Who We Are — CAN’s Board

Deborah Gribbin

Executive Chair, Board of Directors

Deborah Gribbin is the Chair of CAN’s Board of Directors. Deborah has over 25 years of experience working with nonprofits, running organizations and providing individual counseling to those in need. Deborah previously served as the US Director of The Atlantic & Pacific Exchange Program (APEP), a nonprofit headquartered in the Netherlands. She came to CAN almost two decades ago through her work as a grants manager for the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation. She then developed an immediate connection to the organization’s leadership and mission. Since the passing of Effie Smith, Deborah has served as the Board’s volunteer Executive Chair, and has served as CAN’s interim-Executive Director. Deborah’s career has centered on assisting those in need and helping nonprofits become more effective and efficient. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Greg Field Price

Greg Field Price joined the Board of Directors of Consumer Advocate Network in 2022. A licensed attorney and seasoned advisor, Greg brings decades of experience in law, consulting, and strategic communications, helping global companies, philanthropic organizations, and family offices navigate complex challenges. He has led crisis-management, branding, and public-affairs initiatives across sectors and continents. Greg holds degrees from Tufts University, Notre Dame Law School, and NYU School of Law.

Michelle Dyson

Peer Member, Board of Directors

Michelle Dyson brings a sympathetic ear and over 40 years of personal and familial lived experience to her role as a consumer, and valued CAN board member. Michelle worked as first a volunteer, then as an advocate at CAN for many years before retiring. In 2024, CAN determined that Michelle’s impact on CAN and our community was too important to let go, so we were thrilled when Michelle agreed to serve on CAN’s board. Michelle is a licensed Mental Health First Aid instructor and Emotional CPR trainer. In addition to her work with CAN, Michelle is a part of the Department of Behavioral Health Stakeholders’ group, a member of the Behavioral Health Planning Council’s Planning and Accountability Committee, and serves on the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council.

Joyce Kinard

Peer Member, Board of Directors

Joyce Kinard is a lifelong resident of Washington, DC, where she has built a life of service rooted in community, compassion, and resilience. Now retired, Joyce has dedicated her career—and her retirement—to working with and advocating for others. From 2013 to 2015, Joyce worked with the Consumer Advocate Network (CAN) as an Advocate, a role she found deeply rewarding. During her time with CAN, she supported individuals directly and conducted outreach presentations at facilities such as Green Door, Community Connections, and others. She credits her introduction to CAN to a chance encounter with co-founder Effie Smith—someone Joyce had seen around their shared building but didn’t know personally. One day, while on the bus, Joyce was offering guidance to someone in need. Effie overheard the conversation and said, “We need people like you on our team.” The following week, Joyce visited CAN, and Effie hired her on the spot. That moment became the beginning of one of the most meaningful chapters in Joyce’s journey as an advocate. Joyce believes strongly in CAN’s mission and its potential to be a powerful resource for consumers—especially when its efforts are followed through with care and consistency. She brings not only lived experience but also a deep understanding of mental health regulations and what consumers truly need. She is confident that her insight can go a long way in strengthening CAN’s work at the board level. Today, Joyce continues her advocacy as President of the Resident Council at Judiciary House, a member of the City-Wide Advisory Board for DC Housing, and a committed participant in the Washington Interfaith Network (IWIN). She is deeply motivated by work that uplifts communities and promotes equity, especially for those whose voices are often unheard. Her personal story is one of strength and perseverance. Growing up as one of nine children, facing early challenges, and becoming a young mother at 18, Joyce has overcome adversity with grace and determination. In her free time, she enjoys being with her grandchildren and reflecting on the life she has built through purpose and service. Joyce looks forward to bringing her experience, voice, and commitment to justice to the CAN Board of Directors should she be selected to join.

Aletha Smith Simpson

Aletha Smith Simpson, and I’m honored to introduce myself and express my interest in joining the Board of Directors of the Consumer Advocate Network (CAN). This organization holds deep personal and professional significance for me. I was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on March 31st—a date I’m proud to share with my beloved aunt and role model, Effie Smith. More than just my aunt, she was my twin in spirit. Effie was a passionate advocate, a woman of extraordinary character, and a co-founder of the Consumer Advocate Network. Her commitment to uplifting and protecting others, especially youth and underserved communities, laid the foundation for much of the work I do today. After attending Winthrop College, I returned to my hometown and earned a degree in cosmetology, later opening my own salon—a dream I had held since my early years. During that time, I met and married my partner in life, Corey Simpson. We’ve now been married for nearly 22 years and are the proud parents of our daughter, Novah, who is 15 and full of beauty, talent, and brilliance. My second venture, Just Like My Own Childcare Center, was inspired by my lifelong love for children—something I shared with my aunt Effie, who started her journey caring for children as a babysitter. Though she never had biological children, she gave her heart fully to every child she encountered. I strive to carry that same love and intentional care into my work. Like her, I believe every child is deserving of nurturing, advocacy, and opportunity. Effie’s passion for community service and juvenile advocacy deeply impacted me. Watching her work and knowing the legacy she helped build through CAN is one of the reasons I am now seeking a seat at the table—to contribute my experience, voice, and dedication to the organization she helped found. Though small in stature at around 5’2”, Effie had a heart and presence that were larger than life. She often teased my 6’5” husband and me—at 5’11”—with a playful “How does it feel up there?” That humor, paired with her strength, is something I carry with me to this day. Like her, I am also a cosmetologist. She was a talented freelance photographer as well, which sparked my own love for photography—both behind and in front of the lens. Effie also taught me to stay grounded—to focus on what I can control, and not let life’s stressors define me. I live by that wisdom, especially as I juggle multiple roles: business owner, high school long-term substitute teacher, property manager and owner, USDA Food Program recruiter and monitor, and caregiver to my incredible 82-year-old mother. It would be a profound honor to serve on the Board of Directors of the Consumer Advocate Network and carry forward the legacy of compassion, advocacy, and integrity that Effie Smith helped to establish. I’m ready to bring my energy, experience, and heartfelt commitment to this role, and I thank you for your consideration. Warmest regards, Aletha Smith Simpson

CAN Staff & Advocates

Simon Fuerstenberg

Executive Director

Simon Fuerstenberg is CAN’s Executive Director. Bringing more than 10 years of experience working in government and nonprofits, Simon joined CAN as program manager in February 2020 and initially worked with then-Executive Director Effie Smith to manage a grant from The US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since then, Simon’s responsibilities continued to grow in his efforts to protect and carry on Effie Smith’s legacy, despite having impossibly big shoes to fill. Prior to his work with CAN, he manned the Development and Education desk at Relief International in DC, worked for the Congressional Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, then for a number of members of congress, and contracted independently with USIP, USAID, Family Health International 360, and many other such organizations. He is a certified instructor in Mental Health First Aid, and Emotional CPR , is a member of the Department of Behavioral Health Stakeholders’ group, and serves on the Behavioral Health Planning Council’s Planning and Accountability Committee, and is Secretary of the DC chapter of Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Board. Simon holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Economics and History from Hamline University and a Master’s in International Affairs from The George Washington University’s Elliott School.

Monique Townsend

CAN Advocate and Resources Specialist

Monique Townsend is CAN’s Resources Specialist. She joined CAN through the organization’s partnership with the DOES Project Empowerment Program. This program seeks to reduce economic disparity by serving DC residents facing multiple barriers to employment. With decades of lived experience navigating the DC mental health system, Mrs. Townsend is highly knowledgeable about CAN’s resource networks and core agencies in DC. She began her internship eager to learn more about the mental health care system, share her wisdom, and develop more extensive networks with service providers. Mrs. Townsend has now completed a 6-month intensive training and earned her HIPAA and WRAP certifications. She has utilized her lived experience and training to serve countless individuals seeking support through CAN, and now holds the positions of Resource Specialist and Office Notary. A dedicated staff member and longtime consumer of DC mental health services, she is uniquely positioned to assist CAN consumers. Above all, Mrs. Townsend brings a genuine passion for helping others navigate the DC mental healthcare system alongside other DC-based resources.   

Ayana Baker

CAN Advoate and Administrator

Ayana Baker is and advocate and also CAN’s administrator. She is certified in HIPAA procedures, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Mental Health First Aid, and Emotional CPR. Ms. Baker is a Washington DC native with lived experience in the Behavioral Health system in the city. Ayana is a cinnefile and loves to support the arts in the city. Ayana gave birth to her first child Carsyn in September 2024, and is discovering the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Effie Smith