HelpWho We Are
Who We Are
Leadership Circle
The Leadership Circle is a cohort of highly successful professionals dedicated to NAMI-NYC’s mission. This highly motivated group uses their leadership skills to activate their extensive networks and advocate for mental health.
Katelyn Nichols Barzizza
Katelyn Nichols Barzizza is Assistant Vice President in Blackstone’s Technology and Innovations division. She has spent seven years working in various business development and entrepreneurial roles, including serving as an Executive Coach and Product Lead. Katelyn also successfully managed her own startup for the last six years, offering entertainment business mentorship, coaching, and performance training through K. Nichols Studio. Katelyn holds a BFA in Communication and Leadership from The University of Memphis. Katelyn gives back to her community as a volunteer for NAMI-NYC, Abingdon Theatre, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Joe DiGennaro
Joe DiGennaro is a Director at BlackRock in the firm’s US Wealth Advisory business. He is also a Mental Health Ambassador at BlackRock providing support to his colleagues. Before joining BlackRock, Joe worked in strategy at DWS/Deutsche Asset Management. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) accredited by the CFA Institute and holds the Alternative Investment Analyst Charter (CAIA Charter) from the CAIA Association. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University with a double major in Applied Economics & Management and Communications.
Shawna Klatt
Shawna Klatt is a seasoned attorney currently serving as a Risk Customer Success Executive and Team Lead at Thomson Reuters. Shawna is a leader within the organization as past co-chair of the Asian Affinity Business Resource Group, where she created and led local initiatives that aligned with global diversity and inclusion principles. Shawna offers her legal services pro-bono, including helping children involved in the foster care system, and individuals who have experienced eviction. She has served as a Family Connections Facilitator with NAMI MN to educate and support friends and family with a loved one living with Borderline Personality Disorder. She was a Board Member for the Family Enhancement Center whose mission is to create lasting solutions to prevent and heal child abuse. Shawna earned her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Gerry Spitzer
Gerry Spitzer co-founded Questar Capital Partners in 2022 with his business partner Richard Reyle following a career that spanned more than 30 years in wealth management. At Questar, Gerry focuses on all aspects of private wealth management, including investment management, financial planning, multi-generational estate planning, tax planning and minimization, insurance and charitable giving. In addition to being a CPA and CEPA, Gerry is a member of the Forbes Finance Council, in the Leadership Circle of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City and involved with financial literacy topics. Gerry and his wife Jeanne have three daughters and live in Scotch Plains, NJ. He is an avid golfer, traveler, and Jets and Syracuse University sports fan. Gerry earned a BS in Accounting from Binghamton University’s School of Management.
Michelle Tenzyk
Michelle Tenzyk is the founder of East Tenth Group, Inc., an executive coaching and leadership firm. Michelle’s career spans over 25 years, offering companies strategic direction in areas of business strategy, culture, and organizational dynamics. Her expertise in executive coaching, leadership development, team building, and public speaking enriches organizations, while her dedication to mental health advocacy fosters positive change in the lives of many. At NAMI-NYC, Michelle participates in running events and fundraising efforts to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Darren Webb
Darren Webb is the CEO at Mindset, a technology platform dedicated to assisting individuals with serious mental illnesses and their caregivers in applying for Social Security Disability benefits. His background in business and partnerships positions him well to drive innovation and support the mental health community. Darren was formerly Director of Partnerships at Stocktwits, the largest social network for retail investors and traders. Darren holds a BBA in Information Technology from Old Dominion University.
Allison Yacker
Allison Yacker is Partner, Co-Chair of Investment Management and Funds, at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where she represents hedge funds, private equity funds, commodity pools, and managed account platforms. Allison serves on Katten’s board of directors and is an active member of the firm’s Women’s Leadership Forum, where she contributes to the strategic retention and advancement of women attorneys within the organization. She is also a long-standing member of 100 Women in Finance as an Angel Member. She earned her J.D. at Cardozo School of Law.