Acquisition strategies and initiatives, recruitment of sworn public safety personnel, and administrative oversight of the Civil Service Commission.
Toshia's previous roles with the City of Aurora include, H.R. Generalist, Assistant to Mayor Thomas Weisner for 2 terms, and Program Manager for the Greeter Program at the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce.
She is an active board member of the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) since 2021 and is a former board member of the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board (AAHAB), previously serving as President.
Toshia is passionate about living an intentional lifestyle with a mindful approach. As a result, her time, energy, and resources are aligned with things she cares about and enjoys.
She believes in the mission of NAMI-KDK and the impact mental wellness has in our lives, specifically how we show up in relationships. Toshia is committed to support change surrounding the negative stigmas of mental health, particularly in the African American community.
She is known as a collaborative leader, with enthusiasm, compassion and integrity, Toshia lives a purpose driven life with her husband and 3 children.
Lindsey Liddicoat
Board Member
Alternative Court, Kane County’s mental health treatment court for the last 5 years. She has been employed with Kane County Court Services for almost 9 years. Lindsey earned a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and currently holds two professional licenses. Besides working in the criminal justice field, Lindsey has professional experience on an inpatient substance abuse unit, in an outpatient mental health setting providing substance abuse counseling in both group and individual settings, and volunteer experience at a domestic violence shelter. Lindsey is committed to work towards ending the stigma surrounding mental illness, and to advocate for those individuals who cannot advocate for themselves.
Regina Harris
Board Member
Regina has been a practicing attorney since 1989. She commenced her career advocating for the indigent in the offices of the Public Defender in Kane and DeKalb counties, developing interest and expertise in defending the mentally ill. She is now engaged in private practice in Sycamore. Regina volunteers her time with several local organizations, significantly NAMI KDK, which she has served for over a decade.
Jill Fox
Board Member
Jill Fox joined the board of NAMI-KDK in April 2024. She is a retired teacher with 47 years of teaching behind her. She has taught all ages from preschool through high school in several positions and school districts. She retired in 2012 after completing 21 years at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in District 300, Carpentersville, IL. She holds a BA from Trinity College, Deerfield, IL, and a master’s in Educational Therapy from National College of Education, Evanston, IL. She was named Professional of the Year in 1994 by the Learning Disabilities Association, United Chapter, Carpentersville, IL. She was also named Kane County R. B. Mades Associate Educator of the Year in 2012.
Jill and her husband, Fred, are parents to four children and grandparents of three. Jill has 3 decades of experience with several family members struggling with mental health disorders. She is committed to working to end the stigma and help improve resources available to those struggling with mental illness and the families who love them.
Emily Fagan
Board Member
Emily Fagan is a freelance oboist and mental health advocate located in the Chicago suburbs. An Aurora native, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern University and her Master’s Degree from the University of Houston. She can regularly be heard as the Principal Oboist of the Fox Valley Orchestra. Ms. Fagan has also performed with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Symphony, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and other Chicago and Houston-area ensembles and chamber groups. She is a substitute oboist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to her growing performance career, Ms. Fagan is a dedicated teacher. She has taught at several Illinois universities, including Northern Illinois and Northwestern, and has a highly regarded private oboe studio in the western Chicago suburbs. When not performing or teaching oboe, she leads seminars and masterclasses for music educators and their students on subjects such as teaching techniques, effective practice habits, and double reed techniques.
Emily is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Programming for NAMI Illinois and is passionate about using her experience as a longtime NAMI speaker and mental health advocate to help support the young people of Illinois. In addition to her work with NAMI Illinois, Emily speaks to first responders through the State of Illinois Crisis Intervention Training Program.
In her free time, Emily enjoys advocating for animal welfare and spending time with her cat, Hazel, and partner, Nick.
Carlos Guillen
Board Member
Carlos Ulises Guillen brings a wealth of experience and expertise in mental health and youth advocacy to the board of KDK. With a master's degree in clinical mental health from National Louis University, Carlos has dedicated over a decade to supporting the well-being of young people.
Currently serving as the Restorative Practices Program Manager for Family Counseling Service, Carlos plays a vital role in supporting School District 129 by implementing innovative approaches to foster healing and positive relationships within the community.
Carlos's professional journey has taken him through various settings, including a psychiatric residential treatment facility, the West Cook County Regional Office of Education, and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. His diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing youth and the mental health system.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Carlos is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether he's hiking through scenic trails, backpacking into the wilderness, or casting a line for fish, he finds solace and rejuvenation in nature's beauty. His passion for the outdoors reflects his commitment to holistic well-being and serves as a source of inspiration for his work in supporting youth.
With his blend of clinical expertise, compassion, and outdoor spirit, Carlos Ulises Guillen is a valuable asset to the board of KDK, contributing to its mission of empowering youth and fostering resilient communities.
Desiree Avitia
Board Member
Desi (Desiree) Avitia joined the Board of Directors for NAMI in August of 2021. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified therapy dog handler. Desi graduated from Aurora University with her MSW (master’s in social work) in 2019. She has over 5 years of experience in crisis work that includes working with AID (Association for Individual Development) as a Victim Services Case Manager and as a victim advocate with Mutual Ground. Desi is now a police social worker with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. As a police social worker, she is often called to provide support to individuals experiencing a crisis. She has extensive experience working with victims, providing services to families, and working with individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder. She is passionate about spreading mental health awareness and helping others feel supported on their mental health journey. Because of her work in the community, Desi strives to work with others to collaborate, build partnerships and have important conversations about mental health.
Curtis Spivey
Board Member
Curtis Spivey joined the board of NAMI-KDK in 2024. Curtis started as a volunteer for The Neighbor Project in Aurora and is currently the Outreach Coordinator. Curtis is a veteran of the United States Navy and has previously served on the Aurora Public Art Commission, Aurora Veterans Advisory Council and is a current associate board member for the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Spivey has a long history of volunteering and has been an AmeriCorps member since 2017, assisting in various statewide efforts including disaster relief. As an avid entrepreneur Curtis launched a local morning news program and podcast called Good Morning Aurora, with two feature programs Buenos Días Aurora and Good Night Aurora. These programs aim to educate, inspire and uplift the community of Aurora through hyper-local information and resource sharing. As a father and community member, Curtis believes everyone deserves dignity, fairness and equal access to opportunity. He believes that empathy, active engagement and a village based approach to the community can help end stigma associated with mental illness. With experience in corporate America, the military and private sector, Curtis advocates for big-picture thinking with an empathetic approach to help address community issues.
Sheila Kanak
Board Member
Sheila is a retired Staff Accountant having worked several decades in the corporate banking and insurance fields.
She has also been employed as a full charge bookkeeper for several proprietorships.
During her working career, She was able to acquire her Bachelors Degree in Management from National Louis University as well as an Associates in Accounting from College of Dupage.
Sheila is certified in Quickbooks and proficient in Microsoft Office.
She joined the board in order to promote the awareness of Nami-KDK. Sheila wishes to support the mental health community in spreading a positive outlook in finding wellness.
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