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About Us
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), founded in 1979, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals impacted by mental illness. NAMI Butler County was founded as an affiliate in 1992 and has worked faithfully since that time to provide hope and help to families, friends and individuals impacted by mental health disorders in and around Butler County. We do this through education, support, advocacy and working against stigma.
Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for families and individuals impacted by mental health disorders through education, support, advocacy and stigma reduction.
Vision
Our vision is to create communities and systems that support and empower those impacted by mental illness.
Meet The Staff
Rhonda Benson, MSW
Executive Director
Rhonda worked as a case manager in community mental health for over 10 years. She spent an additional 10 years working in the field of substance abuse. Prior to her role as executive director, she served as associate director of NAMI Butler County for two years, starting in 2009. Rhonda graduated with honors from Purdue University with a bachelors in sociology and psychology. She earned her masters in social work, also with honors, from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the National Honor Society of Social Workers, and currently serves on the Butler County Public Health Preparedness Committee as well as the Butler Behavioral Health Board of Directors. Rhonda is an instructor and facilitator for several NAMI Signature programs.
Grace Carr
Executive Assistant
Grace joined NAMI Butler County as Executive Assistant in May 2023, after completing her Bachelor’s of Integrative Studies with concentrations in Nonprofit Administration and Mental Health Perspectives from Miami University Hamilton. Grace is a Licensed Practical Nurse with experience in mental healthcare. She is a life-long resident of Butler County, a member of the Butler County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and is involved in the Butler County Housing and Homeless Coalition. Grace is a Connection Support Group Facilitator.
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Berni Murray
Program Director
Berni joined NAMI-Butler County as Program Director in September, 2016. Berni taught for over 32 years throughout Ohio and Michigan in a variety of both Elementary and Special Education settings. She earned her teaching degree in Special and General Education from Bowling Green State University in 1982 and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision in 1999 from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. Upon her retirement from teaching in 2015, she moved to Butler County with her husband, Dennis. Berni is an instructor and facilitator for several NAMI signature programs.