Who We Are

We are an award-winning, nationally recognized program with a mission to educate people about mental health and stigma. We were created with the purpose of enlightening, empowering, and inspiring those we reach to make a difference in their communities as we work together to Stomp Out Stigma.

The Team

Amy - Amy Yashinsky is a graduate of the University Of Michigan School Of Social Work. She has been employed with Community Network Services since 2004. Amy has a passion for community education, and enjoys giving presentation on mental health, gender, and relationships, among other topics. As the Education Coordinator, Amy supervises the Anti Stigma Team and has the privilege of helping to educate and empower those in her community on a daily basis. Amy also supervises the Family Psychoeducation Program at CNS.

In her free time, Amy does yoga, is an avid sports fan, and spends as much time as possible with her friends, family and her cat Sophie.

Malkia –Mental illness has been a part of Malkia’s family life for years. it was her personal experiences with mental health issues that brought her to the door of community mental health in 2004. Education about mental health challenges, practical life skills, coping strategies that Malkia has learned and the hope she received through the community mental health system made the greatest contribution to her experience with recovery.

 A Community Educator with Community Network Services’ Anti-Stigma Program since 2005, Malkia has been privileged to share her understanding of recovery and hope with others. Always active in church and community, her service includes an appointment to the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority in 2007 as a board member.  Malkia is happily married to Dubrae; has a daughter Tracie and her two grandchildren Kiyah and Gregory, all of whom are her biggest cheerleaders.

Kim - In December 2009 Kimberly Rider joined the team of the award-winning Community Network Services Anti Stigma Program. Kim has an Associates Degree in General studies from Macomb Community College, and is currently working toward a Bachelors degree in Nursing. She also brings business management, marketing, fundraising, and networking skills to the team.

Kim hopes that through her work with CNS, she can help educate the community on the challenges and stigmas associated with mental illness. She has a strong desire to help others realize that, although the road may seem long and difficult, there is hope for recovery. Kim feels that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it.