HOPKINTON, MA (May 25, 2025) – Mental Health Collaborative (MHC), a nonprofit dedicated to building resilient communities through mental health education and awareness, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members and the hiring of a Director of Finance & Operations.
Founder & Executive Director, Abbie Rosenberg, shares that, “It’s an exciting time for Mental Health Collaborative. As we grow, we’re bringing on team members who offer the expertise, insight, and shared commitment needed to support our mission and expand our impact. I’m grateful for our current and new team members. Their contributions and dedication help MHC reach more individuals and ensure that mental health education is prioritized and accessible.”
Joining our staff: Yara Ford, Director of Finance & Operations
Yara Ford, our new Director of Finance & Operations, joined Mental Health Collaborative on Monday, May 12, 2025. Her arrival represents an exciting milestone as we continue building the infrastructure needed to sustain and grow MHC’s impact. With Yara’s leadership in place, we’re well-positioned to strengthen internal systems, support program expansion, and move forward with thoughtful, long-term planning.
Yara brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit operations, financial management, and organizational strategy. She has served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for both national and regional nonprofits, and holds an MBA in Health Care Management. Her leadership blends strategic insight with deep compassion, and she is deeply aligned with MHC’s mission and values.
Her commitment to mental health advocacy is longstanding. She has co-chaired a Mental Health Advisory Council, served as Executive Director of a private foundation, and was a board member of the Public Schools Foundation. Prior to relocating to Massachusetts, she was recognized as a Champion of Character by the City of Edmond for her leadership in advancing mental health awareness in her community.
Yara lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Joe, and their three daughters. She enjoys traveling, volunteering, and spending time in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York.
We are deeply grateful to Christine Tourigny and Diane Kosheff for their leadership and support throughout this transition and are pleased to welcome them to MHC’s Advisory Board.
Joining our Board of Directors: Brian Carlisle and Mia LaFlore
Brian Carlisle serves as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Arkansas State University – Mountain Home. He has worked for nearly 30 years in higher education, serving in several Vice President roles. His area of expertise is the intersection of law and higher education.
Brian lives in Arkansas with his husband, John Farrell, and their dog Binx. He enjoys traveling the world, camping, fishing, and the great outdoors.
Mia LaFlore is a legal marketing professional in Chicago, where she develops strategic campaigns and manages cross-functional teams. She has contributed to award-winning projects and leverages data-driven insights in her work. Drawing from her understanding of effective leadership in professional services, Mia created “The Anti-Manager,” a social media series that challenges outdated management practices.
Mia has completed two triathlons, plays five instruments, and has attended over 500 concerts. She and her husband celebrate their anniversary each August by taking photos in their wedding attire. They live with their dog, Marlowe, in Chicago.
We’re thrilled to welcome Yara, Brian, and Mia to the Mental Health Collaborative team. Mental health education is prevention. It helps people better understand themselves and those around them, and in many cases, it changes or even saves lives. We all need and deserve mental health literacy.
Mental Health Collaborative delivers evidence-based mental health education to schools, workplaces, organizations, and communities nationwide. We focus on building mental health literacy, which equips people with the knowledge and tools to care for their mental health, recognize when someone may be struggling, reduce stigma, and know how to seek or offer support in a meaningful and impactful way.