Melony Cunningham

Executive Director

Melony Cunningham oversees the current programming NAMI Kentucky state-wide. She is also responsible for fundraising, marketing and community collaborations, communications to the Board, and new programs and initiatives. Melony comes to NAMI Kentucky as a Human Services Provider with 16 years of experience serving Lexington and the Southern Bluegrass, at the micro and mezzo levels of both social and mental health services. Melony has a B.A. in Education and Spanish from the University of Kentucky and is working on her Masters in Mental Health Counseling.

Melony has a lot of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults and families with mental health concerns over the past 16 years. She did this in the capacity as an Information & Referral Coordinator for First Link of the Bluegrass, as a DCBS CPS/APS Case Manager, Intake Coordinator for UK Good Samaritan Behavioral Health, facilitated mental health groups in coordination with UK Psych Nursing Students free of charge at Community Action Council, and was a Behavioral Health Care Coordinator with Wellcare for foster and adoptive children.

T.J. Litafik

Advocacy Coordinator

T.J. Litafik has over 20 years of experience in Kentucky politics and government as owner/principal of Solon Strategies, LLC. He is a native of Pikeville in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. T. J. has managed and/or been a consultant for dozens of political campaigns from local offices to governor, and he has successfully lobbied for clients in the Kentucky General Assembly.
T. J. holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University and a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has worked in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Kentucky state government.
T. J. lives in Lexington with his 10-year old cat, Louie. He enjoys reading, history, travel, jazz, and UK sports. T.J. states, “I fully believe in the mission of NAMI Kentucky, and am committed to helping this organization as an advocate for some of our most vulnerable Kentuckians—those grappling with mental illness. We have many important goals we will be fighting for in the upcoming 2022 session of the General Assembly. I look forward to helping achieve them as we continue to work for those who benefit from NAMI Kentucky’s services and partnerships.”