TIMONIUM, Md. – Monyka Berrocosa has joined the John W. Brick Foundation for Mental Health, Inc. as its executive director.

A highly awarded CEO, management consultant and renowned expert in sustainable growth, business development, nonprofit organizational management and scaling disruptive concepts, Berrocosa will oversee the Foundation’s strategic growth nationally and internationally through development, management, logistics and operational efforts in tandem with Chief Engagement Officer Merrill Brick and founders, Victor and Lynne Brick.

“I look forward to making the Foundation a nonprofit leader by increasing engagement, financial and community support to pursue research identifying the tangible benefits of exercise in relation to mental health illness management, treatment and prevention,” said Berrocosa, a McGill University management graduate who currently is pursuing certifications in change management, personal training and spin instruction.

“Having witnessed the effects of mental illness firsthand, I am inspired to lead the Foundation in raising awareness regarding mental health and the benefits of exercise,” she added.

Berrocosa is the founder of The Giving Spirits Foundation – a 501 (C) 3 organization that has raised and donated more than $400,000 within the past decade to local grassroots and other projects serving women and children in difficulty and those affected by natural disaster and major health concerns, as well as arts initiatives and other worthy causes.

She also is the incoming president-elect of The Women’s Exchange, Maryland’s longest continually operating nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of women seeking economic and entrepreneurial independence and financial empowerment. The founder and past chair of Women in Business at The Center Club, she previously has served on the National Association of Women Business Owners Presidential Selection Committee (national), Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore Board of Trustees, Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

In addition to being named NAWBO’s 2010 Woman of the Year and a SHERO by the United Way of Central Maryland, she earned a Woman of Spirit National Philanthropy Award and Hometown Hero honors from The Red Cross, placed in the Top 100 MBEs twice, received a Smart CEO Brava Award and was listed among the BBJ’s Fastest Growing Women Owned Businesses.

A Montreal native who relocated to Baltimore in 1998, Berrocosa resides with her son, Alexandre Henri Marbach, and their two dogs.

About the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation

The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization established by Victor, Lynne and Vicki Brick in 2015 to advance learning on how exercise benefits mental health.The Foundation is named after Victor Brick’s oldest brother, John, who suffered from schizophrenia and died prematurely of complications from the disease. As physical health enthusiasts, Victor, Lynne and Vicki Brick firmly believe that changes to John’s physical health could have greatly improved his mental health. Led by Chief Science Officer, Dr. Allen Tien, the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation serves as a collaborative hub, working with other mental health care institutions, organizations and individuals in conducting studies, promoting research, creating awareness and improving understanding as to how exercise benefits mental health. For more information, visit www.exerciseyourmentalhealth.org.