About Us
Board of Directors
Click on the photos below to view each member’s biography.
Kristen Roberts
Co-Founder, President
Jeffrey Roberts
Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Bill Harris
Vice President
Andrew Wright
Treasurer
Tracy Loveland
Secretary
Richard Dopp, MD
Director
Pete Loveland
Director of Fundraising
Andre Criswell
Director
Past Board Members
Andria Eisman
President Emeritus
Liz Marek
Director Emeritus
MJRF Champions
Melissa Schmidt
Clinical Therapist
LMSW SSW
Andy Nalepa
School Psychologist
Skyline High School
Will Heininger
Outreach Coordinator
University of Michigan Depression Center
Marketing & Web Development
Jenna Perry
Marketing Specialist
Robert Hawley
Website Design
Kristen Roberts
Co-Founder, President
Kristen’s son, Miles, died by suicide at the age of 15 in 2017. She works in the pharmaceutical industry specializing in clinical trial project management since 1998. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a Masters Degree in Health Behavior/Health Education from the University of Michigan. She hopes to support youth who are struggling with their social-emotional health and build a community of support, so suicide no longer feels like a viable option.
Jeffrey Roberts
Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Jeff’s son, Miles, died by suicide at the age of 15 in 2017. Jeff works as an Environmental Engineer. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Industrial Health, both from the University of Michigan. Jeff is committed to supporting youth who are navigating a rapidly changing societal landscape. This challenge is part of Miles’ story. Learning to be healthy and practicing self care is a challenge for many, particularly many men that are ‘toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence. Mental health is no different than physical health and Jeff will advocate for taking care of both as the co-founder/COO for MJRF.
Bill Harris
Vice President
Bill Harris earned his BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and has an M.Ed from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He’s been in education for over 30 years, from early intervention to higher education. Serving in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for more than 25 years, he’s worked both as a teacher and administrator in general education and special education. Currently, he is the Multi-tiered System of Support Administrator with a focus on creating systems for supporting the whole child- academic and social-emotional well-being. Bill believes in the power and importance of community having volunteered with Special Olympics, Ann Arbor Ed. Foundation Board, Michigan Mentorship Program, Food Gatherers, and many coaching opportunities. Bill and his family have been family friends of the Roberts for several years. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the MJR Foundation board and support the mission of mental well-being and suicide prevention.
Andrew Wright
Treasurer
Andrew Wright is the Treasurer of MJR Foundation. He earned his BS in Architecture from the University of Michigan and his MBA in Finance from Michigan State University. He is a CPA and has been working as an accountant in the Ann Arbor area for the past 20 years. Andrew works with multiple non-profits and charitable organizations in Ann Arbor as an advisor, bookkeeper and tax preparer. He is long-time family friend of the Roberts family and honored to be a part of the MJR Foundation.
Tracy Loveland
Secretary
Dr. Tracy Loveland studied psychology as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan and then earned her doctorate in Educational Psychology with a minor in Counseling from Indiana University. For the past 21 years, she has been a school psychologist in Ann Arbor Public Schools assisting students at all levels, preschool through high school. In her role, Tracy is an integral member of a team that supports students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. She applies her training and expertise in mental health, education, and behavior to help all students, but especially students at-risk and with disabilities succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Tracy is most passionate about seeing a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) implemented in every school by using data to assist in matching academic, social-emotional, and behavioral assessments and instructional resources to each student’s unique needs. Tracy and her family are long-time, close family friends of the Roberts, and she couldn’t be more honored to help promote the mission of the MJR Foundation.
Richard Dopp, MD
Director
Dr. Richard Dopp studied psychology as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan before spending time teaching young children with severe emotional problems and challenging family environments in Baltimore, Maryland. He returned to the University of Michigan for medical school and chose to continue his training in both adult and child psychiatry.
Currently, Dr. Dopp is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UM and is the medical director of the University Center for the Child & Family and the University Psychological Clinic. His research focuses on the relationships among physical activity, sleep and depression in adolescents, and his clinical interests include working with youth and adults who are managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD and other mental health conditions.
Pete Loveland
Director of Fundraising
Pete is a lifelong supporter of MJR and MJRF. He has been involved with MJRF for several years on the scholarship selection committee. In addition, Pete is active on several other local nonprofit boards. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Pete is a retired high school math teacher and swim coach. Pete has degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Mathematics, Educational Leadership, and an MBA.
Andre Criswell
Director
Andre received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in psychology and African-American studies. He also received his MSW in Interpersonal Practice in the Community and Social Systems from UM. Andre has worked in education for over 15 years serving as an Academic Success Specialist, social worker, Dean, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Andre was instrumental as Skyline’s AD from 2022-2024 with the implementation of the MJRF Champs program. Andre also was a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, where he excelled in football and later served in roles within the UM athletic department. He currently is working as the Chief of Programming & Operations at the Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA).
Andria Eisman
President Emeritus
Dr. Andria (Andi) Eisman was the first president of the MJR Foundation from its inception until 2022. Her focus is on identifying and implementing high-impact, sustainable approaches to advance mental health promotion and suicide prevention among youth. She is excited to bring together her professional background as a public health researcher and her personal commitment to suicide prevention to advance the mission of the MJR Foundation. Andi prioritizes collaborations as central to the Foundations’ efforts including with fellow board members, the Roberts family, local schools and the community. Andi is currently an Assistant Professor in Community Health, in the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies at the Wayne State University College of Education. She received her Ph.D. in Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on strategies to support the effective implementation of evidence-based drug use, violence prevention and mental health promotion interventions for youth.
Liz Marek
Director Emeritus
Liz Marek handles fundraising for the MJR Foundation. She earned her BS in Interdepartmental Studies from Northwestern University and began her career as Director of Public Relations for Bloomingdale’s department store. Living in Chicago, Boston, New York, and Southern California markets, she managed and facilitated logistics for special events, new store openings, marketing programs, community relations and local and nation press relationships. Liz also owned her own consulting firm specializing in special events, non-profit work and public relations. She worked with Mission Restaurant Group as their Director of Community Relations focusing on social media, special events, restaurant openings, and building strategic community partnerships. Most recently she became a partner in the real estate development firm 3Mission Design & Development. Liz and Kristen are fellow hockey moms and their families are close friends. Liz is grateful to help Kristen and Jeff on this incredible MJRF journey.
Melissa Schmidt
Clinical Therapist - LWSW SSW
Melissa Schmidt is a Fully Licensed Clinical Master Social Worker in the State of Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University and her Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University. She also holds a school social worker certification.
Melissa has almost 10 years of experience using evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. Currently, she also works as a high school social worker within Washtenaw County. Past employment includes job coaching individuals with disabilities to promote personal and professional growth with young adults.
Melissa has successfully coached high school Men’s & Women’s golf leading them to multiple state championships throughout the years. She has a Sports Performance Certification from the University of Michigan with an emphasis on mental performance with collegiate and high school athletes.
Andy Nalepa
School Psychologist - Skyline High School
Andy Nalepa is a practicing school psychologist in his 18th year with the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Andy graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology before attending Loyola University of Chicago where he received an ED. S in School Psychology. He currently serves Skyline High School where he supports students’ learning and social-emotional needs. Andy has a passion for student mental health and was an integral team member in implementing evidence-based practices in the school setting partnering with the University of Michigan’s TRAILS program. Andy is an Ann Arbor native where he participated in athletics including baseball and ice hockey. He has coached several community-based recreation teams, has been an assistant ice hockey coach at Pioneer High School and is currently the JV Field Hockey Coach at Skyline High School.
Will Heininger
Outreach Coordinator - University of Michigan Depression Center
Will works in mental health education & community outreach for the University of Michigan’s Eisenberg Family Depression Center. As a public speaker, Will also shares his story of battling and overcoming major depression and anxiety, while playing football and attending school at the University of Michigan. After first trying to hide his illness and ‘tough it out,’ he finally got the help he needed. Due to successful treatment, Will went on to thrive at U of M, graduating as a 4-time letterman in football, a 4-time Academic All-Big Ten award winner, and twice a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. In Will’s senior season, he started every game at defensive tackle for the Wolverines, who knocked off Ohio State on their way to an 11-2 season and a Sugar Bowl Championship. After graduation, he helped found and launch Athletes Connected, a program supporting student-athlete mental health and wellness.
Will has teamed up with the Miles J. Roberts Foundation, and become Champion for Mental Health. He is passionate about helping high-school athletes better understand their mental health by reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and promoting help-seeking. Outside of mental health work, Will enjoys coaching high school football, and helping student-athletes utilize mental health as part of a winning strategy.
Jenna Perry
Marketing Specialist
Jenna recently graduated in 2024 from Western Governors University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing. Jenna is focused on impactful work, such as raising awareness about mental well-being and suicide prevention through the Miles Jeffery Roberts Foundation. Jenna is passionate about making a positive difference and filling the gap in mental health resources in schools while helping MJRF create a strong brand presence in their community.
Rob Hawley
Website Design
Rob Hawley is Miles’ uncle and is responsible for website design for MJRF. He is blessed to be able to participate in Miles’ legacy.