Meet The Team

Martha, our Affiliate Director, discovered early on the benefits of using music as a coping strategy, as it helped with various issues that she faced.  Her love of music led her to pursue a degree in Music Education at James Madison University as a piano major and a clarinet minor.  She later combined her desire to help others with her love of music and obtained a graduate equivalency degree in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas.  Martha began working as a music therapist at the Menninger Clinic, a private psychiatric hospital.  She went on to earn a Master of Science in Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Leadership Track) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  Martha became the Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Wellness for the Menninger Clinic where her responsibilities included helping individuals with mental health challenges develop a comprehensive wellness plan, pursue educational and vocational goals, and learn better coping skills through a variety of groups.  She is also an active board member of Symphonicity and operates a private piano studio where she offers standard and adaptive lessons to individuals of all ages.

Katie leads fundraising, corporate and foundation partnerships, and donor engagement to expand mental health education, advocacy, and support.

Her passion for mental health work is also personal—shaped in part by her partner’s service as a military psychologist in the U.S. Navy and the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families.

Prior to joining NAMI, Katie worked with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, focusing on corporate and foundation giving, grants management, and nonprofit partnerships. She has volunteered with organizations focused on children, mental health, and international service, including serving on the Center for Community Mental Health’s Food for Thought Committee at George Mason University and supporting dental volunteer trips in St. Lucia and Tanzania.

Katie holds a Master of Public Administration from American University and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP). Dedicated to creating a more compassionate and informed community, she is committed to helping individuals and families find connection, support, and hope. In her spare time she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, reading romance books, and travelling.

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Caitlyn was born and raised in Hampton Roads. She is an Assistant Public Defender in Portsmouth, where she works on the Mental Health Team, advocating for those charged with a crime while experiencing a mental health crisis. She has received crisis intervention training and is a strong advocate for increased access to mental health programs. Caitlyn dreams of a world in which there are laws and resources in place to protect and support those experiencing mental illness, regardless of income or background. In her free time she loves attending farmers markets, growing flowers, and spending time with her family, friends, and cats.

Al info

Kirstyn joined the NAMI Coastal Virginia Board with the desire of both breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and supporting those affected by mental health challenges. She is fueled by her own lived experience and is deeply committed to advocating for those experiencing mental illness and educating others about the lived experience. Kirstyn is an active volunteer committing time to delivering presentations and helping support the ongoing operations of the organization including providing guidance related to outreach and awareness initiatives focused on fostering hope, connection, access to vital resources for those in need. She believes that in order to support our loved ones, we must be willing to discuss mental illness and break the stigma so that everyone feels seen, heard, and supported no matter what they are experiencing in their own mind. Kirstyn is an active Certified Public Accountant working for KPMG, LLP.

Susannah’s advocacy work is rooted in her family’s personal experience navigating her daughter Alexa’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Through that journey, she became dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Today, she leads local initiatives that support individuals and families affected by mental health challenges and works to build a more compassionate and informed community.

Susannah joined the board in 2019 and has been serving as the Board President since July of 2021.  She enjoys being the affiliate Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Outreach as well.

In 2019, she started serving on the Virginia Beach Community Services Board , which helps evaluate and strengthen the city’s community-based mental health, substance abuse, and developmental services.

Erica info

Jennifer Novotny joined the NAMI Coastal Board to strengthen understanding, compassion, and access for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. Inspired by her own lived experience, she is deeply committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle.

As a board member, Jennifer helps guide outreach, education, and awareness initiatives that bring hope, connection, and practical resources to the community. She believes lasting change begins with empathy, open dialogue, and shared understanding—values she strives to bring into every project she supports.

Jennifer continues her advocacy through volunteer work and by sharing her story to let others know they’re not alone.

“Every time we share our stories, we remind others that recovery and hope are possible.”

Ray’s passion for mental health advocacy stems from both professional commitment and personal experience. His collaborations with organizations such asPortsmouth Behavioral Healthcare Services, the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, and the Healthy Portsmouth Coalition focus on supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness and substance use disorders.

“I’ve seen firsthand how trauma and mental health challenges can ripple through families. NAMI gives people a path to hope, recovery, and connection—and I’m honored to help advance that mission.”

As a father and community leader, Ray is deeply committed to ensuring youth and families have access to compassionate, stigma-free mental health resources and education.