MEET THE BOARD
Liza Shafto (Chair)
Liza has worked in multiple departments of Anoka County and has seen firsthand how the stigma surrounding mental health has negatively impacted people’s lives in our community. She is currently a Librarian with the Anoka County Library where she does programs and classes on mental health and wellness to educate community members about mental wellbeing. It is her hope that through public education, the stigma around mental health will be diminished.
Liza’s Favorite Mental Health Resources
Jeffery Conner (Vice Chair)
Jeff’s journey into mental health advocacy was deeply personal, spurred by the tragic loss of his son, Waylon, to suicide in 2019. Since then, he has immersed himself in mental health groups throughout Anoka County, actively participating in the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) and the North Metro Suicide Prevention Workgroup. Jeff’s commitment to mental wellness led him to join the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County in 2021, where he currently serves as Vice Chair. He continually enhances his expertise through participation in NAMI-MN trainings and other educational opportunities, embodying a steadfast dedication to fostering resilience and support within his community.
Cynthia Blesi (Treasurer)
Cynthia Blesi (pronounced Blee See) is the current treasurer of the Mental Wellness Campaign, and a proud Disabled American Veteran. She joined the Board in 2007 because of her passion for a greater understanding of mental illness. She also brings a unique perspective to the Board, as she was committed by Anoka County to the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) for six months in 1998. She sees serving on the Campaign as a great way to give back to society.
Cynthia’s Favorite Mental Health Resources
Stacey Burnham
Board Member
Dixie Helps
Dixie is an Anoka County Children’s Mental Health case manager. She has spent the last 24 years assisting families of youth diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance navigate the educational, county, state and local mental health systems to access needed services. She brings her passion for Body-Mind-Spirit interventions and a belief in a holistic approach to mental wellness as necessary for recovery. By serving on the board, Dixie hopes her years of service in the mental health system, as well as her excitement about holistic approaches, will provide insights and healing to the community.
Dixie’s Favorite Mental Health Resources
Leanne Patchen (Secretary)
As a member of the NAMI Anoka (National Alliance on Mental Illness) steering committee, Leanne would like to help coordinate their activities with the MWCAC. She is vice-chair of the campaign and is a consumer, family member and trained facilitator for a NAMI Connection support group in Coon Rapids. Educating the community about brain disorders/mental illness, reducing the stigma and providing support to people living with a brain disorder are her priorities.
Ron Peterson
Ron Peterson has been a resident of Anoka County for 30 years. As a consumer and concerned family member of both mental health and chemical health issues, he is the father of five and grandfather of six. He lost his sister to mental health issues, and wishes to promote the awareness of mental wellness in the county. A veteran, Ron is particularly interested in men’s issues. He is thrilled to be a part of the Campaign.
Carol Hendricks
Carol Hendricks joined the board in January 2023. She was also involved with the committee from 2017 to 2019. Educating the community about mental illness and finding ways to reduce the stigma of mental illness are her top priorities. She enjoys helping with fundraising events and educational outreach.
Carol’s Favorite Mental Health Resources
Gabriel Rios
Gabriel Rios is a dedicated member of the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County Board. In his role, he is actively involved in marketing, creating content to promote mental health via MWCAC, and developing initiatives to enhance mental health and wellness throughout Anoka County.
Gabe joined the board in May 2023. He enjoys the collaborative spirit and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community's mental health. He believes that mental wellness is crucial for a thriving community and is dedicated to breaking down stigmas, raising awareness, and providing resources to support mental health for everyone.
Samantha Martinez
Samantha Martinez joined the board in 2024 after she heard about MWCAC via NAMI Minnesota. Sam works in the Health Promotion and Planning Unit for Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services. She is passionate about mental wellness because it is a key part of feeling happy, connected, and fulfilled - giving each individual the ability to thrive. Samantha enjoys having a front-row seat to the genuine passion and care held by MWCAC and feels that the events, trainings, grants, and programs put on by the board make a positive impact in Anoka County. She currently serves on the Partnerships and Alignment Subcommittee with MWCAC.
Samantha’s Favorite Mental Health Resource
Jen Tyson
As a Human Resources professional, Jen is passionate about creating positive and supportive work environments for employees, which includes fostering cultures of mental wellness and resilience. In 2023, Jen wanted to do more to help with mental wellness outside of her professional life and joined the MWCAC. She is hopeful that the efforts of the MWCAC will help reduce the stigma around mental health.
Jen’s Favorite Mental Health Resources