Our Mission
Support
NAMI of Waterbury is all about support for our members. We have strong support groups with caring facilitators to help you manage the stress you may be feeling.
Educate
Education is the key to ensuring the public understands what the NAMI mission is. NAMI, NAMI CT and NAMI Waterbury are pleased to offer education programs to the public and our members.
Advocate
Whether speaking to our Local, State, or Federal representatives or walking in a sponsored walk, we will always be advocates. Come join us as advocates. We are always looking for members and people who can support.
Board of Directors
Joe D'Averso, Board President
Jenny D'Averso, Vice President
Jenny D'Averso, Vice President
Joey D'Averso has been the President for the last several years leading us out of some troubling times. With his strength of fundraising, finding support when needed and negotiating skills, the organization is stronger than ever. In 2019, The Watertown/Oakville Chamber of Commerce honored Joe with the Unsung Hero award which he justly deserved. Thank you to Joe for all his support and ambition
Jenny D'Averso, Vice President
Jenny D'Averso, Vice President
Jenny D'Averso, Vice President
Jenny D'Averso is our Vice-President. Jenny has been with us for years serving as a support group leader, a Family to Family educator and on the Board of Directors. She pitches in at every turn. She is a bit camera shy so no picture but she is great to have with us. Thank you Jenny.
Bev Monterosso, Treasurer
Jenny D'Averso, Vice President
Bev Monterosso, Treasurer
Bev Monterosso is the rock of our organization. Bev has been with NAMI Waterbury since the beginning. She has been our treasurer for a very long time and there is no one who looks after our money better. She also organizes our picnic and our Holiday Party. She runs 2 of our support groups as well as having taught Family to Family in the past. Thank you Bev for all you do.
John Henebry, Secretary
John Henebry, Secretary
Bev Monterosso, Treasurer
John has been with NAMI Waterbury for a very long time. He has served in the capacity as Treasurer and currently as Secretary.
David Monterosso
John Henebry, Secretary
David Monterosso
David has been our NAMI Walks chair for several years. He is a valualble member of the Board.
Kathy Dwyer
John Henebry, Secretary
David Monterosso
Kathy has been on the Board for several years as well. She is the chair of our Yankee Candle sale and of our Ion Bank Community Fundraiser. She works very hard to make sure we are raising the funds we need to keep our activities running.
Phil LeBlanc
Vicki Blackwell
Vicki Blackwell
On 5/25/2020, Phil LeBlanc passed away which has left a whole in our hearts. After many years of serving on the Board of Directors, helping with fundraisers and being at every meeting, he will be sorely missed.
Vicki Blackwell
Vicki Blackwell
Vicki Blackwell
Vicki is one of the newest members to the Board and has been here for quite some time as well. She chairs our Sunshine Committee and is the creator of most of our raffle baskets.
Kim Pernerewski
Vicki Blackwell
Kim Pernerewski
Kim Pernerewski has been with NAMI Waterbury on and off for many years. She has served as Secretary in the past and president. In the past she taught NAMI Basics as well as running NAMI CAN support group and helping with Parents and Teachers as Allies. Kim now serves as our Communications Officer which means she helps keep our social media sites as well as our website.