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Meet Our New Executive Director
Dear ,
We are excited to announce that Dr. Laura Piel MartΓn has joined our NAMI Cook County North Suburban affiliate as Executive Director. |
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Dr. Laura Piel MartΓn's career is rooted in human rights and grassroots community work, spanning child protection, sexual violence response, and refugee services. Her leadership is grounded in person-centered, evidence-based approaches and a commitment to creating lasting, sustainable change.
Most recently, she served as the Program Manager for a multimillion-dollar UNICEF-supported child protection program, leading multi-site services for refugee children and youth in Poland. In this role, she oversaw multidisciplinary teams, managed large-scale grants and donor partnerships, and directed safeguarding, program evaluation, and trauma-informed service delivery. Throughout her career, she has helped build and strengthen organizations through strategic leadership, grant development, and cross-sector collaboration.
Laura comes to NAMI with both professional and personal investment in mental health. With a multilingual and cross-cultural background, she has spent her career fostering connection and resilience with individuals and families during some of their most challenging moments.
Laura holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of WrocΕaw and a master's degree in International Relations from the University of Chicago. Outside of work, Laura volunteers with YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline, practices fiber arts, and enjoys exploring Chicagolandβs food scene with her husband.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Piel MartΓn as our Executive Director!
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Join Us This Thursday
Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community Webinar: A Virtual Roundtable Discussion
When: Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM β 7:30 PM
Where: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
We are proud to partner with the Evanston Public Library for their Mental Health is Essential Series. Join us for a vital, panel-style conversation exploring key dimensions of the LGBTQIA+ experience - from the personal journey of self-discovery to the unique mental health challenges faced by the community. For more info and registration - click the link below. |
| Register for the Webinar Today |
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Register Now for Family-to-Family Summer Session
When: Saturdays | July 11 - August 29 |10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: Niles Family Service Center (999 Civic Center Dr)
Do You Have a Loved One Living with Mental Illness?
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE, 8-week course for families and close friends of adults living with mental health conditions. This course is taught by trained family members who truly understand what it is like to navigate these challenges. Join the thousands of families who have gained vital information, deep understanding, and an empowering community of support.
What You Will Gain From This Course
Through structured sessions, you will learn about family responses to the trauma of mental illness and receive up-to-date information on serious conditions, including symptoms, medications, and side effects. The course provides a safe space to practice problem-solving skills and communication techniques, develop proactive strategies for handling crises or relapses, and learn how to navigate local community resources. Above all, you will discover how to prioritize your own self-care and cope with daily stress. |
| Join Summer 2026 Session Waitlist |
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NAMIWalks Cook County North Suburban:
New Event Date Announcement Coming Next Week |
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Becoming a Team Captain is one of the most impactful ways to show your support. Itβs your chance to gather your friends, family, or coworkers, start a conversation that could be a beam of light for someone else, and lead the charge toward a stigma-free future. When you walk with NAMI, you finish the day with more energy, inspiration, and connection than when you began. |
| Click Here to Register Your Team or Become a Captain Today |
Questions About Forming a Team?
We are here to help you every step of the way! Reach out to our walk coordinator, Jackie Smolyar by email at: jsmolyar@namiccns.org |
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Save the Date and Register Today: Fore Pete's Sake 3rd Annual Golf Outing & Banquet
When: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
Where: Tam Golf Course, 6700 W Howard St, Niles, IL 60714
Since 2024, this event has brought our community together to celebrate the life of Peter Krol. Join us for a 9-hole golf game followed by a celebratory banquet, with all proceeds supporting NAMI CCNS mental health education and support programs. |
| Register Here for Peter Krol Golf Outing & Banquet |
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Help Us Continue to Serve Our Community
Your financial contribution directly supports our mission to improve the lives of persons and their families affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and research. Everything we do at NAMI CCNS is only possible because of people like you. On behalf of the NAMI CCNS Team and those that we serve - thank you for being a vital part of our community!
To make a donation, click the button below. |
| Donate Today |
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