Will County Community Mental Health Board

On Thursday, January 19, the Will County Board approved County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s seven appointments to the new Will County Community Mental Health Board and include the following members.

Elnalyn Costa, of Bolingbrook, has been appointed to a two-year term. She is the Will County Board member representing District 11 and is a Fund Administrator for SEIU Healthcare Illinois Benefit Fund.

Orlando DeYoung, Plainfield, has been appointed to a two-year term and is a local mental health advocate, with a passion for connecting young community members with mental health services.

Michael Flanagan, Green Garden Township, was appointed to a four-year term and is a retired firefighter with years of experience providing peer support for firefighters, police officers, and military veterans. His civic involvement includes the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Group, 100 Club of Illinois, National Association of Down Syndrome, and the Will County Historic Preservation Commission.

Katrina Jones, University Park, has been appointed to a three-year term. She is a nurse with 22 years of experience in the medical field and has received various specialized mental health training during her career. She was appointed with the recommendation of County Board Chair Judy Ogalla.

Terri King, Plainfield, was appointed to a four-year term and is a retired Will County employee, with more than 20 years of experience as a mental health advocate. Her local involvement includes serving for 15 years as a board member for NAMI Will Grundy and as a support groups facilitator for family support and Family to Family.

Jessica Parks, Bolingbrook, has been appointed to a four-year term and is a practicing LCSW, who has direct experience with mental healthcare in a variety of settings, including community mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and federal probation counseling. She is the owner of Rooted Counseling, LLC., and serves in leadership roles on the Bolingbrook Pride Board and Will County Pride Coalition Board.

Ashley Searing, Joliet, was appointed to a three-year term and is a Community Mental Health Awareness Advocate, serving as a Paraprofessional with Joliet District 86. She also founded RejuveNate Plants and Wellness to raise awareness of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.