Our Teams

My name is Megan Adams and I am a Health & Phys Ed Teacher for 7th and 10th grades for Utica Academy of Science in upstate New York. I am a SUNY Brockport & Emporia State alumni in Health, Phys Ed and Recreation. My first 4 years, I taught in Killeen, TX and am currently in year 9 of my teaching career in Utica, NY. Outside of school, I am a girls basketball coach and enjoy spending time with my kids and family, golfing, attending SU Football & Basketball games, crafting and crocheting.

Kate Allen is a school social worker in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work degrees at Appalachian State University. Her experience is with elementary-aged children. Kate’s passion is to provide support and resources to students and families at her school to meet their unique needs.

Cassie Brooks was the 2018 SHAPE America Midwest District Health Teacher of the Year and is President of Indiana Society of Health and Physical Educators. She has taught Health and Physical Education at Brownsburg West Middle School in Indiana for 22 years and has a passion for supporting other skills-based educators in their work to prepare young people for a lifetime of health choices.

Amanda Browning is currently in her 19th year of teaching secondary Health and Physical Education in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition to presenting at the 2019 SHAPE America Convention in Tampa, FL, she has also been recognized as the 2020 NC SHAPE High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year and has been a two-time finalist for Guilford County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Katherine Castillo is a psychologist with experience in clinical care for children and adolescents, as well as in the implementation of community projects focused on psychosocial and emotional strengthening, and mental health.

Dr. Maritza Cha graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles and became the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. Dr. Cha was a school counselor and completed her PhD at Claremont Graduate University in Education, Urban Leadership. Dr. Cha has presented about school counseling topics at the national, state and local level. Dr. Cha co-authored a book chapter named “Servant Leadership: School Counseling During the Pandemic.” Dr. Maritza Cha currently is a National School Counselor Fellow and part of the Professional School Counseling Emerging Scholars Fellow Program.

Talmage Clubbs is a licensed professional counselor and the Director of Counseling Services at the Neosho School District. He has been in education for 8 years, after leaving a 20-year career in law enforcement working. While in law enforcement, Tal specialized in working with at-risk youth, including those experiencing mental health crises. With a wife and two daughters, Tal describes himself as a family man. He practices self-care by exploring the outdoors, hiking and fishing.

What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Erika’s Lighthouse strives to provide the most current resources so teachers can effectively deliver information while using proven best practices. Being able to talk about mental health with students and provide them with healthy coping strategies is extremely meaningful.

Esther is a school district administrator overseeing Health curriculum, Social Emotional Learning, and Wellness initiatives. She has over 15 years of experience, previously serving as a principal, assistant principal, and National Board Certified teacher. She holds an Ed.D. from USC and an M.Ed. from UCLA. She is passionate about developing the capacity of others to build safe and supportive learning environments where students thrive.

Jamie Dillon is currently going into her fourth year of teaching high school in the great state of Maine. She is the 2024 & 2025 Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance president along with organizing awards for Outstanding Future Professionals throughout the state. When she is not working she is planning road trips with her friends, paddle boarding, or reading in her hammock.

Megan Eischeid received her master’s Degree in Professional School Counseling from Loras College in 2022. She has been a licensed Professional School Counselor working in Des Moines Public Schools for the last two years. Before her employment at DMPS, Megan spent two years and hundreds of hours volunteering in the field of mental health crisis counseling and suicide prevention. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, yoga, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Jillian is a counselor, working with youth mental health for more than 15 years. She has spent the last 5 years as a public school counselor. Jillian has worked in hospital and outpatient settings using art therapy to help children and teens explore their feelings and experiences. As a strong believer in the importance of destigmatizing mental health, Jillian uses Erika’s Lighthouse lessons with her students.

I am a health and physical education teacher with over twenty years of experience working with middle and high school students. I have been a Certified Health Education Specialist since 2002, enjoy working with teenagers and helping them develop the life skills they will need as they grow into young adults. On a personal level, I am married with five children ranging in age from teens to early thirties, and I love exercising, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Recently we adopted twin Russian Blue kittens, and I look forward to the new dynamic they will bring to our family life.

Anna Farrell is a former 8th grade math teacher turned School Social Worker. She currently works at 2 middle schools in San Diego and loves promoting Erika’s Lighthouse’s amazing resources to schools, districts, and school social workers in Southern California. Together, we can raise awareness about mental health and how to seek help!

Although I am not originally from Texas I have lived here for almost 30 years and call this home. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my large family going out, travel and good music. I am so fortunate to spread the good news and resources available to promote mental health to all.

Nicole is a Master of Social Work graduate from the University of Washington-Seattle with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Social Work from the University of Kansas, as well as Building Principal Certification from Pittsburg State University. Currently, she is working as an Assistant Principal at Winfield Scott Elementary (K-2) in Fort Scott, but was previously a School Social Worker at an alternative day school program for 6 years. She additionally has teaching experience as a part-time Adjunct Instructor through the University of Kansas School of Social Work for both MSW and BSW students. She is the Colorguard Instructor for the Pittsburg High School Marching Dragons. 

Her leadership experience includes being a Board Member for the Kansas School Social Workers Association for 4 years. She has prior experience as a Board Member for the Partnership for All Cherokee County Children (PACCC) for 1 year; a Cherokee County Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) member through KUMC for 2 years, where she helped develop a transportation program for their most needy residents in partnership with CHCSEK and SEKCAP; as well as a Speciality Team Member for KUMC’s School-Based Mental Health 2023-24 ECHO for 1 year, where she led presentations on addressing challenging behavior and co-regulation strategies. Nicole additionally has experience with the Horatio Alger Association on their Alumni Advisory Committee for 2 years and as a Field Director for scholarship marketing for the State of Kansas for 4 years.

Amy Gladman is a Community Educator for The Counseling Center in Lisbon, Ohio. She delivers lessons to students all over her county that are in grades 6th-12th, on behalf of House Bill 123. This bill focuses on Social Isolation, Suicide and Depression Education, and Violence and Safety Prevention. She has a Master’s in Education and enjoys working with students to help continue to improve their self-confidence and provide experiences for growth. Walt Disney World is her favorite place on earth! She loves all things hot pink, leopard, and flavored coffee. She and her husband reside in the same county where she works with their two sons that are 9 and 6. She is excited to become a PCA for Ohio and is eager to continue to learn and grow in the Mental Health field!

My passion for ending the stigma around mental health began about 8 years ago. I have since been able to create a safe space for adolescents and adults in my job as a school counselor and in my private practice.

Dr. Britnee Harvey has served in the field of public health, health promotion and education for over ten years. She began her career in Pennsylvania where she was recognized as the 2020 Paving the Way to Educational Success Advocate Award for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness and Educational Stability for Youth in Foster Care. Currently, Dr. Harvey was recently awarded one of the final award recipients for the 2023 Dukes from the Last Decade Award for her professional excellence, commitment to service, and dedication to Duquesne University as an alumni student. She is passionate about creating healthier school and community environments for underserved populations, ensuring that young people are afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling and spending quality time with family.

Toya joined Erika’s Lighthouse as a PCA in 2024. She brings with her years of experience in behavioral health work and special education. Toya graduated from City University with a B.A. in Sociology and her M. ED in Special Education Teaching. She believes that everyone is teachable when they have a positive attitude.

Johanna Jacobson received her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from St. Xavier University in 2008. She has been a licensed professional school counselor working in Chicago Public Schools for the past 14 years. Currently, Johanna is a school counselor at Skinner North Classical School, where she has spent the last 11 years of her career. She is also serving as a Model Counselor for the Chicago Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year and led the school counseling team at Skinner North in achieving RAMP status in October 2023. Prior to working at Skinner North, Johanna was an elementary school counselor in the Chicago Little Village neighborhood. Johanna is very passionate about mental health education and advocacy.

Allegra Jarvis is a middle school English Language Arts teacher in California. Her personal mental health journey inspired her to help her students become mental health leaders, and Erika’s Lighthouse gave her the tools to succeed in that mission. When she isn’t teaching, she loves reading, yoga, and finding ways to support her community.

Mateus was born and raised in Salvador, the capital of the State of Bahia in the northeast of Brazil. Mateus is the youngest son of four siblings and a proud uncle of a 6-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a graduate certificate in Psychopedagogy, and a master’s degree in Education. Mateus has 5 years of experience working as a school counselor. He has worked with students of all school ages. Now he works in South Korea as an Upper Elementary School Counselor supporting 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students.

Maggie King is a social worker with 9 years of experience working with high school students in a school setting. She has spent her career at Hoffman Estates High School meeting the social emotional and academic needs of students.

Scott Langston is an international educator, psychologist and counsellor with 30 years’ experience in 8 different countries. He works principally with teenagers and their families.

Jaymie is a School Psychologist who has been counseling youth in need for over 10 years. She originally started out as a therapeutic manager in group homes and now works for Knightsen School District in Northern California as a school psychologist. Her passion for helping youth derived after a counselor helped her through a dark time in her teens. Jaymie is a school psychologist and mother, her number one goal is to make a positive impact on youth while working to create a safe space for all students.

My name is Stacie Nessa. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have over 29 years experience working with children, families, individuals and systems. Through my position in Des Moines Public Schools I serve 68 schools and 5,500 staff and provide consultation to the Department of Human Services, Juvenile Court Services and Adult Probation. On the side, I own a LLC, Stacie Nessa & Friends, which was created to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid and Sidewalk Talks to my community. When I’m not working, I’m hanging with my family; my husband, two kids (8 and 10), and our big (125 pound) dog, Doug.

Michelle has over 25 years of experience in education as a former classroom teacher, counselor, mental health trainer, and project director leading work in whole-child health working in the areas of social-emotional health, trauma-informed approaches, and multitiered systems of support. For 15 years, Michelle worked for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the CDC’s Healthy Schools Program where she provided strategic oversight of professional development, content development, assessment and evaluation and recognition programs. She has created courses and developed tools and resources to evaluate needs and implement new practices on equitable health and wellness, multitiered systems of support, family engagement, and supportive discipline.

Tahvyea Rains has been a dance teacher for 10 years and has worked with cheerleading programs nationwide for over 13 years. As a former teen athlete and dancer who’s battled with depression, Tahvyea is dedicated to supporting young people battling depression and spreading awareness to those around them. Tahvyea’s motto is, “You are capable of achieving if given the motivation and desire.” She believes that by bringing awareness to athletic and arts programs, teens, families and administrators can find the tools and resources to help our youth succeed.

I have been a teacher for over 20 years working in and out of the public school system with students in 5th through 12th grades. Teaching students that they can and deserve to have good mental health is a passion of mine. I reside in Woodstock, Connecticut with my family. I love traveling, especially to visit my family in England. I love hiking and coaching swimming.

My name is Tiffany Ruffin, I am a School Counselor with Chicago Public Schools. I am also someone who loves to serve others.

DeHaven (they/them) is a youth program developer who lives in Hampton Roads, Virginia. They have spent the majority of their career serving LGBTQ+ youth and creating equitable school environments by weaving together stories, best practices, and research. DeHaven is about to begin a doctoral program in counseling and school counseling to continue this work. Outside of work, DeHaven is a water fanatic who loves finding random adventures with their bouncing pit bull.

Dr. Michelle Sircy has served in public education for 21 years. Her service includes work as a special education teacher, high school counselor and currently she serves as the specialist for counseling services within JCPS. She also co-leads the district crisis team and leads suicide prevention efforts for both students and adults. Dr. Sircy is the past president of the Kentucky Counseling Association, past president for the Jefferson County Counseling Association and currently serves as the state lead for crisis support for the Kentucky Counseling Association. Additionally, Dr. Sircy is the regional elect representative for the college board and is an adjunct professor at Spalding University in their school counseling division of the educational department. Her passion resides in improving mental health services, leading school counselor work in addressing racial equity at the school level and improving suicide prevention efforts for our community.

Pannill Titus is a school counselor for PreK-3-year-olds through grade 8 at an independent school in Norfolk, VA. She holds a master’s degree in school counseling and national board counselor certification. Pannill is recognized as a dynamic and innovative human services professional with 18+ years of experience guiding interpersonal success through meaningful and lasting relationships.