Who Are We?
When Moms Mental Health Initiative first came to be, it was led by two moms eager to help other moms. As the years have gone on and our community has grown, we recognize that our work with birthing people goes beyond those who may identify as moms. So while we are Moms Mental Health Initiative, we remain an organization for all. All gender identities and sexualities of birthing and parenting people are welcome here. With the right help, you will feel better.
Sarah Ornst Bloomquist, CFLE is MMHI’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. She has been advocating for perinatal mental health since she experienced her own postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her first son. Sarah brings over 20 years of professional experience including her work as child advocacy program coordinator, life coach, family support specialist for perinatal couples and crisis pregnancy counselor. Sarah is a Certified Family Life Educator, advocate and speaker. She is committed to helping moms break down the obstacles to effective treatment and find hope in the process. Born and raised in the greater Milwaukee area, Sarah is a cheesehead at heart but spent many treasured years as a Hoosier. She currently lives in Ozaukee County and is a proud mom of two. She enjoys playing soccer, being active, hanging out with friends and neighbors, and taking her rescue dogs for hikes.
Bailey Huffman joined Moms Mental Health Initiative as the Resource Brokering Program Manager. Originally from Wisconsin, Bailey attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She recently moved back to Milwaukee after living in the Chicagoland area for the past several years. Bailey brings a decade of experience in nonprofit and social services administration, and has her Masters in Social Work from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Bailey and her husband, Phil, have one son and two rescue dogs. She loves to cook and has been enjoying showing her son all of her favorite Milwaukee restaurants and spots since moving back to the area.
Casey White believes not only does it take a village, but it's our job to build it. That's why MMHI's mission, vision and advocacy drive her each day. Not to mention, prior to joining the staff, Casey utilized Moms Mental Health Initiative’s resources as she navigated her own perinatal mental health journey in 2019. Casey is a retired journalist, who continues to bring advocacy and storytelling to everything she does. She’s a proud Northwestern University Wildcat. Casey and her husband, Drew, moved to Milwaukee in 2015 and now spend their time chasing their 2 rowdy boys.Email marketing inquiries to casey@mmhimke.org.
Laci Jones Oyler brings her expertise as a mental health provider and community advocate in her new role as Resource Brokering Specialist. For nearly fifteen years, she provided support for women moving through the trauma of interpersonal violence as a counselor and sexual assault and domestic violence advocate. Her most recent position was as a counselor at Alverno College, a liberal arts college for women on Milwaukee’s South Side. When the covid pandemic hit, Laci left her position to begin her journey as a stay-at-home parent, caring for her two young boys full-time. As she reenters the work force, she couldn’t be more excited to connect with and serve other mothers, parents and birthing people. She has a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Marquette University and bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with her children and husband and attempting to train her new rescue puppy, Larry.
