Athena has over 25 years of work and volunteer experience in the non-profit, public and private sectors. She received her BA in Business Management from North Carolina State University with a concentration in Finance. Athena began her career with NAMI Colorado, over seven years ago.  She started as a volunteer, eventually moving into the role of Bookkeeper, Finance Director, Operations Director, State Trainer and now Peer Program Associate Director for NAMI Colorado.  She is a Colorado certified peer support specialist, trainer, leader, facilitator and speaker.  She has been privileged to participate in advocacy at the Colorado State Capitol and Washington DC. Her passions are educating others about mental health and fighting against stigma. She has shared her recovery story of hope with various audiences including police academies, CIT trainings, hospitals, schools, companies, libraries, churches and special events.

She is the Colorado State Trainer for NAMI’s Peer Signature Programs, including Connection, Peer-to-Peer and In Our Own Voice.  She leads the Peer-to-Peer Course, facilitates Connection groups and teaches her peers how to share their recovery story. In addition, she provides support to Ft. Logan Mental Hospital’s forensic and civil patients.  Athena is an avid writer. She self-published a handbook that proposes a wholistic approach to mental health recovery.  She is currently working on the second edition.  In her spare time she enjoys being in nature, day traveling, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.