OUR TEAM
Our collective commitment powers our work.
STAFF
MARC OOMMEN (he/him)
Executive Director
Marc graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Law, Diversity, and Justice. After graduating, he worked for several years in marketing and program management for an organization dedicated to advancing the public purpose of higher education through student civic engagement. Marc has also worked and volunteered in politics, and is passionate about advocating for policies that help people access resources.
Marc comes to NAMI Eastside after working for the state government where he helped folks navigate unemployment insurance during the pandemic. He is excited to join the NAMI team and to be a part of an organization on the frontlines of destigmatizing mental illness and providing important resources to the community.
Marc comes to NAMI Eastside after working for the state government where he helped folks navigate unemployment insurance during the pandemic. He is excited to join the NAMI team and to be a part of an organization on the frontlines of destigmatizing mental illness and providing important resources to the community.
DEIDRA MYERS (she/her)
Director of Programs
Deidra Burke, MSW, LSWAIC, is a passionate advocate for mental health access and community well-being. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Brescia University and is pursuing licensure as a Licensed Social Worker alongside a Doctorate in Social Work. Her dedication to lifelong learning drives her mission to foster meaningful, sustainable change in communities.
Deidra has built her career bridging mental health gaps through creative, culturally responsive, and community-centered approaches. Before NAMI Eastside, she worked at a statewide nonprofit on youth programming and advocacy, supporting program development, creating inclusive trainings for adults and youth, and partnering across Washington to tackle barriers for young people and families.
She infuses her work with warmth, curiosity, and a strong commitment to equity, believing in the power of community, storytelling, and connection to promote healing and transformation.
Outside work, Deidra enjoys movies, reading, nature, and time with her four children, bringing the same creativity, compassion, and joy to her personal life as she seeks ways to uplift others and strengthen communities.
Deidra has built her career bridging mental health gaps through creative, culturally responsive, and community-centered approaches. Before NAMI Eastside, she worked at a statewide nonprofit on youth programming and advocacy, supporting program development, creating inclusive trainings for adults and youth, and partnering across Washington to tackle barriers for young people and families.
She infuses her work with warmth, curiosity, and a strong commitment to equity, believing in the power of community, storytelling, and connection to promote healing and transformation.
Outside work, Deidra enjoys movies, reading, nature, and time with her four children, bringing the same creativity, compassion, and joy to her personal life as she seeks ways to uplift others and strengthen communities.
ALONDRA TORRES (she/they)
Education and Training Manager
Alondra Torres graduated from the University of Washington with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. She is passionate about integrating these fields to explore how social and cultural factors affect mental health in marginalized communities.
Before joining NAMI Eastside, Alondra worked at a nonprofit, leading mental health support groups, workshops, and advocacy for BIPOC, rural, tribal, and Latine/Spanish-speaking communities in Washington state. As a daughter of immigrants, this role allowed her to combat stigma in similar populations. She also facilitated bilingual education in an OSPI-funded program to build academic identity, growth, and confidence among Latine youth.
Alondra is eager to apply her expertise at NAMI Eastside, promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access in East King County. Outside work, she lives in Seattle with her partner and their 5-year-old dog, Mya, and enjoys hiking, time by the water, and reading.
Before joining NAMI Eastside, Alondra worked at a nonprofit, leading mental health support groups, workshops, and advocacy for BIPOC, rural, tribal, and Latine/Spanish-speaking communities in Washington state. As a daughter of immigrants, this role allowed her to combat stigma in similar populations. She also facilitated bilingual education in an OSPI-funded program to build academic identity, growth, and confidence among Latine youth.
Alondra is eager to apply her expertise at NAMI Eastside, promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access in East King County. Outside work, she lives in Seattle with her partner and their 5-year-old dog, Mya, and enjoys hiking, time by the water, and reading.
MIRANDA CATSAMBAS (she/they)
Community Engagement Coordinator
Miranda Catsambas holds a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University, a Graduate Certificate in Multi-Religious Studies from Starr King School for the Ministry, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Smith College. She brings experience in community outreach, volunteer coordination, and operations across nonprofit and civic organizations, including LGBTQ+ community centers focused on supporting the mental health and advocacy development of queer youth, as well as climate change and human rights organizations. Her work has spanned volunteer management, coalition-building with non-traditional partners, event coordination, and translating systems and information into accessible resources for the communities she serves.
Miranda is passionate about mental health equity and the power of community connection to facilitate healing and belonging. She is a certified Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitator and has served as a volunteer Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Seattle, where she worked to make the discrimination complaint process more understandable for residents. She currently volunteer co-leads The People's Echo, a healing-centered song collective that brings community members together through music and storytelling around themes of nature and social justice. Outside work, Miranda enjoys cooking, dancing, and hanging out with dear friends. She grew up in the D.C. area and is a proud Greek-American and queer community member. Miranda lives with her wife and their Havanese dog, Penny.
Miranda is passionate about mental health equity and the power of community connection to facilitate healing and belonging. She is a certified Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitator and has served as a volunteer Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Seattle, where she worked to make the discrimination complaint process more understandable for residents. She currently volunteer co-leads The People's Echo, a healing-centered song collective that brings community members together through music and storytelling around themes of nature and social justice. Outside work, Miranda enjoys cooking, dancing, and hanging out with dear friends. She grew up in the D.C. area and is a proud Greek-American and queer community member. Miranda lives with her wife and their Havanese dog, Penny.
ROMY ROMERO (she/her)
Community Support Manager
Romy Romero, a Peruvian immigrant mother, is deeply committed to the sustainable development of the Latino community. She currently serves as a Community Support Manager at NAMI Eastside.
In 2019, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, an achievement that allowed her to gain valuable experience in the demanding technology industry.
Over the past three years, Romy has worked tirelessly to develop and lead community engagement and mental health education programs designed to create measurable outcomes and lasting impact, empowering the community to grow and thrive on a strong foundation of mental health recovery and long-term well-being.
In 2019, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, an achievement that allowed her to gain valuable experience in the demanding technology industry.
Over the past three years, Romy has worked tirelessly to develop and lead community engagement and mental health education programs designed to create measurable outcomes and lasting impact, empowering the community to grow and thrive on a strong foundation of mental health recovery and long-term well-being.
LAURA FOLMAR (she/her)
Marketing Manager
With a BFA in Graphic Design from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado, Laura brings over nine years of experience in marketing and design. Passionate about using creativity as a tool for impact, they are dedicated to educating, reducing stigma, and fostering meaningful conversations around mental health within the community.
Through strategic branding, compelling storytelling, and innovative design, Laura strives to create work that not only informs but also inspires positive change. At NAMI Eastside, Laura is committed to contributing to the organization’s mission in a meaningful way by using their expertise to amplify awareness, engage the community, and support those affected by mental health conditions.
By developing thoughtful and impactful campaigns, they aim to help break down barriers, encourage open conversations, and ensure that NAMI’s resources and advocacy efforts reach those who need them most.
Through strategic branding, compelling storytelling, and innovative design, Laura strives to create work that not only informs but also inspires positive change. At NAMI Eastside, Laura is committed to contributing to the organization’s mission in a meaningful way by using their expertise to amplify awareness, engage the community, and support those affected by mental health conditions.
By developing thoughtful and impactful campaigns, they aim to help break down barriers, encourage open conversations, and ensure that NAMI’s resources and advocacy efforts reach those who need them most.
JASON CUNNINGHAM (he/him)
Operations Manager
Jason comes to NAMI Eastside with an immense amount of empathy for people suffering from mental health conditions. He has nearly a decade of experience working in nonprofit spaces, from political campaigning, to fundraising for nonprofit organizations.
Jason provides operational and Event Management for NAMI Eastside. He brings an all-around ‘do what it takes’ mentality to his work, which is appreciated. He is excited to help bring awareness and equity to people with mental health conditions.
Jason provides operational and Event Management for NAMI Eastside. He brings an all-around ‘do what it takes’ mentality to his work, which is appreciated. He is excited to help bring awareness and equity to people with mental health conditions.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID INSTRUCTORS
AMANDA CASTILLO (she/her)
Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Amanda Castillo is proud to serve as an AmeriCorps Member at NAMI Eastside, where she trains and empowers others as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
With a Master’s degree in Environmental Health from the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico, Amanda combines her academic expertise with a deep passion for community well-being. She has held leadership roles, facilitated support and leadership groups, and participated in family engagement initiatives—experiences that reflect her dedication to empowering families and fostering inclusive, supportive communities. Over the years, she has also earned certifications in multiple areas of mental health and advocacy, further strengthening her ability to provide meaningful support to individuals and families.
Amanda’s AmeriCorps service is guided by her belief that mental health support should be accessible to everyone. By bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, she builds trust, uplifts families, and helps reduce stigma.
“Being part of NAMI’s mission and serving as an AmeriCorps Member allows me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, and I am honored to contribute to a cause so close to my heart.”