Meet Our Team
Casey Caudill is the Mental Health 101 Senior Director oversees the Mental Health 101 program across 35 counties in East Tennessee. With a background in nonprofit management and community engagement, Casey is passionate about promoting practical, everyday approaches to self-care, educating youth, and building strong, connected, resilient communities. Based in the Tri-Cities, Casey lives in Mount Carmel, TN with her husband, Jake, their two children, Acadia and Elias, and their cat, Moo-Moo. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, playing board games, and visiting national parks.
Jay Clark is the Southeast Regional Director, responsible for the 10 counties in the Southeast region of Tennessee. Jay received a Bachelor’s of Science with a major in Psychology, concentrating in cognitive psychology and social sciences. Jay is passionate about mental health advocacy and raising awareness, which is how he found his way into this field. Jay loves the community this position offers and how rewarding the work really is. He brings experience from serving as educator for MHAET before transitioning to this role. Jay believes in the power of early mental health education and intervention for youth, and also support and training for willing parents and professionals. Jay loves comic books, road trips, and being outdoors. At home, he spends his time with his partner Mya and their pets! They have a dog named Ruca, and 2 cats named Sterling and Goose.
Maria Richardson is the East Regional Director of Mental Health 101, overseeing the 14 counties in the East region of Tennessee. Her background includes experience in small business and small non-profit leadership and support. A Knoxville native, Maria has a Bachelor’s degree in Language and World Business, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, friends and cat, Lily. She also loves reading, traveling and salsa dancing.
Mental Health Educators
Cyndi is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, holding bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Sociology. An East Tennessee native, she is passionate about promoting positive mental health and improving the overall wellness of youth in her community. Cyndi is committed to guiding students on their mental health journeys by increasing awareness, encouraging advocacy, and promoting self-care practices. A passionate traveler and published author, Cyndi spends her free time writing, playing pickleball, and creating lasting memories with her husband, three daughters, and extended family and friends.
Grace earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Lee University and is working on her masters degree. She is a graduate student studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling in hopes to become a Licensed Counselor. She has a desire to help trauma victims and is passionate about helping young people get the resources they need to heal and grow. Grace loves grabbing dinner with friends, going to work out classes, and a really good coffee. She keeps the movie theater open and loves going to concerts.
Jacqueline is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has a background in teaching mindfulness-based stress reduction and trauma-informed movement. Jacqueline is passionate about holistic mental health and the importance of empowering our youth through mental health education and skill building. Through MHAET she hopes to increase awareness and share information about mental health and wellness with students of East Tennessee
Janet Hertzog is a Mental Health Educator in Northeast Tennessee. She is a Dean’s List graduate of Milligan College with a B.S. in Elementary Education; certified in grades 1-8 with a minor in Sociology. She earned National Board Certification and enjoyed 25 years as a classroom teacher with 7 years’ experience as an interpreter for deaf students. She is happy to be serving students once again in the role of Mental Health Educator. Janet is married to the wonderful and talented Keith Hertzog. She has two adult children and one adult grandson. She enjoys sewing, reading, walking in area parks and trails, and traveling to places near and far with her husband of 47 years and their feisty dog Gus.
Jenna earned a bachelor’s degree in Cross Cultural Studies from Toccoa Falls College and is working on her second master’s degree. She is a Graduate Student studying Mental Health Counseling with a goal of becoming a Licensed Counselor (LPC). She is passionate about encouraging, educating, and empowering students and their families in mental health awareness and being an advocate for people in their journey of healing. Jenna desires to see dignity restored and communities transformed as greater awareness and support is brought around Mental Health. Jenna lives with her husband, Thomas, and their two children. They can often be found hiking, camping, watching nature documentaries as a family, or hosting a game night with friends. Jenna enjoys early morning walks, photography and writing.
Kendall is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work, with the ultimate aspiration of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has a strong desire to provide therapy to at-risk youth and is passionate about young people and their mental health—always wanting them to reach their fullest potential. Eccentric and creative, Kendall approaches life with a unique perspective that she hopes to share with her future clients. She lives in Knoxville with her partner, Tyler, and their two dogs, Vinny & Nero. She loves reading, crafting, thrifting, and tending to her many indoor plants.
Keith is a Mental Health Educator for the Northeast Region. Keith received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in addition to earning his teaching certification from Milligan College, Tennessee. Keith completed a very successful and gratifying career as a classroom teacher for the Johnson City School System. He then extended his professional leadership skills by serving as a TEAM evaluator for Johnson City Schools and as a Supervisor of Student Teachers and Interns for Milligan University. As a Mental Health Educator, Keith is now enabled to combine his lifelong passion for teaching with his deep desire to increase awareness of mental health issues while promoting mental wellness. Keith lives in Watauga, Tennessee with his wife Janet and his beloved dog, Gus. He has two adult children and one adult grandson. Keith Hertzog is an accomplished photographer who especially enjoys nature and wildlife photography. Keith, Janet and Gus enjoy being outdoors. They can often be found exploring the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee in their RV camper.
Laura is a graduate of High Point University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. She has experience working with children and families through the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and community-based substance use prevention coalitions. Through these roles, Laura has educated youth on topics including coping skills and healthy decision-making. She is passionate about providing young people practical tools and information they can use to support their mental health and overall well-being. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, Lilly and Copper. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and antiquing.
Melissa is a native of South Carolina, where she earned a degree in Education and taught early intervention classes while her husband attended medical school. Although her heart will always be in the Carolina’s, she is thankful to have found purpose and community in the mountains of East Tennessee. Melissa is passionate about destigmatizing mental health conditions and equipping students with the tools and resources necessary to live healthy, productive lives. She lives with her husband (and high school sweetheart), their two children and three dogs. In her free time she enjoys reading, power lifting, listening to podcasts/music and game nights!
