Erin Brindle, LPC, ATR-BC, MA

Cody, WY

Bio: Erin Brindle, LPC, ATR-BC, MA, is an art therapist and licensed professional counselor offering counseling to adults and adolescents with a desire to achieve potential and overcome trauma, anxiety, and depression in Wyoming.

In addition to counseling, Erin facilitates Art Therapy workshops for artists to envision and create while fostering an arts community. She facilitates day and weekend retreats for small groups.

Erin is honored to be with people and has led healing groups like Celebrate Recovery. She believes in healing through movement in the outdoors as a skier, cyclist, and hiker loving the region's wilderness areas.

Victor Ashear, PhD

Sheridan, WY

Bio: Victor is a retired psychologist who worked for about 35 years at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan. Most of his work there was in assisting Vets with serious mental illness. Dr. Ashear published a workbook, “Self-Acceptance: The Key to Recovery from Mental Illness.” Dr. Ashear has published research supporting his approach to recovery. Dr. Ashear served on the NAMI WY Board previously from about 2012-2016. He main focus on the NAMI WY Board is in securing funding and hiring an executive director. He helped establish the NAMI affiliate in Sheridan where he lives with his wife.

Roy Walworth

Evanston, WY

Bio: I am a retired priest of the Episcopal Church, having served several churches in southwestern Wyoming over the past 20 or so years. I am married with two grown children. I have been associated with mental health issues through my work as a pastor, by way of my wife’s work as a psychiatric nurse (R.N.) and also that of my daughter who is a direct care work in a mental health group home. I currently reside in Evanston, Wyoming, doing mostly volunteer work. I enjoy cooking, music, gardening, camping and being with people engaging in the exchange of ideas.

Maureen Barnes

Casper, WY

Bio: Maureen Barnes is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loves without measure. Maureen has worked for Advancing Abilities for 10 years doing respite care and vacation times for the providers of the company. Maureen’s oldest daughter was brain injured at birth. That explains why she is so passionate about mental illness and how it affects everyone in the family. Having lived experience is why people trust her to listen to their stories to see if she has any advice or direction to send them for the help they need. Maureen is honored to serve on the board so she can leave a footprint for others to follow.

Sandra Hollenback

Gillette, WY

Bio: Coming Soon

Tyler Smathers, LCSW

Bridger Valley, WY

Bio: Tyler is a Wyoming native that grew up in Casper. Currently, he lives in Bridger Valley and works at the Wyoming State Hospital as a licensed clinical social worker. His passion for mental health advocacy comes from his own lived experiences. When he was a young college student, he experienced some mental health concerns and was eventually diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

Tyler’s journey taught him to be more empathetic and caring towards others. His life calling is to advocate for mental health causes that lessen stigma. Tyler’s mission is to show that people with mental illness can have happy, productive, and meaningful lives. Part of living with mental illness is finding self-care activities that help alleviate stress. He loves to fish and enjoys the great opportunities this unique state has for outdoor recreation.

Thea Farrington

Cody, WY

Bio: Thea Farrington is the founder of Heart to Heart – WY. Heart to Heart is a 501c3 non-profit that works with youth and young adults with mental illness. Thea also started a program in Park County, WY, Kema’s Closet, that offers clothes to individuals that can’t afford clothes. This program is 100% confidential. After hearing “horror” stories from some of her clients, Thea has decided to return to college to get a master's in Psychology in hopes of becoming a therapist or psychologist. Thea’s non-profit offers several after-school programs to youth. Thea is excited to be surrounded by individuals that are as passionate about mental health as she is. Thea is a Youth Mental Health First Aid Responder and a Six-Sigma Black Belt.

Donna Caress

 Gillette, WY

Bio: Donna is a long time resident of Wyoming and knows many people with PTSD and head injury caused mental illnesses, and understands the struggles. Donna suffered from PTSD herself, along with having five surgeries after a fatal motor vehicle accident in 2011. She has two beautiful daughters, and seven grandchildren. Donna's oldest daughter was diagnosed with mental illness at the age of twelve. Donna understands how mental illness affects all family members. I have joined, and am honored to be on the board of NAMI to learn and improve family dynamics for patients, their families and friends. Learning and teaching how to better work together towards a healthy mental life and happiness for all.

Vicki Swensen

Bio: Coming Soon