2120 Lincoln Street
Evanston, Illinois
60201-2282
(847) 328-6198
contact@mhans.org

 
Who We Are

The Mental Health Association of the North Shore (MHANS) founded in 1965 by Evanston parents and community members concerned with the lack of services for children with serious emotional disturbances, MHANS is affiliated with the Mental Health Association in Illinois, the National Mental Health Association and is a United Way agency.

MHANS Mission

To educate our communities about mental health and social-emotional wellness and to advocate for individuals and families affected by mental and emotional disorders.

Our contributors are from all walks of life.
They care about mental health and social-emotional wellness. Everything MHANS does is financed by contributions and grants and powered with volunteer ideas and energy. Anyone concerned with mental health issues is welcome to volunteer.

We are governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors:
We are advised by our Professional Advisory Committee and Business Advisory Committee:

Dan Paustian, President
Bob Hirsch, Treasurer
Lois Silverstein, Secretary
Kendra Alexander
Elizabeth M. Brasher
Richard Kotz
Michele Lacy
Sue Laue
John Mayes
Myrna Orenstein
Cristina Ramirez
Sara Wadhwa
Janet Webb

Professional Advisory Committee:
Dennis Grygotis, M.D.
Tom Golebiewski
Michelle Hofmeister, LCSW
Ann Ohlrogge Johnson, LCPC
Mary Lee Lally, M.A.
Jill Zimmerman Rutledge, LCSW
Renee Summers, LCSW
Deborah Taber, R.N

Business Advisory Committee:
Paul A. Brown
John J. Cahill, Sr.
Bruce K. Goodman
Reed Mitchell Hagee
Robert Heiberger
Howard I. Kain
Marian Kurz
Josef Puehringer

 

The Mental Health Association of the North Shore has speakers available on various subjects, including mental health and social-emotional wellness, gang violence, depression, suicide prevention, social-emotional learning (SEL), substance abuse prevention and counseling, teen issues, neurobiological disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and other disorders, and the stigma often attached to mental health treatment. Other topics include: Abuse, Anxiety/Stress, Body Image, Bullying and Gang Violence, Cutting/Self-Harm, Depression, Grief and Loss, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Disorders, Secrets, Sexuality, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and other concerns of teens and young adults.