Ronda Owens-Dehmer, CEO/Founder

Ronda is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who has 25 years of experience. She first began working in mental health in the 90’s at the Marion VA as a nursing assistant. After falling in love with the seriously mentally ill population she decided to go to nursing school to be in a better position to care for these people. She attended Indiana University Kokomo for her bachelors degree finishing in 2005. After working 7 years on the cardiovascular critical care unit at Methodist she went to work for Larue Carter as a night shift charge nurse. In 2011, Ronda began her pursuit of Master’s of Nursing at IUPUI completing that in 2014. Since then she has come to realize the need for supportive housing in Hamilton and surrounding counties in IN. With the support and encouragement of her husband and friends she started the nonprofit Healthy&Dwell. She practices self care by traveling with her family, hosting monthly family dinners and spending time outside in all types of activities. She is in a small group through Grace Church and believes that she has been called to take care of people. She has volunteered at her son’s school as well as with the Boy Scouts.

Chris Gray, President of the Board

Chris has been working in the mental health field for over 12 years, 10 with people who have a serious mental illness. A double major in Biology and Psychology with a Masters in Forensic Psychology, and a Black Belt in Judo, Aikido, and Google Fu he has been able to find the answers we need. An eclectic background encompassing military school, police training, executive protection, strike and school security, EMT training, and over-the-road truck driving. He has a myriad of life experience and can take a more diverse, pragmatic, and holistic view of any issue or problem. Currently working on bettering his Xbox achievement score to beat his nieces, psychological assessment of pop culture, and keeping active he is tirefully working toward creating a better environment of helping those in need and trying to live a lifetime of working toward the service of others. Available at anytime often to the detriment of his sleep he is willing to aid as needed.

Shawn McAvoy, Treasurer of the Board

Shawn McAvoy is an Accountant with 25+ years of experience, mostly in the Manufacturing Sector, in various leadership roles in the food, ceramics, automobile, glass and toy industries. A Chicago native, Shawn served in the United States Navy before attending and graduating from Governors State University with a bachelor of science degree in Accounting. He has served in various volunteer roles as Treasurer of the Kokomo Children’s Choir, President and Treasurer of the Roudebush Farms Property Owners Association and serves as a small group leader for middle school boys at Grace Church. Shawn has been married to Sheryl for 24 years and they have four children ranging from 8-20 years of age.

Patricia Nikolov, Secretary of the Board

Patty has 35+ years of nursing experience, mostly working with families in various levels of crises. Whether this is due to a physical illness or a mental health illness. She has an advanced degree in psychiatric nursing and has worked in community mental health for over 10 years. Patty attended IUPUI for her BSN and again attended IUPUI for her MSN and APN. She has served in various volunteer roles with the most recent being as a small group leader for middle school and high school girls at Grace Church. Patty’s belief is by providing an opportunity for community as well as support while working towards independence for those who deal with mental illness or intellectual disability is crucial to their success and wellbeing.

Emad Abdelmesih, Board Member

Emad has worked in mental health for many years. His favorite role, however, is that of life skills instructor. He loves his clients and enjoys being with them and helping them in any capacity that they need. He is a tremendous asset to Healthy&Dwell always thinking of the client’s best interest.

Deanda Fields-Clemons, Board Member

Deanda is a registered nurse who is the most recent addition to Healthy&Dwell. She currently works in an outpatient office treating people who struggle with mental illness and previously for an insurance company. She joined the board due to the concern she has for her patients and the lack of support that they have.