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Amanda Doehrer, President 2024-2027Amanda is an advocate for reducing mental health stigma and a mother of two. She has 7 years experience as a direct mental health care provider and administrator. She has lived experience in her own mental health journey while walking with various members of her family in theirs.
Currently, she is serving her first term as Vice-president of the NAMI Blair County board, and second year as a board member. She volunteers as a teacher for our Family to Family course and co-facilitates the Family Support group. |
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Amanda Troutman - Vice President (2024) 2022 - 2025Amanda has been a dedicated board member of NAMI Blair County since 2022 and elected Vice-President in 2024, bringing over seven years of professional experience in the mental health field. Her diverse background includes roles across various industries, with her most recent position as a mental health therapist. Amanda also draws from her personal experiences with mental health, adding a deeply empathetic perspective to her advocacy work.
A lifelong resident of Central Pennsylvania, Amanda grew up on her parents' dairy farm, where she developed her strong work ethic and sense of community. Passionate about helping others, she actively works to support and uplift those in need. In her free time, Amanda cherishes moments with her husband, who proudly serves in the USMC Reserves, and their daughters. She remains committed to making a positive impact both professionally and personally. |
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Christina Light, Secretary 2022-2025Christina has been a volunteer with NAMI Blair County since 2018, serving as secretary since 2020. She has previous experience supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She spends her free time outdoors participating in various activities and she loves to read.
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Beth Rhine, Treasurer 2023 - 2026Beth Rhine brings over 15 years of experience in the mental health field to her role as the newly elected Treasurer (2024) of NAMI Blair County. A dedicated member of NAMI for the past three years, Beth is committed to fostering mental health awareness and support within the community. Beth’s professional journey includes a decade of service in the Altoona Area School District and ten years as a direct care worker. She holds a degree in Science from Mount Aloysius College and is trained to facilitate several NAMI programs, including Peer-to-Peer, Family-to-Family, and NAMI Basics. Additionally, she leads support groups at the NAMI office and for men and women at Blair County Prison. Outside of her work, Beth is a proud mother of one and grandmother of two. She enjoys crafting and attending mental health seminars in her free time. Beth is often accompanied by her beloved service dog, Lizzy, a 5-pound bundle of joy. |
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Sherry Gearhart, Director 2023 - 2026This is Sherry's first year as a board member. Sherry said "I’m really looking forward to this journey. I have a passion for helping people with mental health and physical/intellectual disabilities." She holds an associate degree in Science from Mount Aloysius College and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from St. Francis University. She has 18 yrs. of service working in the health field as a laboratory technician, phlebotomist and medical lab scientist. Sherry is currently employed at a non-profit agency Skills of Central Pa, and has been with the organization for almost 7 yrs. Sherry has been serving as the Career Developer/ Team Lead for the Employment Service Department for the past four years. The main focus it to help adults with mental health concerns and/or intellectual/physical disabilities. There are also programs available for our transition youth.
Originally from Nanty Glo, Sherry now resides in Gallitzin. She enjoys spending time with family and especially her grandchildren. She also enjoys traveling and volunteering with in the community. Sherry stated "My family’s generation has a history with mental illness, I think this why I have passion for that area and want to help people." |
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Julie Waite, Director 2024-2027Julie Waite has been a Board Member of NAMI Blair County PA since 2021. She has over 23 years of experience in the mental health field wearing many hats as a direct care professional and Supports Coordinator for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, a Crisis Counselor, and a Program Director for Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS). Julie began her career working as a direct care worker for Skills of Central PA for several years while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. Upon graduation, she began working as a Supports Coordinator for Northstar Support Services helping to develop plans and resources to aid in people living an everyday life. Julie worked as a Crisis Counselor for 13 years as well as on the mental health inpatient unit at UPMC Altoona. Since 2019, Julie has been employed as the Program Director for IBHS at Blair Family Solutions where duties include administration of the program, interagency/school collaboration, and implementation of state regulations regarding IBHS. Julie has a background and training in Disaster Crisis Outreach and Referral Team (DCORT) and Trauma First Aid. She’s been a front-line responder to many incidents in Blair County since 2005. Julie resides locally with her husband and three daughters. She’s actively involved in their sports, boosters, and other school activities.
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Shannon Flanagan, Director 2024-2027Shannon Flanagan, LSW has been a Board member of Blair NAMI since 2021. She has a 15 year background working in the mental health field. She holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and a Master of Social Work from Temple University. She has worked several positions through Blair Family Solutions throughout the years including: Therapeutic Support Staff, Mobile Therapist, Behavioral Specialist Consultant, Outpatient Therapist, and IBHS Clinical Director. She has extensive experience working in a school setting with students, staff, and families having led a Community and School Based Behavioral Health program. She is certified in Sand Tray Therapy as well as Trauma Focused CBT. Shannon recently accepted a position as a District Social Worker for Tyrone Area School District. She resides in Altoona and enjoys spending time with her family and vacations to the beach.
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Nikki Coleman, Director 2022-2025Nikki B. Coleman is a passionate advocate for the betterment of all people. She has over 30 years of experience working with and in the community in various capacities
Nikki is a newly elected member to the NAMI PA Blair County Board of Directors. Miss Coleman has been volunteering with NAMI PA Blair County for over a year and currently seeking training for the Peer-to-Peer and Family-to-Family courses. Nikki brings to the table, her experience working on the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation Board of Directors, a community-based and board driven, Non-Profit organization whose main goal is to get as many people in the community as possible to participate in efforts aimed at physical revitalization, an improved economy, and strengthened well-being. During her time there she was able to create and implement a summer reading program for the youth in the community. She also served and exhausted her term on the Child Advocates of Blair County’s, a private, nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 1982 that provides high quality programming focused on the total needs of the family, Policy Council. During her time on the Policy Council, she served on various committees and participated in event planning. Coleman is a mother of one adult daughter that has struggled with mental health issues since the age of 5 years old, her partner, William also struggles with various mental health issues & she is recently diagnosed with mental issues. She is excited about this new chapter in her life and wants to normalize conversations surrounding mental health issues. Coleman holds two Associate Degrees from South Hills School of Business and Technology. Both are in business administration, (Administrative Professional 2011 & Business Administration—Management & Marketing). She is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (B.S.O.L.) from Saint Francis University. |
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Brenda Brown - Director 2024-2027Brenda Brown joins the NAMI Blair County Board as a passionate first-year member, bringing a deeply personal connection to mental health advocacy. Having faced challenges with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, Brenda understands the critical importance of prioritizing mental well-being and creating a safe space for open conversations about mental health. Her journey has inspired her commitment to fostering an environment where individuals feel supported and empowered to access the resources they need. Brenda’s heartfelt belief in renewal and resilience drives her dedication to NAMI's mission. She embraces each day as an opportunity for growth, hope, and brighter possibilities for all. Brenda reminds us: "Believe in yourself; you're capable of overcoming obstacles. Each sunrise brings a chance for renewal and hope for a brighter tomorrow." |
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Linda Licata - Director 2024-2027Linda Licata brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal resilience to her role at NAMI Blair County. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Linda is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Professional Accountancy. She began her career as a Certified Public Accountant in Philadelphia before pursuing her entrepreneurial spirit and opening Licata's Florist in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
After facing significant mental health challenges stemming from the stress of her careers, Linda relocated to Florida in 1999, where she began a journey of self-discovery and healing. Over the next two decades, she explored various religious traditions before becoming born again in 2007, embracing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In 2022, Linda returned to Pennsylvania, settling in Hollidaysburg. Despite enduring two challenging years, she credits her faith, mental health professionals, NAMI, and her church community with helping her rebuild a life of stability and wellness. Linda is passionate about sharing the profound impact her faith has had on her mental health journey, inspiring others to find hope and healing. She is dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and supporting those in need. |
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Eric DeCriscio - Director 2024-2027Eric is a highly accomplished Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 30 years of dedicated service to individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. His expertise lies in providing individual and group therapy for those facing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Throughout his extensive career, Eric has gained valuable experience across a variety of clinical settings, including residential, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient programs.
As an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Eric is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals. He takes pride in mentoring student interns and guiding graduates through the licensure process. During his two decades in Charlotte, NC, Eric further demonstrated his passion for advocacy and community engagement by serving on the local NAMI board. His unwavering dedication to advancing mental health care continues to impact lives and inspire others in the field. |
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Are you interested in becoming a member of our Board of Directors?
Click here to download a a board member application:
NAMI Blair County Board of Directors Applications
Return completed applications to NAMI Blair County PA:
1809 11th St. Room 306 Altoona, PA 16601 or email it to [email protected]
