Lauren Casas
Lauren is a licensed professional counselor who has focused her twenty-year career studying the impacts of early childhood trauma and attachment disruptions on the developing mind. She is the director of a child and family therapy center at a nonprofit organization in New Jersey and holds the title of the organization’s Trauma Informed Care Coordinator, […]
Jennifer Dollar
Jennifer Dollar is a dedicated college professor at Columbia College, where she co-leads the M.Ed. in Trauma-Informed Education program and teaches social work. With a profound passion for equipping educators and professionals with trauma-informed approaches, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of our own self-awareness and community impact. Her graduate students often express how transformative the TIE […]
Jess Spooner
Jess Spooner, JD, MSW, LSW, is an esteemed professional navigating the convergence of law, social work, and advocacy. With a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work, Jess embodies a rare fusion of legal prowess and empathetic social work practice. As a Licensed […]
Rebekah Drumsta
For over two decades, Rebekah has held a global presence through devoting her efforts to various nonprofits and organizations. Her background is diverse, including educational and mental health content development, international relations, and public speaking. Currently, Rebekah is the Interim Chief Executive Officer of NPE Friends Fellowship, a global non-profit organization which assists individuals, and […]
Kimberly Smathers, Vice President
Kimberly Smathers brings over 20 years of experience – as a business leader, advocate, consultant, and researcher – in person-centered approaches to enhancing health and well-being across the lifespan. As Principal and Owner of Flourishing Spark LLC, she partners with organizations to shape systems and environments to support flourishing for all – particularly those facing […]
Sandra Lake, Secretary
Sandra Lake is the K-5 STEAM & Technology Coach for Brumby Elementary in the Cobb County, GA School District. She has spent nearly two decades as an educator, coaching and working with teachers and k-5 students. She is also the vice president of the Brumby Elementary School Foundation, where she works closely with the community […]
CJ Huff
Dr. CJ Huff is a leader in public education influencing education practice and policy on a national scale. Serving as a superintendent for 11 years, Dr. Huff founded Bright Futures USA, to increase community-wide ownership, transparency, and participation in the education and development of children and youth. The Bright Futures Framework has been nationally recognized […]
Jonah Beauduy, Treasurer
Jonah Beauduy is a cross-functional leader with a versatile background in finance and economics; he has built successful portfolios as an investor, capitalist, nonprofit leader and small business owner. Mr. Beauduy seamlessly combines his passion for asset allocation with a profound understanding of marketing, investing, finance, and economics. After starting his own Covid testing business […]
Nicole Tuchinda
Nicole is an Assistant Professor at Loyola University in New Orleans and is devoted to improving the lives of vulnerable young children. Her work and education has centered around juvenile/children law and special education law as well as medical/legal partnerships. At the Georgetown University Law Center, as a Clinical Teaching Fellow, Nicole collaborated with lawyers, […]
Tracy Leonard, President
Tracy Leonard is the Content and Partnerships Manager at Darkness to Light. She has been a Stewards of Children® Authorized Facilitator since 2014, a Certified Instructor since 2016, and was named Instructor of the Year in 2021. She earned her BA in psychology from Albion College, an MFA from the Professional Theatre Training Program at […]