Board
Aly McElreathAboutAly Mac is a radio host and digital marketing strategist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through her work in media, she is dedicated to building authentic connections and amplifying stories that matter. Aly is proud to serve as a board member for iUnderstand and help advance the mission of providing hope, connection, and grief resources to…
Jenell SpindleKent ISDAbout Jenell Spindle returned to West Michigan after graduating from Saint Mary’s College. She worked at Forest Hills Public Schools for over 20 years before taking a position as a teacher consultant for students with visual impairments with Kent ISD. Jenell is passionate about supporting education in the area of mental health. Her…
Rick DeVaultAbout
Aleks SilvaAleks SilvaAbout
Stacie StephensAbout
Ufuk TuranTreasurer
Cassie WilforeDaymon WorldwideAbout Cassie works as Senior Director of Innovation and Product Development with the world’s largest private brand development company, Daymon Worldwide, where she has partnered with some of the world’s leading grocery retailers to help them build their own brands. She currently leads a multicultural internationally based team consulting for the largest grocery…
Ryan BrownVice PresidentAbout Ryan Brown is a Michigan native who graduated Cum Laude with an Economics degree from Michigan State University. He has nearly a decade of experience in commercial construction and real estate development, where he facilitates projects from concept to construction, including design, engineering, estimating, entitlements, and permitting. He previously served on the…
Andy McLeanBoard PresidentAbout As the manager of program development at BAMF Health, patient advocacy is Andy’s top priority. Advanced scanning technologies at BAMF allow for unprecedented accuracy in diagnosing brain diseases. He is a resource and ally for those grappling with both physical and mental health illnesses. Taking care of the whole person includes attention…
Staff
“After losing my dad to depression, I didn’t understand. This organization gave me an ability to talk about something I didn’t and couldn’t talk about. I am proud to be part of a team that is allowing others to live their truth and the loved ones of those who passed a chance to talk about their loved ones for how they lived, not how they died.”
“The work and healing driven through the mission of i understand is extremely personal to me. People suffering in silence need to know they aren’t alone. Being a part of an organization that is making such a huge impact motivates me to work hard daily to help take i understand to the next level.”
“i understand is proud of our small but powerful women-run organization. Each staff member works hard to move our mission forward by believing in our work to offer compassion, change and understanding to something so difficult to understand. You each have a heart of gold and we are so fortunate to have you on our team!”