Our Team

Eliza (she/her) is a writer, national trainer, speaker, curriculum developer, and advocate. Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, her role at NAMI Mass was Deputy Director of Programs, overseeing all programming for the organization, including peer, family and community education programs, as well as the Compass Helpline. Eliza has worked in the non-profit sector in Massachusetts for over two decades, supporting and advocating for people and families with life interrupting challenges: trauma, mental health conditions, problems with substances, being unhoused and systems of oppression. This work, in addition to her own lived experience, has shaped Eliza’s lifelong passion for social justice, equity and amplifying the voices of those most marginalized. As a queer woman whose young adult life was interrupted by her own mental health struggles and the associated discrimination, Eliza knows firsthand the way that mental health systems can help as well as do harm. At NAMI Mass, Eliza leads a team that strives to develop and offer programs and supports that honor the experiences, dignity, and humanity of each member of our community. Eliza holds a Master of Education with a focus in Conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, both from Lesley University. Outside of NAMI, Eliza is lead trainer for the state’s Certified Peer Specialist training through the Kiva Centers. In her free time, you’ll find Eliza submerged in the Atlantic Ocean, dancing with her wife in their kitchen or chasing her dogs, Nelson and Clementine.

To contact our Executive Director, please email executive@namimass.org.

Ilya Cherkasov (he/him) is a Senior Manager of Education and Support at NAMI Massachusetts. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Ethics and Public Policy from Suffolk University. Eight years ago, Ilya’s own and his family’s encounters with mental health challenges led him to NAMI. Ilya is a trained NAMI FSG facilitator, F2F teacher and Basics teacher. In his work he assists over 200 family education and support program leaders in Massachusetts with delivering NAMI signature programs to communities across the state. Ilya is deeply committed to the NAMI mission and finds huge reward in seeing the organization’s strength grow. Among other things, he embraces the principles found in the Stoic teachings.

Courtney (she/her) is the Program Coordinator, Community Education & Outreach at NAMI Massachusetts. She recently graduated from Clark University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. During college, she was involved with various wellness initiatives on campus. She served as a peer advisor for the counseling center, brought NAMI Mass presentations to her campus through the Wellness Ambassador program, and worked with the study abroad office to hold “Wellness While Abroad” events. Before joining the NAMI Mass staff team in 2024, she spent over four years as a speaker in NAMI Mass’ community education programs, including “In Our Own Voice,” “Ending the Silence,” and “Allies for Student Mental Health”. She also served on the NAMI Mass Central Middlesex Affliate’s Board of Directors in 2021. Her connection to NAMI’s mission stems from her own mental health recovery as an adolescent, which she publicly shares through NAMI Mass programs. She is particularly passionate about mental health education in schools and amplifying stories of hope and resilience to younger populations. Outside of NAMI, Courtney enjoys outdoor walks, traveling to new places, crocheting, singing, cooking, and spending time with dogs, especially her two yorkies.

Jill (she/her) is the Director of the Compass Helpline at NAMI Massachusetts, where she leads a small but dedicated team of Compass Navigators. Before coming to NAMI Mass in 2016, Jill worked for more than 10 years in information & referral and peer and family support roles. Jill brings decades of experience navigating service systems for herself, family, and friends, and is grateful for the opportunity to support others in their journey. Jill is an advocate for harm reduction-based approaches in care and the belief that people are the experts on their own lives. She is passionate about suicide prevention and the idea that safe, adequate, and affordable housing is an essential part wellness. Jill finds restoration in time spent with her son, well-organized spaces, and the occasional misguided adventure.

Andrew (he/him), Compass Navigator, was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He earned his law degree and Master’s in Public Health from Emory University. After working as an attorney for many years, he had a significant mental health crisis and decided that he needed to use his experience to help other people overcome the stigma and shame that is often associated with mental illness. Andrew joined the Compass team in July 2021.

To contact our Programs department, please email programs@namimass.org.

Looking for resources? contact Compass directly for the quickest response. Call Compass at 617-704-6264 or email us at compass@namimass.org. Learn more about the NAMI Mass Compass Helpline.

Jacqueline Hubbard, Esq. (she/her) is the Deputy Director of Policy, Advocacy, & Communications. In this role, Jacqueline facilitates internal discussions and decision making on our policy/advocacy positions, coordinates our engagement with key leaders, legislators, statewide coalitions, and commissions, and supports the development of our positions on critical social issues related to mental health at the state and federal level. Before joining NAMI Mass, Jacqueline worked as a Public Policy Fellow with United States Senator Patty Murray, a Public Policy Analyst with the National Disability Rights Network, Chief of Staff to State Senator Barry Finegold, and a Staff Attorney with the Disability Law Center. In these roles, Jacqueline authored multiple published reports on a variety of disability rights issues. As a sibling of an autistic twin and an individual with lived experience of trauma, Jacqueline has a deep passion for using policy/advocacy work to elevate the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequities and who often face violations of their human rights. Jacqueline holds a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law and a B.A. from Iona University. In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys traveling, reading, and admiring the ocean, but her greatest happiness comes from spending time with her family, especially her husband, Anthony, and their cat, Artemis.

Sophia (She/Her) is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at NAMI Massachusetts. She graduated in 2021 from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Public Communications. Before coming to NAMI Mass, she was a legislative aide at the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where she provided constituent services, researched legislative policy, and organized communications for the office. Sophia was drawn to NAMI’s strong messaging and advocacy work in Massachusetts, and she is passionate about strengthening access to mental health resources. In her free time, Sophia enjoys hosting her book club, playing with her cat, going to concerts, and baking.

As the Criminal Justice Diversion Coordinator at NAMI Massachusetts, Josh (he/him) works to prevent the unnecessary arrest and incarceration of people with mental health conditions. He comes to NAMI from organizations whose missions addressed food insecurity, economic mobility, and educational inequity, and is passionate about striving for systemic change by empowering those closest to the issues. With a Master’s in Social Sciences, Josh is interested in the ways in which social institutions affect individuals and perpetuate inequality. Outside of work, Josh is an avid soccer and basketball fan, spends time in nature, and enjoys discovering new indie, jazz, and hip-hop musicians.

To contact our Policy, Advocacy, & Communications department, please email policy@namimass.org.

Gayle is the Director of Finance at NAMI Massachusetts. She supports the organization through strong collaborative financial management and is responsible for budgeting, reporting and analysis, and the implementation of best financial practices. Gayle’s approach involves coaching and bringing an analytical/financial lens to decision making across operational and strategic initiatives. Gayle brings with her a varied set of experiences from for-profit, nonprofit, and education organizations. She has held roles in Finance, System Implementation, Strategic Planning and Executive Leadership. Gayle is a yoga enthusiast. She loves a challenge and strives to learn something new every day.

To contact our Finance department, please email finance@namimass.org.

Cas (she/her/ella) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management alongside an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts. Her professional journey has been shaped by her background in customer service, where she honed her interpersonal skills. She is also fluent in Spanish. Drawn to NAMI Mass by her own life’s trials, Cas remains a steadfast and hardworking individual, finding solace and joy in the company of her beloved children and family.

To contact our Operations department, please email operations@namimass.org.

Cynthia (she/her) has extensive experience in mission-driven organizations, particularly in development. She is passionate about supporting organizations focused on mental health and education. With a master’s in special education, Cynthia has long been an advocate for children and adolescents with special needs and mental health challenges. A a self-proclaimed “soccer mom”, she loves spending her free time cheering on her son at soccer games and managing the busy life of a mom to two teenage boys.

To contact our Development department, please email development@namimass.org.