OUR TEAM
Our collective commitment powers our work.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RICHARD TAYLOR, JR. (he/him)
Board President
Richard has created an impact over the past decade as a leader and mental health advocate for people around the world. His story of overcoming morbid obesity, depression, multiple suicide attempts, failing in college, and domestic abuse rings a strikes a chord for students and professionals alike. Richard is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in Corporate and Organizational Communication and the Founder of TaylorMade Empowerment.
An author of 7 books and podcast host, his message breaks cultural boundaries and challenges biased social norms. Richard’s goal is to create safe spaces for difficult conversations, encourage empathy in a society that is clouded with apathy, and foster transformation to mental wellness.
An author of 7 books and podcast host, his message breaks cultural boundaries and challenges biased social norms. Richard’s goal is to create safe spaces for difficult conversations, encourage empathy in a society that is clouded with apathy, and foster transformation to mental wellness.
AMANDA PETERS (she/her)
Vice President
Navigating a chronic health condition can be daunting, and even more so when living with an often stigmatized or misunderstood illness.
A fellow traveler, an empathetic ear, practical advice and peer support – these can make all the difference when living with a mental health condition. What’s more, extending the support and resources to family (in all its forms), coworkers, and neighbors creates a broader community of compassion and understanding. With this belief in mind, Amanda is proud to support NAMI Eastside’s commitment to education, advocacy, and opening lines of communication where stigma has traditionally lived. She joined the NAMI Eastside Board of Directors in 2025.
With 20 years of Operations and Client Service experience in the wealth management industry, Amanda’s career has been spent in the Venn diagram that is comprised of organizational identity, goals (near and far term), resources (both financial and person-powered), and impact. She loves to think about the ways in which an organization can differentiate itself in a space and deliver on its promise to its members and community. Amanda is currently the Director of Client Experience at Composition Wealth.
A fellow traveler, an empathetic ear, practical advice and peer support – these can make all the difference when living with a mental health condition. What’s more, extending the support and resources to family (in all its forms), coworkers, and neighbors creates a broader community of compassion and understanding. With this belief in mind, Amanda is proud to support NAMI Eastside’s commitment to education, advocacy, and opening lines of communication where stigma has traditionally lived. She joined the NAMI Eastside Board of Directors in 2025.
With 20 years of Operations and Client Service experience in the wealth management industry, Amanda’s career has been spent in the Venn diagram that is comprised of organizational identity, goals (near and far term), resources (both financial and person-powered), and impact. She loves to think about the ways in which an organization can differentiate itself in a space and deliver on its promise to its members and community. Amanda is currently the Director of Client Experience at Composition Wealth.
AKASH SRIKEWAL (he/him)
Treasurer
Akash is the global Business Strategy Director at Microsoft and leads the Commercial Solution Areas sales strategy. Working across the commercial business, his efforts are directed to improve customer value and experiences, and to drive programs to support global field teams to impact growth and success. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, he as a proven track records of driving sustained incremental growth, and has been awarded Microsoft's most prestigious Platinum and Gold awards.
Akash is passionate about Indian classical music and is a lifelong learner of playing the sitar, to which he accredits his personal growth and resilience. His performances have been described to be soulful and calming. Over the past year Akash has been hosting "Sound baths" to colleagues at Microsoft as a short break away from the daily grind and intense stress.
In his words, "I am honored to be part of such a dedicated and impactful organization. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges. Looking forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of NAMI Eastside! "
Akash is passionate about Indian classical music and is a lifelong learner of playing the sitar, to which he accredits his personal growth and resilience. His performances have been described to be soulful and calming. Over the past year Akash has been hosting "Sound baths" to colleagues at Microsoft as a short break away from the daily grind and intense stress.
In his words, "I am honored to be part of such a dedicated and impactful organization. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges. Looking forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of NAMI Eastside! "
MARGARET ANDERSEN (she/her)
Secretary
Margaret earned a B.A. in American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington. She’s held a diverse range of jobs from volunteer coordinator, human resources, librarian, office manager and school registrar. She spent many years volunteering as an art docent in elementary schools and at Providence Hospital Hospice.
Growing up with family members who dealt with mental illness in silence, Margaret saw how harmful this can be. She realized that staying silent about mental illness perpetuates the stigma and believes that mental health education is vital for everyone’s well-being. Margaret is determined to make a difference and is excited to be a part of NAMI-Eastside and all that it accomplishes.
Growing up with family members who dealt with mental illness in silence, Margaret saw how harmful this can be. She realized that staying silent about mental illness perpetuates the stigma and believes that mental health education is vital for everyone’s well-being. Margaret is determined to make a difference and is excited to be a part of NAMI-Eastside and all that it accomplishes.
DONNA LURIE (she/her)
Board Member
Donna is an attorney and proprietor of Lurie Workplace Solutions. She serves as an independent mediator, arbitrator, trainer and facilitator for companies, agencies and non-profit organizations. While her specialty is in the area of labor and employment law, she helps organizations with communications, problem-solving, team cohesiveness, and human resource issues.
Donna received her B.A. at Pennsylvania State University and her law degree at the University of Wisconsin. Donna has personal connections with those suffering from mental health conditions through family members and through working with individuals in employment settings.
Donna received her B.A. at Pennsylvania State University and her law degree at the University of Wisconsin. Donna has personal connections with those suffering from mental health conditions through family members and through working with individuals in employment settings.
ANNE FITCH (she/her)
Board Member
Anne Fitch graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelors in Liberal Studies Biology and a minor in English. She has spent the majority of her career in the healthcare arena beginning in R&D and moving into sales leadership and consulting. Most recently, she was a Wellbeing and Engagement Consultant at Gallagher, helping employers provide programs and resources to their employees across the full spectrum – not just physical wellness, but social, emotional, financial and even community wellbeing.
Anne is known for being a strategic thinker, a strong communicator and an excellent connector.
Anne is known for being a strategic thinker, a strong communicator and an excellent connector.
Ingrid van Veen (she/her)
Board Member
Ingrid van Veen, originally from the Netherlands, moved to the US in 2005 and is currently an Account Manager at First Tech Federal Credit Union. Known for her customer service skills, thinking outside the box, and getting things done, Ingrid's role involves providing resources to help companies' employees with their financial wellness. Sixty percent of full-time employees are stressed about their financials, which might impact their work, mental health, and overall well-being. Ingrid's passion is to help these employees and the new generation, setting them up for success.
One of her most successful initiatives was creating financial webinars for interns. Ingrid has volunteered for years in the Lake Washington School District as an art and math volunteer and has coached youth soccer and lacrosse for 13 years. Her kids are adults now, and she feels fortunate that she can still make a positive impact on the new generation via her job and NAMI.
One of her most successful initiatives was creating financial webinars for interns. Ingrid has volunteered for years in the Lake Washington School District as an art and math volunteer and has coached youth soccer and lacrosse for 13 years. Her kids are adults now, and she feels fortunate that she can still make a positive impact on the new generation via her job and NAMI.
TASNIM REHAMANI (she/her)
Board Member
Tasnim is a community engagement specialist dedicated to supporting her community through mental health advocacy and service. With a background rooted in her diverse heritage—born to Indian and Ugandan immigrant parents—and shaped by a life spent in Canada, Texas, and Washington, Tasnim currently serves as a Community Engagement Specialist for Connections Health Solutions, a 24/7 Behavioral Crisis Response center.
Tasnim’s commitment to community service has been evident throughout her life. She has taken on various leadership roles within her faith community and volunteered extensively with the City of Kirkland, participating in training programs and community initiatives for over two decades. Recognizing the importance of culturally responsive support, Tasnim uses her fluency in five languages—English, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Hindi—to build connections and strengthen resources for diverse groups.
From a young age, Tasnim has been passionate about the arts. A Bollywood dancer and singer since childhood, she continues to share this joy as an instructor and performer. She finds personal fulfillment in baking, cooking, and traveling, with a particular love for waterfront walks. Tasnim is committed to lifelong learning and continually seeks to make a difference on the Eastside, where she remains devoted to creating a supportive, inclusive community.
Tasnim’s commitment to community service has been evident throughout her life. She has taken on various leadership roles within her faith community and volunteered extensively with the City of Kirkland, participating in training programs and community initiatives for over two decades. Recognizing the importance of culturally responsive support, Tasnim uses her fluency in five languages—English, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Hindi—to build connections and strengthen resources for diverse groups.
From a young age, Tasnim has been passionate about the arts. A Bollywood dancer and singer since childhood, she continues to share this joy as an instructor and performer. She finds personal fulfillment in baking, cooking, and traveling, with a particular love for waterfront walks. Tasnim is committed to lifelong learning and continually seeks to make a difference on the Eastside, where she remains devoted to creating a supportive, inclusive community.
SAMIYA NASIM (she/her)
Board Member
Samiya Nasim is a dedicated mental health advocate committed to making mental healthcare accessible to everyone. Originally from India, her perspective is deeply shaped by both her cultural background and lived experience, fueling her core belief that no one should have to navigate mental health challenges alone.
She brings a strong foundation in grassroots advocacy, having previously founded LonePack, a youth-focused nonprofit that expanded accessibility to mental health services in India. Through her leadership and public speaking engagements, Samiya has consistently championed the creation of safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. After moving to the US, she has extended this commitment to her local community by serving on the Seattle Disabilities Commission, where she actively contributes to initiatives advancing broader accessibility and inclusion.
Professionally, Samiya is a product leader at Amazon, specializing in building personalized, AI-driven experiences. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Samiya is honored to join NAMI Eastside and looks forward to leveraging her intersection of technological expertise, business acumen, and passionate advocacy to support their vital mission.
She brings a strong foundation in grassroots advocacy, having previously founded LonePack, a youth-focused nonprofit that expanded accessibility to mental health services in India. Through her leadership and public speaking engagements, Samiya has consistently championed the creation of safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. After moving to the US, she has extended this commitment to her local community by serving on the Seattle Disabilities Commission, where she actively contributes to initiatives advancing broader accessibility and inclusion.
Professionally, Samiya is a product leader at Amazon, specializing in building personalized, AI-driven experiences. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Samiya is honored to join NAMI Eastside and looks forward to leveraging her intersection of technological expertise, business acumen, and passionate advocacy to support their vital mission.
DR. SAMUEL KANE(he/him)
Board Member
Samuel Kane, Ph.D., is a Clinical Neuropsychologist based in Issaquah, Washington. His practice focuses on helping children, families, and adults better understand mental health concerns, neuropsychological functioning, and learning differences, and on identifying effective, evidence-based interventions and community resources to address these needs.
Dr. Kane has specialized expertise in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and learning disabilities, informed by both professional training and lived experience. Dr. Kane is deeply committed to the belief that strong communities are built through shared understanding, mutual support, and collective advocacy. He is honored to apply his clinical expertise and professional experience in support of the mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Dr. Kane has specialized expertise in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and learning disabilities, informed by both professional training and lived experience. Dr. Kane is deeply committed to the belief that strong communities are built through shared understanding, mutual support, and collective advocacy. He is honored to apply his clinical expertise and professional experience in support of the mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).