CANDACE SCHONER, PRESIDENT
Candace Schoner is the founder of Voices for Mental Health, Inc. and producer of the Voices for Mental Health podcast. Blending her journalism background, business development skills, and lived experience with ADHD, PTSD, and visual dyslexia, she’s on a mission to end the stigma of mental illness. Click to read full bio.
CHRISTINE LAZORISHAK, SECRETARY
Christine Lazorishak studied at the University of Pittsburgh and holds a BA in writing. She spent several years working in the insurance industry and at CFA Institute, where she coordinated educational events and speaker presentations. In 2024, Christine co-hosted the Voices for Mental Health podcast and volunteered as an editor. She has a history of mental health advocacy, which includes being featured in the documentary MOMS AND MEDS, serving as a Postpartum Support International (PSI) “Climb out of the Darkness” coordinator in 2016 while living in Whitefish, Montana and partnered with Roots Family Collaborative for “Climb out of the Darkness“ 2017 in Bozeman, Montana.
She is open about her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety. Christine has shared her mental health journey at various events including the mental health storytelling event titled “Always. Already. Enough: Flipping the Script on Mental Illness.
MELANIE S. BUTLER, TREASURER
Melanie S. Butler brings over 30 years of expertise in accounting and taxation to her new role as Treasurer for Voices for Mental Health, Inc. A Virginia resident, Melanie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and additional studies in Accounting and Business Management at the University of Richmond. Her extensive professional background includes senior positions at Rue & Associates, Inc., McGuire Woods LLP, and Greg Jonson & Associates, P.C., where she specialized in tax planning, financial reviews, and trust and estate administration. Melanie is known for her detail-oriented approach and her ability to guide individuals, businesses, and nonprofits through complex financial decisions. Her experience with nonprofit organizations and fiduciary services makes her uniquely qualified to oversee the financial stewardship of Voices for Mental Health, ensuring transparency and strategic growth in support of the organization’s mission.
TANYA BROCKETT
Tanya Brockett is the founder of Hallagen Ink and a seasoned ghostwriter, book coach, and publishing consultant. She brings a powerful blend of business strategy and communication expertise to Voices for Mental Health. A former university professor and business trainer, she has taught thousands how to plan, launch, and grow successful ventures. Combining entrepreneurial insight with communication expertise, Tanya empowers others to craft compelling messages, build strategic plans, and make a meaningful difference through their work. At Voices for Mental Health, Tanya leverages her strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to strengthen outreach, build partnerships, and amplify the organization’s mission of awareness and hope.
DAN ELASH
Dan Elash is a seasoned business and life strategies coach with over 35 years of experience, blending deep psychological insight with a practical understanding of organizational dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a minor in Organizational Change from the University of Kansas. Throughout his career, Dr. Elash has served on the staff of several hospitals and healthcare institutions, bringing psychological expertise to physical health settings. He is a retired Diplomat of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and has also taught as an adjunct instructor at the U.S. Naval War College. For the past decade, Dr. Elash has served as the Life Strategies Coach for Living Free Together, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families and first responders across Central Virginia – many of whom have been affected by trauma dating back to the Vietnam era. In todays post-COVID world, he continues to guide individuals and families as they navigate the increasing mental and emotional challenges of everyday life. “I’m honored to join a group so deeply committed to fostering meaningful conversations in communities seeking to heal, grow, and thrive.
CARRIE SLINKMAN-KERWICK
Carrie Slinkman-Kerwick joined Voices for Mental Health in 2022. She has 10+ years of experience in marketing and creative services for both small businesses and non-profit organizations. For 20+ years, she serves as the Director of The Clothing Center, a non-profit organization serving Charlottesville and the surrounding counties, working directly with many other non-profits in the area. Carrie is on a mission to help end the stigma around mental illness. She is currently the co-host and digital media manager for the Voices for Mental Health podcast and is working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Carrie has called Charlottesville her home for most of her life where she enjoys being a mom, small business owner, and volunteer. Read her story of what she learned about grief, life after loss, and her experiences with PTSD here. What I Learned About Grief and A High Price to Pay
LISA WESSNER
Lisa Wessner (she/they) is a seasoned molecular biologist with over 20 years of experience exploring the intricate language of cells and genes. With a passion for scientific discovery and a commitment to making complex biology accessible, Lisa has spent their career advancing research, mentoring young scientists, and contributing to projects that drive real-world impact.
Beyond the lab coat, Lisa is a dedicated mental wellness advocate who believes that science and humanity go hand in hand. As someone who speaks openly about mental health, they work to break stigma, foster community, and encourage honest conversations—especially in professional and academic spaces where vulnerability is often left at the door.
Known just as much for their precision at the bench as their expertly timed memes, Lisa brings levity and authenticity to everything they do. Whether it’s explaining CRISPR over coffee or using humor to highlight the realities of research life, they’re all about building bridges between science, self-care, and the wider world.
When not decoding DNA or challenging outdated norms, Lisa can usually be found curating the perfect reaction GIF, hyping up their colleagues, or reminding others (and themselves) that it’s okay to not be okay.