Board
Rhyanne McDade, PHD, CHES
President & CEO
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Dr. Rhyanne McDade was born and raised in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, the First African American self-governing community north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Dr. McDade received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Health Education in spring 2016 from the University of Cincinnati, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northern Kentucky University. Currently Dr. McDade is a full-time faculty member in the School of Kinesiology, Counseling & Rehabilitation Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Dr. McDade current research foci include African American Health Disparities (teen pregnancy, marijuana use and in-school bullying) as well as Mental Health Inequities (e.g. stigma) Present Within the African American Community. Further, Dr. McDade is a passionate mental health advocate. She is an active member with Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southwest Ohio. Moreover, in 2015, Dr. McDade along with Calvin Jones and Lori McDade founded Apple of His Eye Inc., which seeks to assist individuals and communities in achieving optimal health; enhancing overall mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
Lori McDade
Vice President
Lori McDade is a Cincinnati Native, and was raised in Lincoln Heights Ohio. Ms. McDade is an Ordained Minister, and an avid mental health advocate. Ms. McDade has both personal and professional experience in caring for individuals living with severe and persistent mental health conditions. For over 10+ years, Ms. McDade has worked to connect/provide spiritual support services, medical/psychiatric services, supportive housing services, legal advocacy, and transportation services to persons living with persistent mental health conditions. Ms. McDade along with Dr. McDade co-founded Apple of His Eye Inc. in 2015. Currently, Ms. McDade provides both administrative expertise, as well as direct service supports to clients served by Apple of His Eye Inc.
Rebecca Elkins, PhD, CHES, LPTA
Treasurer
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Dr. Rebecca Elkins was born and raised in rural, Appalachian, Brown County, Ohio. As a first-generation college student. Dr. Elkins obtained a Master’s of Science from The Ohio State University in Sport and Exercise and a doctorate in Public Health Education from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Elkins current research agenda focuses on Mental Health (social/emotional well-being, resilience, etc.), and Appalachian Health Disparities. Dr. Elkins continues to develop professionally through opportunities offered by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Additionally, as a mental health advocate for youth and young adults, Dr. Elkins has valuable experience in developing and implementing community-based health promotion and education programs. Further, Dr. Elkins has actively served the university, profession and the community through several leadership positions, including: (1) Program Director for Health Education within the School of Kinesiology, Counseling & Rehabilitation Sciences at Northern Kentucky University and (2) Professional background experience in accounting and finance.
Ashley Edelen, M.Eng./M.Sc.
Secretary
Ashley Edelen was born and raised in Kingfisher Oklahoma. She is now a Cincinnati Ohio Native, as she has resided in the city for the past six years. Ms. Edelen holds a Masters in Engineering from Trier University-Birkenfeld in Germany, and a M.Sc in International Cooperation Policy from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. Ms. Edelen is currently employed as a Sustainability Analyst with Eastern Research Group, Inc. based in Massachusetts. Further, Ms. Edelen has non-profit training experience as a volunteer peer counselor with the Eve Center based in Cincinnati Ohio. Moreover, Ms. Edelen is an avid mental health advocate, with active involvement with National Alliance on Mental Illness and Apple of His Eye Inc.