Board Welcomes Dukes & Schumm

The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County is pleased to announce the appointments of two new board members, LaTesha Dukes and Jenn Schumm. LaTesha Dukes resides in Ravenna and has been an active community member in Portage County. Jenn Schumm is a Kent resident.

LaTesha Dukes is the assistant director of the donor recognition program at Kent State University. She holds a degree in public health from Kent State University and is currently working towards her master’s in human development and family studies.

Dukes is active in the community and is a member of several committees and boards throughout the county. She hopes to help destigmatize mental health issues among the African American community and help bring awareness to the importance of mental health.

“I also hope to bring more awareness to the resources available and see how services can be utilized more throughout the community,” said Dukes. With her time on the board, she hopes to help open doors for others in the community to access services. In her free time, Dukes enjoys spending time with her five children, reading, and shopping.

Jenn Schumm is a service and support administrator for Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities where she coordinates services for individuals with disabilities. She holds a degree in criminal justice from Kent State University.

Her unique employment history offers insight into areas regarding mental health, addiction services/recovery houses, criminal justice and developmental disabilities. Jenn’s previous work at ROOT house (Family & Community Service’s resident treatment facility for men in Portage County) motivated her to try and reduce the stigma of Medicated Assisted Treatment and overall community opinions of those struggling with addiction.

This extensive experience will offer unique perspectives. “I believe my experience will bring a unique perspective to the Board,” stated Schumm. “I look forward to working with fellow board members to address the mental health and addiction needs of those in Portage County.”

In her free time Jenn enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, gardening, reading, and running.