Hello everyone. My name is Elsa Tamayo, current CSUMB student and intern for Nonprofit Connection Santa Cruz County. I am excited to share some exciting news from the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Santa Cruz County (NAMI-SCC)! Noeli Perez has been appointed as the new Executive Director, taking the helm following Therese Adams’ retirement after six impactful years with the organization.
Noeli, a proud native of Watsonville, California, has a deep-rooted passion for supporting her local community. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a focus on Women’s Studies from California State University, Monterey Bay, and has spent the last eight years in the nonprofit sector—five of which she dedicated to NAMI-SCC.
Most recently, Noeli served as the associate director, where she collaborated closely with Therese Adams to oversee NAMI-SCC’s diverse range of programs. Her leadership has been pivotal in expanding these initiatives to better serve the Santa Cruz County community. Notably, Noeli has championed the implementation of culturally responsive mental health support in Spanish, ensuring that resources are accessible to all.
Her commitment to equity and compassion has transformed NAMI-SCC into a supportive haven for individuals facing mental health challenges. Under her guidance, many have transitioned from feeling overwhelmed to empowered, equipped with the knowledge and resources to navigate their journeys.
Noeli is not just a leader; she is a collaborative thinker who has forged strong partnerships with local agencies, community groups, funders, and families. These relationships have significantly broadened NAMI-SCC’s reach, enabling the organization to support even more youth and adults affected by mental illness.
Exciting times lie ahead for NAMI-SCC, and we look forward to seeing how Noeli’s vision and leadership will further enhance the support available to our community. Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives!
Learn more about Noeli and NAMI-SCC by getting involved!
Donate: Visit NAMI’s Donate website page to make a gift and change a life today.
Volunteer: Visit NAMI’s Volunteer page to get involved by facilitating classes, sharing your story, and assisting with administrative tasks.