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NAMI Northeast Region PA
We offer understanding, support, and hope to anyone affected by mental illness. Whether you’re living with a mental health condition or supporting a loved one, you are not alone—our community is here for you. Serving Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties.
Our Vision
NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.
Our Mission
NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Our Values
- Hope: We believe in the possibility of recovery, wellness and the potential in all of us.
- Inclusion: We embrace diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
- Empowerment: We promote confidence, self-efficacy and service to our mission.
- Compassion: We practice respect, kindness and empathy.
- Fairness: We fight for equity and justice.
About
Mental illnesses are medical conditions that affect the brain. They can cause changes in thinking, feeling, and relating to others, making everyday life more challenging. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and is never the result of poor parenting or a character flaw. With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, made up of individuals, families, and friends affected by serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and more. Since our founding in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illness through education, support, advocacy, and public awareness.
Across the country, hundreds of thousands of volunteers in over 600 local affiliates and 50 state organizations work together to provide free programs, fight stigma, and advocate for better mental health care, housing, research, and employment opportunities.
As your local affiliate, NAMI Northeast Region PA focuses on the needs and priorities of our community. Our work is powered by dedicated volunteers and members who are passionate about making a difference. Together, we strive to create a more compassionate and supportive world for everyone affected by mental illness.
NEPA Staff

Marie Onukiavage
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
marieo@naminepa.org
570-342-1047
Marie Onukiavage has served as Executive Director of NAMI Northeast Region PA for 27 years, growing the organization and its programs throughout NEPA. She has held leadership roles on numerous boards and committees, including the Mayor’s Task Force on Law Enforcement and Mental Health. Marie is a founding Board Member of the original Scranton Crisis Intervention (CIT) program and is a co-coordinator of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Crisis Intervention Team. Marie is a trained facilitator and leads several NAMI Signature and mental health programs. She has three grown children and lives in Archbald with her husband and two cats. Marie enjoys reading, camping, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with loved ones.

Hannah Johnson
COMMUNITY AWARENESS & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
hannahj@naminepa.org
570-243-1606
Hannah Johnson serves as the Community Awareness and Volunteer Coordinator for NAMI Northeast Region PA. Hannah’s passionate about our connections with ourselves, each other, and the environment. She holds a Master’s from the International Institute for Restorative Practices in Bethlehem, where she explored the link between mental health and community well-being. In addition to her work with NAMI, Hannah teaches yoga and meditation through her business, Balance.

Amy Michael
PART TIME PROGRAM SUPPORT STAFF
AMY MICHAEL
amym@naminepa.org
Amy Michael brings over 55 years of lived experience with mental illness, both personally and through supporting friends and family. She has worked extensively in residential and home health care, focusing on individuals with dual diagnoses. Amy is certified in Mental Health First Aid, serves as a facilitator for NAMI Connection and Family Support groups, is a leader for Peer-to-Peer and Family-to-Family programs, and is an In Our Own Voice presenter. She is also active in the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. NAMI has been a vital source of hope and community in her recovery, and she aspires to become a Certified Peer Specialist.

Katie Spencer
PROGRAM SERVICES LEADER
katies@naminepa.org
570-290-8118
Katie Spencer has nearly 15 years of professional experience in the mental health system and over 20 years as a recipient of mental health services. She became a Certified Peer Specialist in 2011 and has worked at a state psychiatric facility, empowering peers in their recovery. Katie is a NAMI In Our Own Voice trainer, a facilitator of Family and Connections support groups, and an instructor in Adult & Youth Mental Health First Aid. She has a special interest in maternal mental health and created the educational program ‘Understanding Maternal Mental Health.’ Katie holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and is passionate about advocacy, community education, and storytelling.

Rachel Buck
RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
rachelb@naminepa.org
Rachel Buck was born in New York and later moved to Herrick Center, PA, after earning a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College. She is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental illness and supporting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. Rachel believes in empowering people with lived experience to help shape policies that impact them. She is also a dedicated Special Olympics coach and mentor. In her free time, Rachel enjoys gardening and spending time with her many animals.

Ray Hayes
PART TIME PROGRAM SUPPORT STAFF
RAY HAYES
Ray Hayes is a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Co-Coordinator for the Advocacy Alliance and a Mental Health First Aid Instructor for NAMI. He serves on advisory boards, including the Lackawanna Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Board and the Geisinger/Acadia Behavioral Health Patient Safety Committee. Ray’s background includes 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police, teaching at Keystone College, and serving as Scranton’s Director of Public Safety and Deputy Mayor. He is a founding member of the original Scranton CIT program and has served on numerous community boards. For Ray, NAMI is a source of hope and guidance during mental health crises.
Meet the Board

Kelly Ankenbrand
Board President
Kelly believes deeply in the power of advocacy and education to support individuals living with behavioral health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. She began her career as a mental health crisis clinician and has since held leadership roles across both outpatient and inpatient behavioral health services in the community. Kelly is also active in several community initiatives that promote awareness, expand access to care, and reduce stigma.
Her commitment to this work is personal as well as professional. Kelly’s son, Jake, is a bright and talented young man diagnosed with Autism, inspiring her ongoing dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

HelenMae Newcomer
Board Secretary
HelenMae lives in Scranton, PA, where she has dedicated her career to social work and supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work, she has worked with both children and adults in a variety of settings. HelenMae also facilitates NAMI’s Family-to-Family classes, helping families better understand mental health conditions and find resources for support.
Her advocacy is deeply personal. After a family member was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, HelenMae turned to NAMI for support and found both guidance and strength in the community. She now serves on the boards of NAMI and Compassionate Canines, a therapy dog organization, and continues to dedicate her life to helping others find resilience and hope.

Melanie Hnath
Melanie is the Electronic Medical Records Coordinator for Behavioral Health at Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers in Honesdale, PA. A graduate of SUNY Cortland with a degree in Education and History, she also pursued graduate studies at the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia. Over the years, Melanie has blended her love of teaching, volunteering, and community service into a career dedicated to helping others.
In addition to her professional role, she has served as a parent liaison, PTA executive board member, and active volunteer for local organizations. She currently contributes her time to Quality Improvement and Safety Committees at WMCHC. Melanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Steve, their two children, and family dog, as well as supporting NAMI’s mission of education, advocacy, and compassion.

Kadriana Martinez
Kadriana is a Certified Peer Specialist with Peerstar LLC in Scranton and an active support group facilitator and presenter with NAMI. Originally from New York, she has called Northeast Pennsylvania home for nearly a decade. Kadriana began her recovery journey in 2016 after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety, an experience that inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others.
In 2018, Kadriana and her family founded Roots Living Ministry, a nonprofit focused on case management and mental health advocacy. She is especially passionate about increasing resources and education in low-income and Hispanic communities, where support is often limited. Through her work, Kadriana continues to give voice to those affected by mental illness and to champion NAMI’s mission of inclusion, awareness, and support.

Dr. Matthew Spott
Matthew serves as the Global Vice President of Business Development for Uniphar’s Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences division, bringing more than 17 years of experience in software and service sales to the pharmaceutical industry. He holds degrees from Penn State, Wilkes University, and the University of Southern California, where he earned his EdD in Organizational Development and Leadership.
Alongside his corporate leadership, Dr. Spott is an entrepreneur and community advocate. He and his wife, DeAnna, own and operate several businesses and are active in revitalizing Carbondale, PA. He also serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI and volunteers as a suicide prevention counselor with The Crisis Line. Above all, Matt treasures his role as husband to DeAnna and father to their three children—Matthew, Gianni, and Sicilia.

Robert M. Carpenter
Robert Carpenter is the Executive Director of Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. and serves in multiple leadership and clinical roles, including Paramedic with the Kunkle Fire Company, Operational Coordinator of the Gruen-Gow Memorial CISM Team, and Co-Coordinator of Safe Kids NEPA. His dedication to public safety and health has been recognized with the Amanda Wertz Memorial EMS for Children Award in 2023.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Robert is actively involved in statewide and regional initiatives. He serves on the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, the Susquehanna and Wyoming County Child Death Review Teams, the Northeast Pennsylvania Healthcare Coalition, and several advisory committees addressing crisis intervention, burn prevention, and maternal mortality.
Robert’s advocacy is also deeply personal. Having lived with depression, survived a period of suicidal thoughts, and experienced the loss of his brother to suicide, he understands the profound impact of mental illness on individuals and families. With his daughter also living with depression, Robert is committed to breaking stigma, raising awareness, and ensuring compassionate mental health support for all. He lives in Factoryville with his fiancée, Angela, and daughter, Aubrey, and enjoys road trips, kayaking, and time with family and friends.

Michael Joyce
Michael Joyce was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he still resides with his wife of 42 years. Together, they have two children and enjoy spending time as a family. Outside of work, Michael is an avid gardener and automotive enthusiast, and he rarely misses a chance to cheer on his favorite teams—the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Panthers.
For more than four decades, Michael has built a successful career in the automotive industry, working at a local Subaru dealership. Alongside his professional life, he is a dedicated community volunteer and proud board member of NAMI Scranton. He helps coordinate local events, hosts bi-weekly mental health support group meetings, and volunteers with The Katie Foundation at the annual 5Kate races.
Michael’s ongoing commitment to NAMI is driven by gratitude for the support he once received during a difficult time in his life. His goal is to give back by offering the same compassion, understanding, and encouragement to others on their own mental health journeys.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
We’d love to hear from you—reach out anytime, and help make a difference in our community!
Email Hannah at hannahj@naminepa.org.
