Staff
Brandon joined Erika’s Lighthouse in June 2019. He brings with him over 20 years of nonprofit experience ranging from Executive Director, Board Member to volunteer for many passions and causes. He earned his Master’s in Nonprofit Administration in December 2009 from North Park University and his BA in Political Science from Indiana University in May 2004. Brandon wants to ensure that every child feels empowered, validated and important.
Katie joined Erika’s Lighthouse in August 2021. She has a Masters degree in Human Services and Counseling from DePaul University. Katie has over 15 years experience working in behavioral health and nonprofit administration. Katie is passionate about mental health awareness in schools and is excited to be a part of the Erika’s Lighthouse team.
Meade joined Erika’s Lighthouse in October 2019. She brings over eight years of nonprofit experience as both a professional and a volunteer. She is committed to helping nonprofits and is excited to be a part of an organization that is tirelessly working to improve mental health in young adults. Meade has a BA in Political Science from Kenyon College and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University.
Jennifer joined Erika’s Lighthouse in October 2024. Although born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned a bachelor’s degree in educational policy with certificates in Gender and Women Studies and Chicane/Latine Studies. Post-graduation, she worked for two years in the non-profit world as a health educator. Jennifer is excited to help make an impact on young people, their caregivers, and educators to change the stigma about mental health conversations!
Derick joined Erika’s Lighthouse in 2023. He hails from the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, and has been shaped by its diverse and unique culture. His academic pursuits led him away from home to the University of Missouri-Columbia, better known as Mizzou. There, he earned dual degrees: a BA in History and another in Latin. Post-graduation, he ventured to China, immersing himself in a new environment and culture, while teaching English to non-native speakers. Eventually, he returned to the United States, spending several impactful years in Texas as an educator before finding his way back to Chicago, where the prospect of joining Erika’s Lighthouse fills him with excitement and purpose.
Blair joined Erika’s Lighthouse in January 2025. She brings with her seven years of nonprofit fundraising experience. Blair has a BA in English Professional Writing and an MA in Management from Butler University. She hopes that she can use her own experience with adolescent depression to start, and continue, the vital conversation of youth mental health.
Kayla joined Erika’s Lighthouse in August of 2025 as the School Support Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, a Pre-K through 6th-grade teaching license, and a certification in English as a Second Language. She brings several years of teaching experience from Chicago Public Schools. Kayla is excited to utilize her knowledge of the school system in this new role, helping bring mental health education and support to children, schools, and communities.
Laura joined Erika’s Lighthouse in January 2022, bringing a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience as a professional and a volunteer. She is committed to working to further the Erika’s Lighthouse mission within our community and across the country. Her three children drive her dedication to promoting good mental health for all. Laura has a BS in Human Development from Colby College and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA.
Lauren joined Erika’s Lighthouse in January 2024. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Masters Degree in Accounting from The George Washington University. She brings fifteen years of accounting experience, most of which was spent working in International Development. Lauren wants to see a world without mental health stigma and she’s thrilled to bring her love of non-profit accounting to Erika’s Lighthouse.
Kristina came to Erika’s Lighthouse in 2016 as a graduate intern and joined the team full time in 2017 as Director of Outreach & Development. After spending many years in the business and financial services sectors, Kristina is excited to be working with an organization that promotes the importance of good mental health through education. She obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW), along with a certificate in Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy, from Loyola University Chicago. Kristina graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a BA in sociology.
Shantal joined Erika’s Lighthouse in August 2022. She brings over 10 years of experience in family and community relationships, non-profit, and education. Shantal has a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is passionate about giving youth, their families, and their support systems the tools and education they need to take charge of their mental health. Her goal is to spread awareness and make mental health a safe and common topic for conversation.
Ilana joined Erika’s Lighthouse in September 2019 as Director of Education. She has a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ilana brings with her over 15 years of non-profit health education programming experience ranging from Outreach Coordinator to Director of Education. Ilana is excited to be part of Erika’s Lighthouse to help further the mission and empower preteens, teens, their caregivers and educators to learn and talk openly about adolescent depression.
Cheryl joined Erika’s Lighthouse in July 2025, bringing over 12 years of nonprofit fundraising experience. She began volunteering at a young age when her sister was diagnosed with cancer. Cheryl knew that she was destined for a career of helping others, and is especially passionate about mental health. She is thrilled to join Erika’s Lighthouse and continue her career of service by helping de-stigmatize mental health issues. Cheryl earned her BA in English and Journalism from Western Illinois University.
Adrian joined Erika’s Lighthouse in 2025. With over five years of experience in web development and marketing, they bring a unique perspective to the organization. After earning their degree in Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Adrian spent four years in California working in tech, where they honed their skills in innovative problem-solving and communication. Passionate about mental health awareness, Adrian is excited to contribute to creating environments where children feel supported and understood.
Kristin joined Erika’s Lighthouse in July of 2023. She brings over 10 years of experience in Marketing and Recruiting with a degree in Communications from Indiana University. Kristin is excited to be pivoting her career into the non-profit space and looks forward to helping spread the Erika’s Lighthouse mission further through our Community Ambassador Program. She is passionate about removing the stigma of depression and believes good mental health practices are key to the success of all young people
Board of Directors
Eric joined the board of Erika’s Lighthouse in 2023. He is a Vice President, Financial Advisor at RW Baird in Chicago, focusing on high-net-worth individuals, small business owners, and multi-generational families. Prior to Baird, Eric spent 10 years at UBS Financial Services. Before that, he spent 10 years with Bernstein Global Wealth Management. He also spent 2 years with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. upon graduating Phi Beta Kappa with honors from the University of Maryland. He and his wife, Stephanie, a cancer fundraiser for the University of Chicago Medical Center, live in Wilmette, IL, along with their three children: Evan, Bennett and Audrey.
Eric formerly served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Additionally, for over a decade he and his wife have co-led a team raising funds for rare cancer research and treatment, in honor of Stephanie’s late sister, Megan, through Cycle For Survival.
Barry Greenhouse is the Senior Vice President, Merchandising and Supplier Management of W.W. Grainger, Inc. He oversees the company’s merchandising capabilities, supplier relationships and cost management. Since joining Grainger in 2004, Barry has held several roles of progressive responsibility in the supply chain organization. Prior to joining Grainger, Barry held roles in operations, sales, marketing, and project management at McMaster-Carr and Webvan. Barry holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and an MBA, both from the University of California, Los Angeles.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
As a Board member since the inception of ELH I have seen the positive and profound results of our efforts to educate, de-stigmatize and bring hope to adolescents and their families who struggle with depression. We wanted to raise awareness about depression and also encourage good mental health in our community and beyond. It is incredibly meaningful to be a part ELH and know that our educational programs are reaching hundreds of schools and empowering students in a positive way and giving them both help and hope in understanding themselves and others.
Kevin is a Managing Director at Protiviti, a Global Risk Management Consulting firm, and has spent his career working with clients to strengthen risk management and solve business problems.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you? In today’s challenging and uncertain world, young people are struggling with mental health at levels previously unseen. The work that Erika’s Lighthouse is doing to destigmatize conversations around mental health and provide tools to navigate depression has already positively touched so many lives, and yet there is still so much more work to do to help promote strong mental health and provide a bright future for all young people.
Michelle Mirzoian is a strategic, organized, and process-oriented, sales leader who can bridge between the education sector and the corporate/tech world. She specializes in organizational growth and large development goals. She has a strong commitment to equitable and inclusive work environments that thrive to create social impact in the world.
Linda Monico MS, RN, is a retired advance practice nurse who most recently worked at Northwestern Hospital and Rush University Medical Center. She has been involved in many volunteer activities over the years, but is most passionate about Erika’s Lighthouse because of the need and mission. She firmly believes in Erika’s Lighthouse work to provide key information for students to proactively identify depression and to receive help.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
The mission of Erika’s Lighthouse is very personal and important to me. Since I have become a Board Member, I’ve seen firsthand how the depression education program has positively impacted thousands of students in the Chicago area and around the country.
Professional Advisory Board
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Supporting youth mental health is a shared community responsibility. Schools play a vital role in suicide prevention, and it’s essential that educators have the tools and confidence to engage in developmentally appropriate conversations. That’s why I support Erika’s Lighthouse—its programs empower school teams to foster open, stigma-free discussions about mental health and suicide prevention, ultimately helping students thrive
Dareen Khatib is Senior Administrator of Health, Safety, and Prevention Programs at the Orange County Department of Education, where she oversees support for comprehensive health education, including mental health, sexual health, and substance use prevention, as well as school wellness, school safety, and family and community engagement. She serves as an advisor for the National Mental Health Collaborative, co-lead of the California Health Education Subcommittee, and was director of the statewide Health Education Framework Rollout Project. She is a public health practitioner, certified health educator, and registered dietitian with over 25 years of experience in PK-16 education.
Pia Houseal, DSW, LCSW, is the Program Administrator for the Project AWARE grant at Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. She graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in English Literature and Women’s Studies. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and her doctorate degree in Social Work Leadership and Education from Millersville University.
Pia has two decades of experience as a school social worker and school administrator in Pennsylvania. Currently, through the work of the Project AWARE grant in southeastern PA, she leads a team that helps support district staff and the students/families they work with in enhancing and implementing tiered supports in school mental health systems and suicide prevention/interventions.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
The mission of The Jed Foundation and the work of Erika’s Lighthouse are in perfect alignment.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Erika’s Lighthouse has developed a mental wellness and suicide awareness and prevention program that is accessible and acceptable to educators and youth and also incorporates effective pedagogical techniques for today’s youth and adult learners. The evaluation data from our multi-state implementation of Erika’s Lighthouse suggest that after only a single session of Erika’s Lighthouse, youth improve in their understanding of mental health, school connectedness, and ability/willingness to connect with trusted adults. Our schools are fortunate to have this mental health curriculum that is evidence-informed, youth- and adult-friendly, and available at no cost.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Increasing access to mental health care, decreasing stigma, and reducing mental health disparities are very important to me. Erika’s Lighthouse stands out as an organization dedicated to these goals through their work in mental health promotion and prevention. I appreciate the partnerships Erika’s Lighthouse has made with youth, families, schools, and communities to improve mental health outcomes for youth.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
The mission of Erika’s Lighthouse, that “All students deserve good mental health,” is meaningful to me. Every student deserves to be taught the skills and resources they can use in order to help become the best versions of themselves. Erika’s Lighthouse is making that possible!
Carter Funkhouser’s work broadly aims to identify and support young people with or at risk for depression. He is developing and evaluating digital interventions for young people with depression to make evidence-based support more accessible and appealing to those who need it. Additionally, some of his work uses digital tools (e.g., smartphones) to detect and predict changes in depression, with the goal of identifying individuals with depression earlier and provide opportunities for earlier and more timely intervention.
Amy Lauren Smith currently teaches Health & Wellbeing at Hong Kong International School, where she also serves as Schoolwide Health Coordinator. With over 15 years of experience in curriculum design and international education, Amy works as a consultant with schools looking to align their approach to whole-school wellness, Health, and SEL. She presents at conferences around the world and remains active in the field through her work with SHAPE America and as Secretary of Health for the International Alliance for Health, PE, Dance, and Sport. You can find her online at thehealthteacher.com.
Dr. Maria Ramirez is a dedicated educational leader and counselor with over two decades of experience advancing student achievement and whole-child development. She currently serves as Student Support Systems Specialist for Mesa Unified School District, where she coaches school counselors and social workers K–12, leads crisis response, and coordinates professional development and internship placements. Previously, as Head Counselor in multiple Arizona schools, she led Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Justice (RJ), and Social, Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, while providing direct counseling and staff training. Her work at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teaching College included developing training modules on discipline, bullying prevention, and school culture. Dr. Ramirez holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in School Counseling, and a Bachelor’s in Education. A passionate advocate for equity and excellence, she is committed to building inclusive learning environments that empower students, families, and educators.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
It is a whole school, whole community approach that provides the useful tools, resources and supports to empower schools, teachers, and families to make a positive impact.
Tali Raviv is a Clinical Psychologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Raviv has over 15 years of clinical and research experience in hospital, school, and community settings. Her work focuses on promoting resilience for children impacted by poverty, stress, and trauma. Dr. Raviv’s research focuses on the development, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of evidence-based prevention programs and mental health interventions to school and community settings. Dr. Raviv holds a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, a Master of Arts in Child Clinical Psychology from University of Denver, and a PhD in clinical psychology from University of Denver.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
I believe that each person deserves to feel healthy and well, in all areas of their life. I value taking the time to teach young people about the importance of mental and emotional health and to do so in ways that help them to achieve overall well-being.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Ensuring that schools are places where every student can learn and thrive is very important to me.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
I have seen the impact of Erika’s Lighthouse on the lives of teens and its messages of hope are vital in creating a healthy community.
Stephanie A. Morris serves as Chief Executive Officer at SHAPE America, the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since being founded in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and SHAPE America’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education and National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.
Previously, she served as a deputy executive director for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a professional membership organization working to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. In this role, she oversaw the development and implementation of strategies related to the organization’s membership, conferences, professional development programs and resources, corporate partnerships and customer care.
Prior to this role, Morris was the assistant vice president for membership and marketing at the American Council on Education, where she oversaw and directed all marketing, web and membership activities for this higher education association, representing more than 1,800 college and university presidents from all sectors.
Morris has also served as Assistant Vice President for marketing and business development at Widmeyer Communications, a mid-sized independent public affairs firm headquartered in Washington, DC, and as the Director of Communications for the National Women’s Business Council, an independent advisory group comprised of C-suite women executives that reports to the White House and others on women’s entrepreneurship.
Morris holds an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, and earned her bachelor of arts degree in Russian and Eurasian Studies from Mount Holyoke College.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Erika’s Lighthouse mission is my mission. I’ve devoted my career to children, adolescents, and families–to understanding, treating, and preventing depression and suicide among youth.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
Equity and accessibility. I love how ELH is always willing to partner and provide services and resources to all stakeholders: parents, teachers, students, etc.
Karen VanAusdal is the Senior Program Officer for Education for the Polk Bros. Foundation in Chicago. She joined PBF after serving as the Vice President of Practice for the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), where she oversaw efforts to support and scale SEL work in school districts across the country and with collaborators around the globe. Prior to that role, she served as the founding Executive Director for the Office of Social and Emotional Learning for Chicago Public Schools. Karen started her career as an elementary school teacher in the Washington, DC area. From there, she joined Peace First, where she designed and managed a whole-school SEL model in the Boston Public Schools. She has earned a B.A. from Brown University, an M.Ed. in Human Development from Harvard University, and an M.Sc. in Social Policy from the London School of Economics.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
I have seen first hand too many times the devastating effect of teenage depression on the teens, their parents, and their friends. Raising awareness about teenage depression and suicide prevention and offering alternatives to help these youth and families find hope and meaning is life saving.
Nancy Watson (LCSW, CADC) is a psychotherapist at Lake Forest Wellness (Lake Forest, Illinois) specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting concerns. Nancy is passionate about helping clients navigate mental health challenges, manage developmental and life transitions, and achieve their personal goals. Her multifaceted approach incorporates a variety of clinical methodologies that value individual needs and encourage clients to effectively embrace and implement strategies to improve their functioning and realize their full potential.
In addition to her private practice work, Ms. Watson has served as a counselor at Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS), where she provided social-emotional support to students, parents, and faculty. Her experience within the school system deepened her understanding of child and adolescent development, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, and the unique challenges facing students and families in educational settings.
Ms. Watson is also active in the community, serving on numerous professional advisory boards and engaging with social service organizations committed to the mental health and well-being of our youth. A frequent speaker, her recent presentations to educational, social service, and community emotional health forums have been focused on anxiety, depression, and building
resilience in our youth.
In her free time, Ms. Watson enjoys cooking, traveling, pilates, reading, and spending time with her family.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
I have dedicated my career to better understanding and better treating depression.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
The mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse is deeply meaningful to me because it prioritizes accessibility, comprehensive programming, and the delivery of high-quality materials that support the mental health and well-being of all students. By offering resources that are inclusive and easy to implement, Erika’s Lighthouse empowers not only students but also school personnel and families to engage in open, informed conversations about depression and emotional well-being. Their commitment to ensuring every student—regardless of background or ability—has access to support, education, and a community of care aligns with my belief that mental health education must be proactive and integrated into the fabric of school culture.
Lighthouse Council
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
I love the fact that all of our information, handbooks, programs, etc are free online. That is wonderful. Also, we have knowledgeable professionals on staff who will help schools who want information and will train them to use the curriculum and/ or to start a Teen Club if students raise the question of starting one. The videos are great. Also, the fact that other professional mental health organizations recognize the work that we are doing and approve of our videos, materials and approach.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
I want to do everything I can to help any teen that suffers from depression. The connection to ELH’s mission is what drives me. Getting depression out of the dark. In my work I am always thinking of ways to get our message out.
What makes the mission and work of Erika’s Lighthouse meaningful to you?
The recognition that involvement of students and schools can support inclusive cultures.
Professional Community Ambassadors
Kansas Native, Mallory Jacobs is a lead elementary school counselor in Topeka Public Schools. She also works for the Kansas State Department of Education as a counseling consultant and is excited to spread the great news of Erika’s Lighthouse.
Kady Tronvold is a licensed mental health practitioner in Nebraska, working in schools (K-12) as a school-based mental health therapist. Kady received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. When Kady is not working, she enjoys reading, ice skating, and spending time with her family.
Elyse (she/her) is a clinical social worker working in a private practice setting as a psychotherapist. Prior to transitioning to private practice, Elyse worked in an out-of-district school program (for students aged 4-22). Earlier in her career, she worked at a residential school, so she has a depth of knowledge in school systems, specifically special education. In a volunteer capacity, Elyse works with Key Clubs in the greater New England area. In her free time, Elyse loves reading, eating good food, running, and spending time with her family, friends, and two rescue pups.
Melissa McDavid is a Student Support Counselor, club sponsor of Cats Care mental health club at Robert Turner College and Career High School, and a practicing therapist. With over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health, she believes mental health awareness and prevention education are core components to improving mental health and well-being. Her mission is to spread awareness and to increase accessibility of mental health education and programs for all people.
High-energy counseling professional with proven success in leading schools to create value through a culture of integrity, innovation, teamwork, and service. In year five as the Director of Counseling for an independent school in Northeast Florida. Amy lives in Fleming Island, FL with her husband and pets, while their daughter recently graduated from the University of South Florida and lives and works in San Diego, CA.
Rachel Meckely currently works as a middle school counselor with a passion for advocating and supporting students, their families and the community.
Barbara Bond is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida who has been working with youth and families for over twenty years. She is passionate about raising awareness and decreasing stigma surrounding mental health. In her free time, Barbara enjoys spending time with her family and taking aerial skills lessons.
Ryan currently serves as the Dean of Students at a South Florida charter school where he guides students through positive discipline, community support, and a mental health focused philosophy.
Melanie has been a Health and Physical Education teacher for 22 years. During this time, she has served numerous roles for MOSHAPE (MIssouri Society of Health and Physical Education) including a presidential term in 2011, received numerous grants for her school, mentors new teachers, writes curriculum at the district and state level, and been awarded several service and professional awards, including MOSHAPE Physical Education Teacher of the Year for Missouri and the Central District TOY (SHAPE) Award in 2019. Melanie also gives presentations locally, regionally, and nationally on professional development for educators. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, watching their kids play sports, coaching basketball, and pitching horseshoes at the national level.
Since 2005, Alanah has worked with youth and families in various settings, including hospitals, residential, nonprofit, crisis response, community mental health and public school. Alanah holds a clinical license in Marriage and Family Therapy and an approved Clinical Supervisor in Washington State. She is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with somatic integration. She is committed to serving children and families from birth to age 24 of special populations: foster care/system involvement, youth homelessness/unhoused, LBGTQ+, girls of color, trauma, mood disturbances, race relations with an emphasis in faith/spirituality. Featured in national magazines and on local podcasts channels.
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.
Trayva Bradley is a dedicated school counselor passionate about supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. With a strong background in counseling and education, Mrs. Bradley provides guidance, resources, and advocacy to help students navigate challenges and achieve success. Committed to fostering a positive school environment, Mrs. Bradley works closely with students, families, and educators to empower young minds and promote personal growth.
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.
As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) serving in the PK-12 public school system, I bring years of experience coordinating and advocating for accessible, comprehensive mental health services for students and their families. My work focuses on creating supportive, inclusive school environments that prioritize emotional well-being and early intervention. My passion lies in promoting trauma-informed approaches, reducing stigma around mental health, and empowering school communities through knowledge, empathy, and equitable access to care.
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.
Ms. Landry-Johnson is well suited for this role as she brings management experience from a variety of educationally-based projects, including both writing grant proposals and managing awarded grant funds and activities. Additionally, she has counseling experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in trauma-informed care within the educational setting.
Bailey Richardson works as an elementary school counselor for a school district in Snohomish County, Washington. In addition, Bailey works as a clinical mental health counselor and is pursuing becoming a 500 hour certified yoga teacher.
Allison Manley, LCSW (she/her): In addition to her contractual work with Erika’s Lighthouse, Allison serves as the Mental Health Program Manager in the Office of Student Health and Wellness at Chicago Public Schools. She previously worked as a School Social Worker within CPS. Allison holds an MSW from Loyola University and enjoys spending time with her dog and traveling.
Lorraine Kasten is a licensed social worker (since 1992) in Kansas and has worked as a school counselor for 13 years. She is passionate about helping young adults with their mental health needs and improve their quality of life.
The mission of Erika’s Lighthouse resonates deeply with me because it centers on breaking the stigma around youth depression and empowering students with the tools and language to seek help, something I believe should be embedded in every school community. As a trauma-informed counselor and mental health advocate, I’ve seen how early education, honest conversation, and peer support can truly change and save lives.
Carolina Broady is a PE/Health Teacher, volleyball and basketball coach at GSLA. She is eager to support and collaborate with others on this journey and is excited to contribute positively to the school systems and the community.
Laura Rubenstein, LCSW, is a dedicated clinician and educator committed to fostering hope, resilience, and change for children and their families. With a background in school social work and private contracting, Ms. Rubenstein’s work centers on creating safe spaces for healing and connection, especially among vulnerable populations. She enjoys training and presentations that empower individuals to recognize warning signs, respond with empathy, and reduce stigma.
Deena Murdock is a clinical social worker who has spent most of her career working in mental health with children and families. She is passionate about helping people overcome barriers to accessing supports. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health!
I care about adding value to every person I interact with, regardless of where they are in life.
Molly Creagh has been a physical education teacher, volleyball coach, and track coach for 10 years in Arizona. She is a Missouri State and Emporia State alumna with a M.S. in physical education. She is committed to helping young people advocate for themselves and take charge of their physical and emotional well-being. Outside of school, she enjoys being outdoors for a nice hike, yoga, or paddleboarding!
Aron Powers, LCSW earned her MSW from the University of Texas in 2003 and has dedicated her career to supporting youth, families, and communities. She began working with teens and families in the criminal justice system, later transitioning into medical social work before joining LAUSD’s School Mental Health team. Over the past decade, she has served as a school-based social worker, clinical supervisor, and trainer, while also creating district-wide mental health awareness campaigns. Originally from Washington state, Aron now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children, and loves fancy coffee and boogie boarding.
Tracie Chauvin, LSCSW, is a district leader with experience in the public education system, focusing on building trauma-informed, resilience-oriented schools and communities. Holding a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and multiple leadership certifications, she combines her clinical expertise and passion for education to help others harness the power of neuroscience, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices. In addition to her professional work, Mrs. Chauvin serves on several nonprofit boards across Kansas, furthering her commitment to supporting systems where all individuals can thrive.
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.
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 25 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Dr. Britnee Weatherspoon 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. Dr. Weatherspoon was awarded as 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 alumnus. 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.
