About the MDSG-NY Board

My name is Jasmine (Jazz) Winkler Stobbe. I am an artist, writer, educator, and mother. I live with bipolar disorder. At the moment I am living in a floating home on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia Canada. I have been an active member, facilitator, and board member of MDSG since 2001. I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a BFA and Columbia University’s Teachers College with a MA and EdM in Special Education on a full ride. I worked for the Department of Education as a Related Service Provider for 13 years and trained as a Peer Support Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health. I have been designing and teaching groups at THRIVE Open Door Group in West Vancouver. I have written and illustrated a book, “From Darkness to Life.” about my experience with postpartum depression and I am looking to publish soon.

Nathan Maratas arrived at MDSG-NY in 2007 and began facilitating in 2010. A California native who received his B.S. in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, he is an event planner who prides himself on the chic happenings he produces for clients in the fashion and luxury goods industries. In addition to facilitating, Nathan contributes his professional expertise to MDSG-NY by coordinating its end-of-year party as well as the training and continuing education of the organization’s facilitators. He is also an active recruiter of new volunteers.

Jill Usdan was certified as a peer support specialist by the DBSA in 2022.  She has been a facilitator for the MDSG since 2023.  Jill is a 1,600 hour AmSat certified Alexander Technique teacher.  The Alexander Technique is a therapeutic mind/body awareness building practice that helps people identify their mental and physical habits, so that they can navigate the world with agency, presence, purpose and joy.  Jill is also a singer/songwriter.  You can listen to her EP “Numbers” on all streaming platforms.  In 2021 she founded her hand made necklace business, “Jill’s Jubilant Jewels”.  As a production photographer, Jill has had her photographs published in the NY Times, Variety and other publications.  Jill majored in theatre at Barnard College, Columbia University and graduated as a recipient of the Kenneth Janes Theatre Prize.

Brian Frost, PhD joined MDSG in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since served as a facilitator and coordinator, and became a member of the board in 2026. He earned his doctorate in electrical engineering from Columbia University in 2023, and attributes a large piece of that accomplishment to the support he received from MDSG. Dr. Frost studies the evolution of hearing and communication, and has worked as an adjunct professor at various Manhattan institutions. He lives in Inwood with his partner and a menagerie of pets.

Shira Schindel is a mom of two young kids living in Upper Manhattan / Washington Heights. She is a trade publishing professional and currently the Acquisitions Director for indie publisher, Bindery Books. She also freelances as a writing coach for writers of adult, YA, middle grade, and picture books, and for those querying literary agents to advance their writing careers. Shira has been a proud member of MDSG since 2016, serving as a facilitator and regularly attending member. She is now honored to join the board, and hopes to help MDSG move into its next chapter.

Jaap Hooiveld joined MDSG-NY in mid-2026 as Treasurer, overseeing the organization’s bookkeeping, investment accounts, and financial reporting. Born in the Netherlands, Jaap lived in several countries before settling in New York with his partner. He spent his career in banking and currently works part-time as an estate planner and financial organizer, bringing that financial and administrative expertise to MDSG-NY’s board.