Our Team

Candace Schoner is the founder of Voices for Mental Health, Inc. and producer and host 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.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Candace faced early challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia, severe nearsightedness, and bullying. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Maryland and worked in broadcast journalism for various media outlets including NBC-TV in New York.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2022, Candace is deeply committed to raising awareness, increasing access, and ending the stigma of mental health. The War in My Head. Contact Candace.

Lisa Wessner (she/they) is a molecular biologist with over 20 years of experience decoding the intricate language of cells and genes. Driven by a passion for discovery and making complex biology accessible, they’ve built a career advancing research, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and contributing to projects with real-world impact.

Outside the lab, Lisa is a dedicated mental wellness advocate who believes science and humanity must go hand in hand. In 2023, Lisa founded the mental health storytelling event titled “Always. Already. Enough: Flipping the Script on Mental Illness.” They speaks openly about mental health, breaking the stigma, building community, and fostering honest conversations—especially in academic and professional settings where vulnerability is often overlooked. Lisa brings levity and authenticity to everything they do.

Carrie Slinkman-Kerwick joined Voices for Mental Health in 2022. She has 10+ years of experience working for both small businesses and non-profit organizations. She currently serves as the Director of The Clothing Center, a non-profit organization serving Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. Carrie is on a mission to help end the stigma around mental illness. She previously served as 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 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

Christine Lazorishak studied at the University of Pittsburgh and holds a BA in writing. She spent several years working in the insurance industry 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, including 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.

Christine is open about her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety. She 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.”