Directors
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Nancy Eigel-Miller, OCPSA (she/her)
Founder and Executive Director
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Tricia Buchert, M.Ed. (she/her)
Chief Program Officer
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Sara Utecht, M.A., LPC, OCPSA (she/her)
School Program Director
Nancy Eigel-Miller, OCPSA (she/her)
Founder and Executive Director
NANCY EIGEL-MILLER – Founder and Executive Director
Nancy founded the James W. Miller Memorial Fund in 2010 after losing her husband, Jim, to suicide in 2008. She spent her career in the marketing/market research arena but felt compelled to foster education about the mental health crisis among our youth population. Her mission is to normalize conversation about mental illness, especially among the area’s youth.
Email: nancy_miller@1N5.org
Phone: 513.607.7434
Favorite 1N5 Project: Working in the schools
What you like most about 1N5: All the people I meet; the passion for the work; the youth and working with them
Wish for 1N5: We are in all of the schools in Greater Cincinnati
How you start your day: Meditating
Favorite Sport: Xavier University Basketball
Super Power You Wish You Had: Time Travel
Family: Two amazing daughters, Elizabeth who lives in Philadelphia working in the juvenile defense arena and Kate who lives in NYC and works in the fashion industry.
Tricia Buchert, M.Ed. (she/her)
Chief Program Officer
TRICIA BUCHERT – Chief Program Officer
Tricia is a licensed special educator, school counselor, and former K–12 administrator with over 30 years of experience in public education. She has a deep passion for service, and is dedicated to supporting individuals in becoming their best selves. Tricia’s work is grounded in empathy, connection, and lifelong learning.
Email: tricia_buchert@1N5.org
Phone: 513.252.1536
What do you do at 1N5? Help to manage our school, community, and workplace programs
What do you like about working at 1N5? That we all have such a passion for this work, it is a positive and uplifting environment
What is on your wish list for the next 5 years with 1N5? That as our team grows we continue to create a culture of joy, hard work, and accomplishment and that we can build into our work more systems that help us to expand our reach
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spend time with family and friends, read, cook, and take walks
How to you like to start your day: I meditate every morning, and then have coffee and read or listen to a podcast.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life: My divorce and my mom’s battle with cancer and her passing
Family: I have 2 sons: Tom (21) who is a senior at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY and plays on the golf team (his favorite activity), and Vince (18) will be a freshman at UC (CCM) this fall. He plays guitar (his favorite activity). My partner – Scott Tanguay has a place in Florida (Destin area) so we spend time together there. I have two sisters, Bridget who is in Columbus and Julie who is also in Cincinnati – we are very close and spend lots of time together. My dad is in Michigan and my brother, Jim, and I love to travel to see them.
Sara Utecht, M.A., LPC, OCPSA (she/her)
School Program Director
SARA UTECHT – School Program Director
Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educator who has worked as a school counselor, high school assistant principal, and college adjunct instructor. Sara understands the increasing need for conversation around mental health and suicide prevention education and is passionate about a holistic approach to wellness for all people.
Email: sara_utecht@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What do you do at 1N5? At 1N5, I partner with schools, students, caregivers, and educators to bring mental health and wellness practices to life – helping to create happier, healthier communities.
What does a typical workday look like for you: No two days are the same (which I love!) – you’ll find me listening, learning, and getting curious about creative solutions.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Outside of work, I love spending time with my big westside Cincinnati family, walking with my Labrador Retriever, Polly, lots of gardening, exploring National Parks, and trying out new restaurants.
How do you like to start your day? I’m a morning person who starts the day with coffee on the couch and 20 minutes with a good book before heading out the door.
If you were an animal, what would you be? A hummingbird. They float from spot to spot representing love and light, joy, and beauty. They are always on the lookout for a yummy treat (like me).
Programs
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Ashley Gray (she/her)
Community Program Manager
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Bec Buist (she/her)
Program Manager
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Christine Browner, M.Ed., RN, OCPS (she/her)
Program Director
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Katie Bruening, MSW, RA (she/her)
Youth Programs and Training Manager
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Kelly Barry, M.S., CHES, NBC-HWC, OCPSA (she/her)
Senior Program Manager, Corporate
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Khila Fields (she/her)
Training Specialist
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Mike Mizer, RA (he/him)
Program Manager - Kentucky
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Stacey Jones (she/her)
School Program Manager
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Stu Holt (he/him)
Program Manager
Ashley Gray (she/her)
Community Program Manager
Meet Ashley, Community Program Manager at 1N5. With over 5+years of relationship-building expertise, Ashley is on a mission to champion mental health awareness. As the New Community Program Manager at 1N5, Ashley leads initiatives to foster mental health awareness and break down stigmas surrounding mental health. Outside of work, Ashley treasures family time with their spouse, two children, and beloved dog, often found exploring the Cincinnati Zoo or enjoying walks in the park during their favorite season, Summer. She is also a proud Alumnus of Central State University! Go Marauders!
What do you do at 1N5? As the Community Program Manager, I lead efforts to break down the barriers surrounding mental health and promote awareness that everyone has mental health. My role involves bringing crucial information to the forefront of people’s minds and sharing important facts about mental health with our community and providing them the space to ask questions
What do you like most about 1N5? The people I work with and the people that I meet in the community.
What are your hopes for our industry? That Mental Health would be a part of the conversation just like physical health; No stigma just a fluid conversation. Like: How is your day? How’s your mental health today?
What is one self care practice you are currently trying to make a habit? YOGA!
How do you prefer to start day? SLOW! With a walk around the neighborhood.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? To be able to turn my brain off; that has to be a superpower.
Family: I come from a big family, 4 boys and 4 girls so holidays are fun! My immediate family loves to go to parks, and spend time with family and friends. They are full or joy, laughter and full of personality. Music is apart of our DNA so on any given day you can hear singing, children making beautiful noise on the piano, the trumpet playing and guitar.
Email: ashley_gray@1N5.org
Phone: 513.857.2303
Bec Buist (she/her)
Program Manager
Bec joined the 1N5 team in October, 2023. She started her career as a Registered Nurse before retraining as a Mental Health Counselor in her homeland of Australia. Before settling in Cincinnati she lived in Dubai and France where she was involved in a range of mental health education and advocacy roles. Though trained as a clinician she is particularly interested in mental health promotion and prevention, and hopes for a future where we talk about mental health as openly and easily as physical health. When not at 1N5 she can be found promoting the mental well-being of fellow expatriate partners, struggling to learn French, and painting rocks!
Email: bec_buist@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What does a typical workday look like for you? Out and about in schools sharing information and resources on mental health, having great conversations and reducing stigma.
How did you first learn about 1N5? Or what drew you in? I first came across 1N5 at a community mental health event. To be honest their name 1N5 and colorful logo caught my eye. Once I saw people crowded around spinning the mental health wellness wheel I just needed to know more.
What are your hopes for the future of mental health? That one day everyone will talk about mental health with the same knowledge and comfort as physical health. Even better, there is no need to distinguish between mental and physical health but rather it’s just all” health”!
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? “Be the change you want to see in this world” Gandhi, though sadly he didn’t tell me directly.
Which season is your favorite? I love Fall! We have autumn in Australia( it’s March, April, May) but the contrast in temperatures isn’t as great, gum trees are evergreen and no one’s ever heard of pumpkin spice.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Being able to teleport so I can visit friends and family around the world in seconds.
Family: We are a family of four from “The Land Down Under”(Australia) who have had the great privilege of living in several regions of the world including North America, The Middle East and Europe. We feel absolutely blessed to have been welcomed into the lives of people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Our family includes the “desert dog” (born in Dubai) and “The Expat cat” (an Aussie shelter rescue that has now lived in 4 countries and has his own passport).
Christine Browner, M.Ed., RN, OCPS (she/her)
Program Director
CHRISTINE BROWNER – Program Director
Christine joined the team in June 2020. She comes to 1N5 with a background in rare disease, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse advocacy. Through personal and professional experiences, Christine has developed a deep passion for issues surrounding mental health.
Email: christine_browner@1N5.org
Phone: 513.382.6095
Favorite 1N5 Project: The #iam1N5 project. I am inspired by every person who shares their story and struggles. I learn something each time.
What 3 words best describe 1N5: Committed, Collaborative and Community-focused
What is your hope for the future regarding mental health: That every state recognizes the importance of supporting our children’s mental health with legislation that requires mental health education within schools.
How do you handle a bad day: I go for a run. It never fails to turn my mood around.
First Concert: Bruce Springteen back in the 80’s.
Super Power You Wish You Had: Teleportation. I would love the ability to move instantaneously from one location to another.
Family: My husband, John, and I live in Cincinnati with our five children ages 15-22. We love to travel, cook, and ski together.
Katie Bruening, MSW, RA (she/her)
Youth Programs and Training Manager
KATIE BRUENING – Youth Programs and Training Manager
Katie joined the 1N5 team in May 2023. Her previous experience in school social work and counseling has reinforced her passion for mental health awareness and advocacy, social emotional learning, and trauma informed practice. Outside of work, Katie is the proud mom of her beloved 7lb dog, Cliff, and (too) many houseplants. Katie is committed to changing the landscape of mental health education and services in schools and beyond!
Email: katie_keiser@1N5.org
Phone: 513.490.3475
What do you do at 1N5: As the Youth Programs and Training Manager, I act as a resource for youth, school staff, and caregivers on mental health and mental illness. I work extensively with all youth driven initiatives, which includes overseeing the Sources of Strength programming in our partner schools and facilitating the Youth Council for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
What do you like about working at 1N5: I like working at 1N5 because I am surrounded by people who inspire and motivate me every day.
What are 3 words to describe 1N5: Mission-driven. Collaborative. Innovative.
Do you have a hidden talent: I am a classically trained vocalist and flautist (flute)! I studied both for over 10 years through elementary, middle, and high school.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and who was it from: A very wise mentor and friend once told me that, “you can’t do better until you know better”. This has stuck with me as a reminder to always maintain an open mind and remain curious so that I can continue to grow as a professional and a person.
What’s your go-to karaoke song: Dancing Queen by ABBA…always brings down the house.
Family: I live in the Oakley neighborhood of Cincinnati with my partner, Joey and my dog, Cliff. I spend a lot of time with my mom and grandmother, who both live very close by. My younger sister, who is also my very best friend, lives in Chicago, which means that we take frequent road trips to visit! I’m very grateful to also have so many cousins, aunts and uncles in Cincinnati that make my life so much fun.
Kelly Barry, M.S., CHES, NBC-HWC, OCPSA (she/her)
Senior Program Manager, Corporate
KELLY BARRY – Senior Program Manager
Kelly is a Certified Health Education Specialist with over 15 years of experience designing and leading workplace wellness initiatives across corporate, healthcare, nonprofit, and educational settings. With a background in public health and a passion for mental health promotion, Kelly brings a systems-level perspective to her work—focusing on sustainable strategies that support both individual well-being and organizational culture. She believes mental health education belongs everywhere people live, learn, and work, and is committed to building environments where conversations around mental health are normalized, inclusive, and actionable.
Email: kelly_barry@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What do you like about working at 1N5: I’m so proud to be a part of the important work 1N5 is doing, particularly in the space of normalizing conversations around mental health and mental illness. These conversations help create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and hopefully empowered to tap into resources.
What your hopes for the area in which we work: Mental illness is the result of multilevel influences: internal, relational, community, organizational, policy, etc. We have to have a systemic approach; school, communities, and corporations are just the start as we work to impact lasting change
What are 3 words to describe 1N5: Passionate, Compassionate, Evidence-based
Favorite Cookie: Cookies are my love language! I will eat any bakery cookie, Because I’m 5 at heart I prefer them iced, bonus points for sprinkles!
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be: To pause time, I’d probably use it to sleep. 🙂
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day: It probably depends on the type of bad day. Most of the time going for a walk and listening to a good book or music can help give me a boost, clarification, or just out of my head depending on what I’m needing that day. And sometimes connecting with someone helps me feel seen and gives me perspective. I try to start by asking myself “what do I need right now”.
Family: I’ve been married to my husband, Matt, for almost 14 years. We moved to Cincinnati about 10 years ago from Raleigh, NC. We have a 7 year old son, Connor, two dogs and a cat.
Khila Fields (she/her)
Training Specialist
Khila joined the 1N5 team in June 2024.
Email: khila_fields@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What do you like about working at 1N5? I love the work that we are doing and the people I get to work with every day.
What drew you to 1N5? The mission of 1N5 is what drew me in. 1N5 is doing someone amazing/needed work.
What do you do at 1N5? I have the opportunity to be able to work in all our spaces here at 1N5 (school, corporate, and community). I’m excited to dive into Sources of Strength and Coach Beyond in the upcoming months.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to journal, workout, and spend time with my family and friends.
Which team…cat or dog? A dog person. I’ve always had dogs growing up. I have an Aussiedoodle named Brisco. He’s one years old and full of energy.
What is your perfect vacation? Somewhere tropical trying new foods.
Family: Family is literally everything to me. I come from a military family where my mom served in the United States Army. I’m the only child. I’m very close to both of my parents. Being with my family and close friends makes me smile.
Mike Mizer, RA (he/him)
Program Manager - Kentucky
Mike joined the 1N5 team in May of 2024. He brings a wealth of experience in education and program/project management in the nonprofit space. Mike is a lifelong Northern Kentuckian with a heart for service to the community and promotion of DEIBA initiatives. Outside of the office, Mike can be found spending his time in nature or at one of Greater Cincinnati’s fabulous craft breweries.
Email: mike_mizer@1n5.org
Phone: 859.653.8471
What do you like about working at 1N5? I love how committed everyone is to the cause. This is truly a team of mental health WARRIORS.
What are three words to describe 1N5? Imperative, Impactful, Impassioned.
What is on your wish list for the five years with 1N5? I hope to infuse 1N5’s mission throughout as many schools, community organizations, and corporations as possible in Northern Kentucky.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to cook on my smoker, take naps, watch football, go to breweries, and read.
Which team do you root for? Who Dey, baby! All dey, every dey!
What is one hobby you’d love to get into? Gardening – flowers and veggies.
Family: I have a wife, three kiddos, and four pets. We love hiking, theatre, and really good food.
Stacey Jones (she/her)
School Program Manager
STACEY JONES – School Program Manager
I’m joining 1N5 after 15 years of teaching in the middle school and high school English classroom. Prior to education, I worked in health advertising and as a freelance writer about topics such as parenting and mental health. I am passionate about helping this generation do what Maya Angelou preaches: Know better and then do better.
What do you do at 1N5? As a School Program Manager, I get to educate and empower students, staff, and caregivers in the Cincinnati area schools about mental health and suicide prevention. My role allows me to meet this generation where they are and equip them with hope, help, and strength to see tomorrow.
What are three words to describe 1N5? Driven. Compassionate. Knowledgeable.
What are your hopes for our industry? I’d love to see mental health wellness become normalized or even a daily habit. Brush your teeth, shower, do ____ (fill in the blank) for my mental health.
What is one self care practice you are currently trying to make a habit? Making time for my beloved gym. Depending on the day/mood, it’s yoga or bootcamp.
What do you do in your spare time? I love to read, travel, explore new book and coffee shops, and just spend time with my family.
What season is your favorite? Fall – give me all the leaves, sweatshirts and sandals, bonfires, pumpkin spice everything!
Family: My husband and I reside on our own little funny farm as we like to call it. We are proud parents of two beautiful children, a cat, a bunny, a few chickens, and several cows.
Email: stacey_jones@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
Stu Holt (he/him)
Program Manager
STU HOLT – Program Manager
Stu has a background in coaching, education, and media. He coached basketball for over a decade and has done a podcast interview series for the last 9 years. Stu is passionate about holistic development, mental health awareness, and inspiring through storytelling.
Email: stu_holt@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
Operations
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Abby Bricking (she/her)
Office Manager
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Abby Messner (she/her)
Grant Writer
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Beth Dulle (she/her)
Operations Manager
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Brandi Hamilton (she/her)
Social Media Manager
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Jessica Hartley (she/her)
Development Manager
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Lauren Bell (she/her)
Social Media Assistant
ABBY BRICKING – Office Manager
Abby joined the 1N5 team in February, 2025. A graduate of Xavier University, Abby is proud to have made a home with her pup here in the vibrant city of Cincinnati. She comes with a management background in various small-business spaces, and feels fortunate to utilize her skillset to support the work of 1N5.
Email: abby_bricking@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What do you do at 1N5? I support the day to day goings on here in the office, working closely with our operations team and our lovely group of interns and volunteers. Through collaboration and conversation, we champion the very important and impactful work of our program team, bringing vital information and resources to corporate, community, and educational spaces.
What do you like about working at 1N5? I feel so grateful to have an opportunity to actively use my organizational skills and management experience to build into such a purposeful organization. Being surrounded by dedicated, passionate, and inspiring individuals who work not only with their minds, but also with their hearts, is truly a gift.
What is your proudest moment at 1N5? Organizing the move from our old office on Erie Ave. to our new space at Cornerstone! It was a massive project, but overall felt like a huge win to get the new office set up with minimal disruption to our programming.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I love to create: by way of cooking, flower planter arrangements, art, and music.
How to you like to start your day? Water, yoga, and an extra large cup of coffee on my morning walk (almost always in that order)!
Do you have a hidden talent? I’ve been a golfer for most of my life and still really enjoy any opportunity to get out on a course!
Family: I am a dog mom to the sweetest 50lb problem child 🙂
Abby Messner – Grant Writer
Abby joined 1N5 as our grant writer in November 2021 but has been a huge supporter through her work on the 1N5 Spring4Life Committee since 2016. Her love of writing and passion for mental health led Abby to her role as our grant writer.
Email: abby_messner@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What do yo like about working at 1N5: I love 1N5’s mission and the fun and inspiring people who call this place home.
What 3 words best describe 1N5: Bold, Life-Saving and Mission-Minded.
What is your favorite project at 1N5: Sources of Strength. My daughter was asked to be a student leader for this program when she was at Mariemont High School so I was able to see it in action.
Super Power You Wish You Had: To be able to fly. It would be freeing.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be: A relationship expert so I would always know hot to give the people in my life what they need…Maybe that should be my superpower.
What is your perfect vacation: The perfect combination of beaching, hiking, yummy food, and game nights with my family and closest friends.
Family: I’m married to Jay and we just celebrated our 25th anniversary. We have two daughters, Sydney and Avery, who are both students at the University of Cincinnati, and one sweet little rescue dog named Otis.
BETH DULLE – Operations Manager
Beth joined the 1N5 team in March 2019 . Beth’s experience with organizational systems helps the 1N5 team streamline operations. Her passion for stopping the stigma and educating people about mental illness was spurred by the loss of her son, Brogan, to suicide.
Email: beth_dulle@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
Favorite 1N5 Project: Educating people by providing resources for mental illness and mental wellness.
What you like most about 1N5: How we approach the difficult subject of mental illness with hope and positivity
What makes you proud about 1N5: We don’t often have to deny a request for help from the community because our team works so hard and so collaboratively.
How you start your day: Coffee, coffee and more coffee
Bucket List Item: Hiking the Camino de Santiago
Super Power You Wish You Had: Invisibility
Family: Married with 5 sons, 1 daughter, 4 bonus daughters, an amazing grandson and my pup, Doofenshmirtz.
BRANDI HAMILTON – Social Media Manager
Brandi spent 13 years in wellness management and the public health arena, including seven years as Assistant Director of the University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center. Brandi is passionate about helping others live a healthy life and achieve a state of optimal physical and mental wellbeing. Brandi also has professional experience in photography, marketing, and graphic design, and currently serves as the Social Media Manager at 1N5.
Email: brandi_hamilton@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What you like most about 1N5: I love the work we do in the community, and as the Social Media Manager, I get to hear first-hand from our followers how our work has changed, and in some cases, saved lives.
Your favorite 1N5 project: I love the concept of the Youth Mental Health Innovation Challenge where we connect outstanding youth innovators with local professional mentors to help them solve mental health challenges in their communities.
Your hope for the state of mental health: I hope within the next couple of years that mental health education will be required at the state level for all grade levels and I believe that 1N5 stands apt and ready to guide schools in making the transition in a practical, sustainable and meaningful way. I also hope the need for education on the transition for students from high school to college is implemented either for upperclassmen in high school or as part of the college admission and onboarding process.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, it would be: Special Education
How you spend your spare time: What’s spare time? (lol) When I get the chance to have some me-time, I enjoy long outdoor walks around the neighborhood or park and grabbing dinner + wine with friends.
Super Power You Wish You Had: To clone myself. Then I would have spare time.
Family: I am the mom of three children: an 8 year old boy, a 3 year old boy and a 4 month old girl. My 8 year old is a super witty, uber competitive lover of all sports who lives with fairly severe ADHD. My 3 year old is an incredibly funny and strong stage IV childhood cancer survivor and has recently been diagnosed with ASD, which our family is currently leaning to navigate. And my baby girl, Willow, is the happiest, easiest-going baby you’ll ever meet. She brings a new joy to each day that I never knew I so desperately needed.
JESSICA HARTLEY – Development Manager
Jessica joined the 1N5 team in March 2022. After graduating from Gordon College with a degree in sociology she worked in community mental health as a case manager for adults living with mental health conditions. Jessica spent the next several years as a home educator before being drawn back to non-profit work through volunteering at IPM Food Pantry, where she ultimately became the Director of Community Engagement and Giving. Jessica brings a passion for strengthening mental wellness to 1N5, where she serves as the Development Manager. When not at work, Jessica can usually be found on the softball field at Turpin High School, on a trail somewhere, or spending time with her family.
Email: jessica_hartley@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007
What do you like most about 1N5: I love the positive work environment and the supportive team atmosphere, but more importantly, I am extremely proud to be part of an organization where everyone is working so hard to make an impact upstream.
What are three words to describe 1N5: Powerful, purposeful, and authentic
What is one self-care thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? Slowing down to get more rest and sleeping better; sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day for rest, so I am trying to make it a priority.
How you start your day: Hot coffee and a long run
What energizes you outside of work: Definitely coaching high school softball. The student-athletes I work with inspire me and keep me young. I love sharing my passion for the sport with them and supporting them through the ups and downs of being a teen. It is so rewarding to watch young athletes grow into adults during their high school years and to be a small part of their character development.
What is one thing you want to own but don’t: A cabin in the mountains
Family: My husband Steve and I live in Anderson with our four children, Austin, Abby, Ella and Molly (ages 12-20), and two dogs. You can almost always find us in a gym or on a field somewhere with our active kiddos.
LAUREN BELL – Social Media Assistant
Lauren has a strong background in digital media, content creation, and storytelling to the 1N5 team. She is passionate about suicide prevention and mental health education and through her work, she hopes to break the stigma, foster connection, and empower others to seek help and share their stories
Email: lauren_bell@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007