David Jacobs, CPA, NSN Treasurer
I joined NSN in 2014. The opportunity to be a part of NSN appealed to me because of the history of mental health issues in my extended family.
As NSN’s Treasurer my responsibilities include reporting on the state of NSN’s finances on a regular basis. I have charge of NSN’s funds and as such am responsible for making deposits into and writing checks for disbursements from NSN’s bank account. At NSN fundraising events I handle the change fund and supervise the collection of admission fees and donations. In addition, as Treasurer, I am a member of NSN’s Executive Committee that is charged with the oversight of NSN’s activities. I am also member of the Finance Committee that presents the annual budget to the Executive Committee and develops and oversees projects and strategies to raise funds to support NSN’s activities.
I have been a member of the Monmouth County Stigma-Free Committee, representing NSN, since its formation in 2019. I also participate in NSN’s social, community outreach and fundraising events and support group meetings.
I have been a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 1971 and have lived in Manalapan, New Jersey since 1973. I operate a CPA firm in Manalapan and am a member of the Manalapan Business Association. My wife and I have a daughter (who is also a licensed CPA), son-in-law, and two granddaughters who also live in Monmouth County.
Since 1987 I have been a volunteer member of the local chapter of Optimists International, a children’s service organization. For much of that time I have served as a board member. My other volunteer activities involve being a member of the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce High School Team Challenge Committee since 2012 and as a volunteer at New Jersey Blood Bank blood drives in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties since 2019.
I volunteer as much as possible because I feel lucky that life has been good to me and my family in the professional and personal sense so I want to share what I have achieved by helping children and young adults realize their full potential and by helping to make our community a safer and better place to live.
My vision and goal for NSN is to be a part of the team to expand its footprint to serve more young adults and raise enough money to be able to accomplish that.
Ellen Greenhouse, NSN Grant Writer
I have served on the NSN Board of Directors since 2019, focusing mostly on fundraising for NSN’s programs. I research and apply for grants from charitable organizations and businesses that offer financial assistance to nonprofits like NSN. I have been actively involved in our “Virtual Walk” fundraisers for the past two years. I also regularly participate in NSN social and community outreach events.
I’ve been married to my husband Richard for 53 years. We have 4 children and a lovely bunch of wonderful grandchildren. I am currently retired, but in my earlier years I was a third grade teacher in Brooklyn NY.
Volunteer work has been an important part of my life for many years. I’ve served as president of my homeowners’ association and served in the same role for 15 years in a Sweet Adeline Chorus. Working for and singing with the chorus for almost 40 years was an avocation that I loved. I now plan to put that energy and love into my work with NSN.
Helene Spector, NSN Community Liaison
I have had many years of experience as a K-12 special education teacher in both NY and NJ.
I have close family members that deal with mental health issues. NSN provides a community for families made up of those that have gone through similar experiences and are eager to listen.
After joining NSN in 2018, I volunteered to take a position on the NSN board. As community liaison I represent NSN at meetings of Monmouth County’s Stigma-Free Action Committee. It has been my job to work with other organizations to create opportunities and help eradicate the stigmas in our community. I am proud to be helping to achieve these goals.
I also participate in many NSN social, outreach, and fundraising events where I enjoy interacting with the NSN survivors, their families, and community members.
Viraf Ghadially, MSEE, MBA, Technology Committee Advisor
In February of 2024, I became a Board Member of NSN. I joined to see if I can help this organization by utilizing my multifaceted technical and managerial experience towards enabling growth and helping the young adults live their lives without Stigma.
I have retired from a multi-dimensional career in Computing, IT & Telecom companies which enabled me to gather a good mix of sales, technical, managerial and business skills.
Companies I worked for includes CMC, DEC, UNISYS, Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies, AT&T, MCI, and Verizon.
Diversified positions included Design, Programming, Product support, Marketing, Sales, Product Management.
My education includes BSEE in electronics and Telecomm, MSEE in computers (Purdue University), and core MBA curriculum in management (Temple University).
I have been happily married for 49 years to my wife Stephany who recently passed away. I have two daughters and four grandchildren who keep me busy engaging me with their daily activities. I live in a retirement community which also has many community activities.
In the past, I have volunteered for several community organizations and have helped community youth by leading a “Good Life” emblem program.
I have a lot to learn about specific issues around Mental Health. I am hoping I can make a difference to this volunteer organization.
Jamir (Jay) Riley, Young Adult Advisory Committee (YAAC) Chairperson
I have been associated with No Stigma Network, Inc. since March 2023. Their friendly atmosphere, non-judgmental environment, and welcoming everyone attracted me to join the family of fearless survivors.
My strength in advocacy and my previous experience as a Home Health Aide directed me today to be a member of the NSN Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Young Adult Advisory Committee (YAAC). Here I will be a voice for my peers.
Sanvi Singh, Academic Liaison
I am currently a sophomore at the Academy of Allied Health and Science High School.
I am a competitive swimmer for my high school and club, and I love all things fashion and makeup.
I joined NSN in 2020 as a 12-year-old 7th grader as a volunteer coordinating the Social Medial Platform. Today I am a member of the Board of Directors and a voice for my peers as the Academic Liaison.
NSN has taught me so much, and I look forward to my journey here!