The Ryan Bartel Foundation, a Loudoun County-based nonprofit whose mission is to prevent youth suicide, has launched a new Mental Health Advisory Board, as well as added three new members to its Board of Directors.
As a result of the growing mental health crisis among young people, the Ryan Bartel Foundation (RBF) is serving an increasing number of program participants with more acute mental health needs than before. In response, the Foundation has formed a Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) consisting of four mental health professionals, who will advise and support all of the foundation’s upstream youth suicide prevention programs to ensure their optimal success and outreach to the families it serves.
These include the FORTitude for teens mental wellness series and teen support groups, the monthly FORT, the community sources of strength training, as well as the FORTitude for parents monthly panels and support groups.
Members of the inaugural MHAB have expertise serving the K-12 age group and their families and include:
Denisha Hamilton
Licensed clinical social worker, CCATP, director & founder of Journey to Wellness and current Ryan Bartel Foundation Board of Directors member
With her existing experience supporting the Foundation’s programs, along with her passion for helping support our community’s teens, Denisha will chair the new MHAB in its inaugural year.
Dr. Faith James
Ph.D., psychologist and licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, and founder and clinical director of Battlefield Counseling Centers
Faith brings over 25 years of counseling, psychotherapy, and teaching experience, with expertise in helping individuals develop the tools necessary to face the challenges of life, a focus area for the MHAB.
Suchita Palit
Licensed professional counselor, and a student assistance specialist (SAS) with Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)
As a SAS for LCPS, Suchita brings first-hand knowledge of the struggles teens face and the tools and strategies best suited to help them to the MHAB.
Kelly Pollard
MSA, Licensed clinical social worker
Kelly brings more than 25 years of advanced experience delivering direct care to adults and children in individual, group, and family settings to the MHAB.
Learn more about the Mental Health Advisory Board here: ryanbartelfoundation.org/mental-health-advisory-board.
The Board of Directors also welcomes three new members who bring expertise to support the needs of the Foundation and its long-term vision and goals in serving the community.
The new members are:
Director Jenna Sindle
SVP, strategic communications group
A professional marketer and communicator with more than 15 years of experience, Jenna is fully invested in her community and strives to connect people to make the world a little kinder.
Director Alexander Robert Gray
Assistant principal, Loudoun County Public Schools
As a Loudoun County assistant principal, Alexander brings leadership qualities and an understanding of the current student climate to the board.
Director Vito John Germinario
CEO, GPR Inc
Vito’s passion is helping children. He believes that all children should be given every opportunity to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. He dedicates much of his time, energy, and resources to several non-profit organizations, all to benefit children.
Learn more about these new and existing Board Members here: ryanbartelfoundation.org/board-of-directors.
About Ryan Bartel Foundation
Ryan Bartel Foundation is a growing nonprofit located in Loudoun County, Virginia, whose mission is to prevent youth suicide through awareness, upstream educational programs, and activities that support and empower youth, families, and the community at-large. Foundation programs are focused on building acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope.
Visit ryanbartelfoundation.org to learn more.
