YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board elected new officers during its June meeting, advancing its mission to support the community’s mental health and recovery needs.
Dr. Chelsey Zoldan-Calhoun was elected board chair. Other new officers include Rachel Chmielewski as vice chair, Patricia Sciaretta as treasurer, and Anne Cobbin as secretary.
Zoldan-Calhoun is a licensed professional clinical counselor and practices at Insight Clinical Counselling and Wellness. She holds degrees in psychology and clinical mental health counseling from Youngstown State University and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Akron. She previously served four years on the board, including as secretary and a member of the Programs and Policy Committee.
“Working with clients opened my eyes to the barriers individuals face and deepened my commitment to listening, learning and collaborative action,” Zoldan-Calhoun said. “It’s this experience that will serve me well in this new role and is the foundation for my commitment to advocacy and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and represented.”
Board Executive Director Duane Piccirilli praised her election.
“Chelsey has a deep passion for this work and it comes through in everything she does,” he said. “As our youngest serving board chair, she brings a fresh perspective to the work of the Mental Health and Recovery Board.”
The board also appointed three members at large: former board chair Eric Ungaro, Linda Warino and J. Brent Kelley.
During his tenure, Ungaro oversaw the passage of the board’s levy and contributed to the growth of the Police Crisis Intervention Training program. He also supported suicide prevention efforts targeting at-risk men.
The board recognized the conclusion of service for two founding members, Robert Gavalier and Apostle Jenkins. Both played key roles in establishing the board and shaping its mission.
“We are grateful to Robert and Apostle Jenkins for their service to the community, not only in the creation of our board, but their unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of our community,” Piccirilli said.