Meet The Team

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.

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.

Jessie joined NAMI-Butler County as Executive Assistant and Walk Manager in June, 2024. She received both her Bachelors in Health Promotion and Education and Masters in Public Health from the University of Cincinnati. She has experience in working in health promotion and education, harm reduction and prevention. Through her professional journey she has become as Certified Health Education Specialist, a Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist and is a certified QPR Gatekeeper Instructor. She has worked in Hamilton and Butler County addressing many topics that include mental health, suicide prevention, substance use and problem gambling.