Balance in Mind started 3 years ago after the death by suicide of a local high school student. Parents came together to start a grass roots organization working to bring light to youth mental health and the pressures students today experience, as well as to make families aware of mental health resources in the community.
Meet the team!
Alison McElroy is Co-Director of Youth Programs. She brings a background in early childhood education, yoga, and meditation.
Barbie Collins-Young brings a passion for empowering youth and bringing light to youth mental health, as well as being Executive Director of NAMI-Eastside.
Bonnie McDaniel, PhD, is Director of Parent Education, overseeing Parent Chat. She is part of the Washington Taskforce on social emotional learning (SEL).
Nancy Colburn, founder of Eastside Parents of ADD/ADHD Kids, brings her extensive experience with supporting ADHD kids to Balance in Mind.
Sheri Gazitt, MA, hosts Parent Chat as well as being the founder and principal of Teen Wise and Mom Wise.
Valerie Horvath oversees Parent Education and Youth Programs. She is passionate about treating mental health the same as physical health.
Vanessa Jones is Co-Director of Youth Programs. She is a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer.
We are passionate about youth mental wellness. Our mission is to build partnerships to educate parents, students and community on youth emotional well being and mental health in order to reduce the stigma and raise awareness.
