The 1N5 Team

STAFF

  • Nancy Eigel-Miller, OCPSA

    Founder and Executive Director

  • Christine Browner, M.Ed., RN, OCPS

    Program Director

  • Beth Dulle, OCPSA

    Operations Manager

  • Brandi Hamilton

    Social Media Manager

  • Abby Messner

    Grant Writer

  • Sara Utecht, M.A., LPC, OCPSA

    Program Director

  • Jessica Hartley

    Development Manager

  • Jodi Pickering, RA

    Program Manager, Schools

  • Kelly Barry, M.S., CHES, NBC-HWC, OCPSA

    Program Manager, Corporate

  • Katie Keiser, MSW, RA

    Youth Programs and Training Manager

  • Bec Buist

    Program Manager

  • Xander Wynn

    Social Media Assistant

  • Jennifer Defendiefer

    Office Manager

Nancy Eigel-Miller, OCPSA

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.

Christine Browner, M.Ed., RN, OCPS

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.

Beth Dulle, OCPSA

Operations Manager

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 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.

Abby Messner

Grant Writer

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.

Sara Utecht, M.A., LPC, OCPSA

Program Director

SARA UTECHT – Program Director

Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor 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: Collaborate with schools, caregivers, students, and educators to develop mental health and wellness practices that contribute to a healthy and happy life for all.
What does a typical workday look like for you: A lot of listening, learning, wrestling with challenges, and getting creative and curious about solutions.  Each day is different and I love that!

What do you like to do in your spare time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, working in the garden, and traveling (especially to National Parks!).
How to you like to start your day: I am a morning person!  Waking up early, sitting with a hot cup of coffee on the couch, and reading a chapter of my latest book is the best way to start the form me to start my day.
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).

Family:  I live in Cincinnati and come from a big “westside” family – most of whom live within a 10 minute drive of each other.  I share my home with my yellow Labrador Retriever, Pollyanna.

Jessica Hartley

Development Manager

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.

Jodi Pickering, RA

Program Manager, Schools

Jodi Pickering – Program Manager

Jodi is a recent Cincinnatian, having lived the past 18 years in the Bay Area of California. She came here to do a year of service with AmeriCorps and found she liked the pace of life and the people. Before AmeriCorps, she spent her professional life in schools as a teacher, coach, and administrator for students K-12th grade. Her family includes her 24-year-old daughter, her cat, her dog and all those she loves around the country. Having lived in NY, NJ, PA, DC, TX, MN, CA and OH, she’s lucky to have friends and family all over.  She loves to run and hike, but she’s equally at home with a book or a pen.

Email: jodi_pickering@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What drew you to 1N5:  The mission. As a life-long educator, I know how important mental health programming for students and teachers is.
What are three words to describe 1N5:  Vibrant, connected, committed
If you could have a superpower, what would it be:  To run incredibly fast. I can keep trucking along, but I’m not known for my speed.

How you start your day:  Early and quietly with a cup of coffee and the NY Times.
What makes you smile:  Smiles come easily to me, but fail-safe choice is sunlight on water.
What is the best advice you were ever given:  During a difficult time in my life, a friend told me to keep repeating, “Right now it’s like this.” I use the phrase regularly when things are hard to loosen the pressure and when things are easy to remember to savor the joy.

Family: I live with my dog and my cat, and when I’m lucky, my daughter is with us, too. Most of the time though she is busy working on her MFA in textile art at the University of Missouri.

Kelly Barry, M.S., CHES, NBC-HWC, OCPSA

Program Manager, Corporate

KELLY BARRY – Program Manager

Kelly joined the organization in May 2023. She comes to 1N5 with a background in health education, corporate wellness, stress and evidence-based coping skills, and health and wellness coaching. Kelly is passionate about mental health education, mental health advocacy, and creating safe, inclusive environments that enable people to thrive. When not at work, she enjoys travel, hiking, and spending time with her family.

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.

Katie Keiser, MSW, RA

Youth Programs and Training Manager

KATIE KEISER – 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.

Bec Buist

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).

Xander Wynn

Social Media Assistant

Xander Wynn – Social Media Assistant
Xander works hand and hand with our social media team to create content for our LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook pages. He also attends 1N5 events to capture
photos and videos for social media and marketing purposes.

Email: xander_wynn@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

Favorite thing about working at 1N5: I love being able to share all of the work that our program team is doing in the community with students.
What is your favorite project at 1N5: The student testimonials are because mental health needs to stop being a taboo topic, and it starts with the youth and the next generation. So, hearing students talk about mental health, hear their testimonies and how they make sure they take care of their mental is amazing.
How did you learn about 1N5: I first learned about 1N5 years ago, when my basketball coach at Walnut Hills High School talked about mental health and self-care while playing sports. He told us a little bit about what exactly 1N5 stands for and practiced meditation before practices and games.

What do you do to turn things around when you are having a bad day: Music, Music, Music and some food! 9 times out of 10, if I’m having a bad day, I haven’t eaten or haven’t spent time listening to music. Those two things can get me right back on track and keep me going for the rest of my day.
What is one song you have completely memorized: One Man Can Change the World
Which season is your favorite: Summer, every day all day! I am anemic, so I strongly dislike being cold, even when it is in the 60s and 70s I can get chilly. So summer is my favorite season and I love being hot. Rather be sweating than shivering!

Family: I am the youngest of 4! I have three older sisters. However, I have grown a second family with Forever Kings over the past 5 years and have 200+ brothers who I spend nearly every weekend with.

Jennifer Defendiefer

Office Manager

Jennifer joined the 1N5 team in January, 2024, after spending over a decade in leadership roles across a variety of fields from fitness to retail. When deciding to transition from retail to non-profit work, 1N5 was the first organization she sought out. Jennifer was always impressed by the immense positive impact and important evidence-based information this small group brought to the community. As a fitness instructor, her classes have always focused on the mental component as well as the physical. She believes that we spend our lives in human connection – through family, work and just daily living – and none of us ever knows all that is going on with someone else, even those we spend time with each day. 1N5’s creation of safe spaces for awareness, education, coping strategies, compassion and empathy is a mission that resonates with her and she’s incredibly proud to be a part of. 

Email: jennifer_defendiefer@1n5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What do you like about working at 1N5? The team is an impressive, mission driven group. They are incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I enjoy the energy and environment of working with passionate individuals supporting such an important mission.
How did you first learn about 1N5? Or what drew you in?  I have known about/been involved in the Warrior Run in some capacity for many years. I have been impressed with the great work 1N5 has done to support mental health in the community, and I am so excited to now have a support role with the organization.
What do you do at 1N5? I support the work of 1N5 by managing the daily activity in the office. What does a typical workday look like for you? It’s always different, which I love! 1N5 is a dynamic organization with a wide variety of school and corporate trainings, projects, and events happening each day. I help facilitate anything that needs done, whether it be managing our printing needs, assisting team members with 1N5 events, or working with our interns.

What is one self care practice you are currently trying to make a habit? I started the habit of beginning my day (or my morning drive to work) with a 2-count inhale + 3-count SMILING exhale. It truly makes a difference!
What do you enjoy when you are not working? Taking my 2 sweet dogs for walks, bike rides with my husband on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, building Lego sets, and taking day-trips to my favorite Northeast Ohio beaches to look for beach glass.
What energized you outside of work? Exercising regularly with my early morning workout friends who’ve inspired me for many years, spending lots of time with my family and friends just talking and laughing over coffee, learning new things – I’m currently trying my hand on the drums!

Family: My husband Bill and I are originally from Northeast Ohio, and we’ve been married for 33 (!) years. We have two kids, Anna and Adam, who currently live in Columbus. Anna graduated from OSU and Adam is currently a junior at OSU.


INTERNS

  • Kostas Hinkle

    General Intern

  • Maya Goertemoeller

    General Intern

  • Kaitlyn Blaha

    Graphic Design Intern

  • Kimberly Dinh

    Video Intern

  • Maggie Wright

    General Intern

  • Josh Yokum

    General Intern

  • Gavin Steele

    Advocacy Intern

Kostas Hinkle

General Intern

Hi, my name is Kostas Hinkle. I will be graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Nursing with a focus in Psychology following this fall semester. I plan to continue my education as a UC graduate student and aspire to earn my Doctorate in Psychiatry so that I may become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I look forward to taking what I learn from 1N5 on with me in my career; by continuing to spread mental health awareness and breaking down the barriers to mental health care access. A fun fact about me is that I love to run and spend time outdoors. (I hope to see everyone at the Warrior Run this year!)

Maya Goertemoeller

General Intern

Hi, I’m Maya Goertemoeller (she/her)! I am a third-year in the medical sciences BS/MD program at the University of Cincinnati with a minor in psychology. After medical school, I’m hoping to provide mental healthcare to the Cincinnati community that focuses on treating the whole person. In my free time, I love to take classes at Cincinnati ballet, play the piano, cook new recipes for my roommates, and read with an iced chai in hand. I’m excited to learn from the 1N5 team and be part of the change!

Kaitlyn Blaha

Graphic Design Intern

Hey! I am entering my fourth year at Xavier University studying Graphic Design and Digital Media! I am involved in Xavier’s pep band, 4 Paws for ability, Xavier Art Society and photography for sports events! I love rock climbing and adventures outdoors. I am super excited to have the opportunity to work with 1N5!

Fun Fact: I am an assistant wedding photographer and do a lot of other photography of my own!

Kimberly Dinh

Video Intern

Hi, I’m Kimberly Dinh and I am a third year student finishing my Media and Communications Technology major at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash! I am honored to be a part of 1N5 to help stop the stigma and start conversations through video production! In my free time, I enjoy taking a step back from work and social media to appreciate time with my friends and family (which often includes spending too much money on snacks and eating out).

Maggie Wright

General Intern

Hi, my name is Maggie Wright! I am a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of Cincinnati. My goal is to pursue a career in mental health counseling and become a school counselor. Through my own journey with mental health struggles, I have developed a passion for helping those around me and ending the stigma around mental health. I am thrilled to be able to work with 1N5 and join the team! In my free time, I enjoy attending workout classes, playing pickleball, reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern and excited to learn and grow from this experience!

Josh Yokum

General Intern

Hi, my name is Josh Yokum. I’m a senior at the University of Cincinnati studying Medical Sciences with a minor in Integrative Health & Wellness. My goal is to become a healthcare provider with a specialty in emergency medicine. I’m excited to be able to work with 1N5, so I can learn more about mental health to spread awareness and end the stigma in my future career. A fun fact about me is that I love watching movies and playing soccer in my free time.

Gavin Steele

Advocacy Intern

Hi, my name is Gavin Steele. I am a freshman at Xavier University double majoring in Philosophy, Politics and the Public and Business Analytics. My goal is to be a political staffer. I hope to modernize government and help people in need. In my free time I like to cook, play volleyball, and camp.