About Us

At Carmel’s Depression & Anxiety Wellness Foundation, we educate, voice, and advocate for people struggling with depression and anxiety disorders. We are a resource center that provides essential information about mental health issues. Our goal is to provide coping skills to help individuals manage symptoms and improve their wellness. We guide them in navigating the healthcare system, including finding therapists, physicians, and other support groups.

What We Do

At Carmel’s Depression & Anxiety Wellness Foundation, we understand that the prevalence of depression and anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate. In 2019, over 21 million Americans experienced at least one depressive episode. The symptoms range from severe to mild. In addition, it is estimated close to 31.1% of American adults have developed anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. These prevalence rates have skyrocketed due to the poor quality of life occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and harsh economic conditions.

We established this organization to provide a secure mental health and wellness platform. We help people with depression and anxiety lead healthier lives.

Marie Antoine-Pierre

Founder and Chief Executive

As the Founder and CEO of Carmel’s Depression & Anxiety Wellness Foundation Inc (CDAWF), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to educating, advocating, and connecting individuals and families to resources that support those living with depression and anxiety. With over two decades of experience in community leadership, program development, and higher education, Marie has dedicated her work to uplifting individuals, strengthening families, and promoting overall well-being. A passionate advocate, she shares her personal story and uses her platform to raise awareness, reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and help ensure that no one has to suffer in silence. Guided by a message of faith and inspired by her personal journey, Marie established CDAWF to expand access to education, support, and advocacy. She works alongside a dedicated team of volunteers and collaborates with organizations, institutions, and professionals to deliver workshops, wellness initiatives, and educational programs that are creating meaningful impact and expanding CDAWF’s reach to serve individuals and families throughout Brooklyn. In addition to her work with CDAWF, Marie serves in higher education supporting student success and accessibility. She is the author of Buzz Off Funk: I Go this Mind-A Recipe for Battling Depression & Anxiety and was featured in CanvaRebels for her purpose-driven journey and commitment to advancing awareness and support for depression and anxiety. Grounded in faith, compassion, and service, Marie remains committed to building partnerships and expanding opportunities to bring education, advocacy, and support to communities across Brooklyn.

Meet Our Team

  • Cynthia Thomas

    Treasurer

    With over 30 years of service in education, Ms. Cynthia Thomas has been a dedicated steward to her community. Through her work with youth and young adults, she has witnessed firsthand the impact depression and anxiety can have on individuals and families. She continues to commit her time and experience to supporting Ms. Antoine-Pierre in bringing accessible, community-centered programs that help individuals understand their options and connect with essential wellness resources.

  • The Board

    Governance

    The Board of Directors provides oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the Foundation remains mission-driven, financially responsible, and accountable to the community it serves. Board members support leadership through governance, advocacy, and partnership-building to help advance accessible mental wellness programs and resources.

  • Aisetou Jawara

    Board Secretary

    Aisetou, serves as Board Secretary, providing dedicated administrative and organizational support to the CEO and Board of Directors. She began her journey with CDAWF as a volunteer in June 2025. Through her strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to details, she was entrusted with increasing responsibilities, first supporting the organization as an Administrative Coordinator. In recognition of her commitment and the quality of her contributions, she was later invited to serve as Secretary to the Board. All of her roles with Kitchen, where she contributed to community service initiatives, operational coordination, and mission-driven support. Her dedication helps ensure that CDAWF’s leadership remains focused on advancing programs that support individuals and families navigating depression and anxiety.

Board of Members 

  • Camille McIntosh

    Volunteers & Internship Program Recruiter

  • Florencia Aguda - Chang

    Community Relations

  • Ketlie Numa / Yvonne Shand

    Events, Decor/Catering

  • Maya Iman

    Website Dev

  • Yanlin Hu

    Data Analysis

Past Volunteers

  • Avani Vaishnav

    Data Analysis

  • Isabella Yim

    Admin Assistant / Coordinator

  • Lauren Herrick

    Admin Assistant / Co-Coordinator

  • Keyi Wang

    Data Analysis

  • Samreet Sandhu

    Data Analysis

  • Margot Grom-Mansencal

    Social Media

  • Carlos Figueredo

    Data Analysis

  • Nyomie-Yanna Sanders

    Marketing & Communication

Our Core Values

Compassion

At Carmel’s Depression & Anxiety Wellness Foundation, we are committed to showing a deep understanding of the stories and challenges of individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. We maintain a non-judgmental approach in our operations.

Collaboration

We can realize our mission and goals by developing meaningful partnerships with volunteers, mental health professionals and survivors, family members, healthcare facilities, holistic facilities, stakeholders, agencies, community members, and other philanthropic individuals.

Resourceful

We are a one-stop center for vast information about depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. We provide coping skills and link individuals to treatment and support. We also lead in educating individuals about mental health facts and misconceptions and providing reliable solutions to their problems.

Inclusivity

We strive to advance a culture of diversity in our volunteer and professional teams. We provide a welcoming environment for all individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, and other background factors. We serve with respect and dignity.

Integrity & Honesty

Carmel’s Depression & Anxiety Wellness Foundation is a transparent, honest, trustable, and reliable organization. We are committed to maintaining truthfulness in all our decisions and actions. We comply with a strict moral and ethical code. We are consistent and accountable.