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Staff Type: Staff

As a Senior Manager for the national office of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) in Chicago, Kimberly leverages her passion for social justice, lived experience, and early career experience as a patient advocate and a corporate partnership manager to establish robust relationships with DBSA’s medical-product development partners. In addition to serving as a senior fundraising manager, Kimberly also supports DBSA’s senior leadership team in its effort to create sustainable strategies toward the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). 

Her work has contributed significantly to growth and sustainability in the organizations’ fundraising pipeline and has helped to solidify DBSA’s reputation as the “trusted source” in the delivery of peer support & mental wellness resources and services.  

A native Chicagoan, Kimberly has over 20 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, and holds a B.A. in Psychology, from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She is also a dedicated mother, daughter, and cat-owner.  

Kimberly and her team work tirelessly to enhance mental health equity, leveraging strategic alliances to amplify their impact.  

 Contact Kimberly by emailing Development@DBSAlliance.org.

As the Digital Communications Manager, Maria focuses on building DBSA’s brand and reputation through digital experiences, social media engagement, and other communications/marketing strategies. She is a firm believer that those who live with a mental health condition can and do lead productive lives with purpose. With her own lived experience, she’s able to bring the peer voice to DBSA’s external and internal communications.

Madhavi’s extensive experience encompasses global humanitarian organizations and corporate social responsibility programs across the U.S., U.K., and India. She has managed program strategy, impact assessment, fundraising, corporate philanthropy, and donor relations. With an MBA, a Bachelor of Science, and credentials in International Development, Madhavi offers an international perspective and cross-sector expertise, driving impactful initiatives within complex philanthropic landscapes.

Her role at DBSA is deeply informed by her personal experience supporting loved ones struggling with substance use and mood disorders. This firsthand understanding enhances her ability to connect with and advocate for those facing mental health challenges.

Madhavi resides with her husband in the suburbs of Chicago, enjoys being in nature, plays Sitar and practices Vipassana meditation. As stepMum to college-going sons, she values family bonds and understands the nuances of guiding young adults through life.

Phoebe coordinates DBSA’s peer specialist courses while supporting the full Peer Support Services team. She worked with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for five years before joining DBSA, and as such, her professional background has so far focused on crisis intervention. She is passionate about the peer support model and looks forward to increasing the availability of peer support services for individuals with mental health challenges. Phoebe earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Iowa.

Victoria serves as the first line of contact for our network of volunteer support groups, chapter leaders, and parents and caregivers. She’s especially passionate about strengthening communities through vulnerability and authenticity to ensure the world is a safe place for everyone to be themselves in.

 

Laura provides administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer, coordinates efforts with the Board of Directors, and assists the Development Manager with donation acknowledgment.

Laura brings many years of experience in the nonprofit and corporate realms, as well as lived experience as the caretaker to family members with mood disorders.

Her passions include Social Commentary photography, big band music, and someday realizing her dream of mastering the lyrics to Hamilton.

Bringing together lived experience navigating cancer, mental health conditions, reproductive health challenges, and complex medical diagnoses with over 15 years of healthcare expertise, Vanessa Joy Walker advances patient-centered healthcare through innovative education and engagement strategies. As a sought-after Healthcare Consultant, Survivorship Expert, and skilled keynote speaker, she collaborates with organizations across the healthcare ecosystem to enhance patient-provider communication, integrate authentic patient voices into initiatives, and develop impactful continuing medical education programs. Her expertise in fostering meaningful dialogue and building resilient cultures benefits clients from healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and corporations focused on workplace wellness. A powerful advocate on Capitol Hill, she works alongside key coalitions to shape healthcare policy and champion patient voices at the national level. She leads Living After Crisis Inc., a non-profit creating spaces for women to build resilience while navigating the complex journey of survivorship and mental health. Her work as co-founder of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition and her current pursuit of an MPH at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health reflects her commitment to systemic healthcare transformation. As the author of “Make Room for Joy” (2020, Cloverleaf) and a contributor to major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, Vanessa’s authentic approach to storytelling and deep understanding of patient experiences makes her a powerful voice for change in healthcare delivery.