vocal Staff

Malaina Poore works as the Firewalkers Project Manager. Before this she was a diner waitress, a forklift driver, a mentor and a pre-school teacher. She is also a student and a mama.
Malaina Poore, Firewalkers Program Director, Malaina@VocalVirginia.org
(434)243-7878 ext 22 (888)771-2030

Bonnie Neighbour is an Advocacy Coordinator and mentor for advocates. She trains, organizes, and supports people with mental illness to have a voice in policymaking. She serves on numerous mental health policymaking boards, and she is a trainer and group leader for Consumer Empowerment Leadership Trainings, Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, and Wellness Recovery Action Plan. She has also served as a Hope in the Cities Facilitator – bringing together business and community leaders to address the issues of racial healing.
Bonnie Neighbour, Advocacy Coordinator
(804)343-1777 (877) 862-5638 (VOCLNET)
Bonnie@VocalVirginia.org

Yolande Long holds a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and works for the VOCAL Network as the Communications and Events Coordinator. She is happily married with three children - most of whom are fully grown but still keep her on her toes! - and a beautiful granddaughter who continually teaches her what life and love is really all about.
Yolande Long
Events/Communications/Volunteer Coordinator
(877) 862-5638 (VOCLNET)
Yolande@VocalVirginia.org

Anna Mendez is the REACH program director, and in this role she has the privilege of educating people about the power, promise, and possibility of mental health recovery. Recovered from anorexia and bulimia she is an ardent proponent of intuitive eating and mindful movement. Originally from Alexandria, Virginia she currently lives in the Shenandoah Valley among the most wonderful community of friends she could ask for. When not busy in her capacity at VOCAL or in her neurobiology lab at James Madison University she is likely to be found practicing yoga, dancing Nia, reading, or running... usually while drinking coffee.
Anna Clay Mendez
REACH Program Director
Anna@VocalVirginia.org, (540) 908-6392

For general inquiries contact network@vocalvirginia.org