✦ Leadership at TLHMH

People behind
the mission.

Meet the people helping guide The Lighthouse for Mental Health with compassion, accountability, and a commitment to making mental-health information and supportive resources easier to reach.

3Executive leadership profiles
5Leadership principles
4Board opportunities listed
Executive leadership

A team with purpose.

Leadership at TLHMH is built around service, clear communication, community connection, and a shared focus on the organization's mission.

Christian Saunders
CS

Christian Saunders

Founder & Executive Director

Founder and strategic leader focused on building a welcoming, educational space and advancing TLHMH's mission.

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Christis Manis
CM

Christis Manis

Head of Mental Health Programs

Helps shape TLHMH programs with an emphasis on compassionate, inclusive, and human-centered support.

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Derek Stum
DS

Derek Stum

Director of Community Outreach

Builds community connections, partnerships, and authentic engagement so TLHMH can reach more people.

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How we lead

Leadership is more than a title.

TLHMH's leadership philosophy centers on creating a culture where people can contribute, communicate openly, keep learning, and stay connected to the communities the organization serves.

Our approach emphasizes compassion without losing clarity, accountability without losing humanity, and innovation without losing sight of what people actually need.

Five principles

🧭 Compassionate ClarityLead with empathy while maintaining a clear direction.
🤝 Transparent AccountabilityBuild trust through honest communication and follow-through.
✨ Empowering LeadershipElevate others and create opportunities for growth.
🔄 Collaborative InnovationInvite ideas, partnerships, and diverse perspectives.
🌱 Continuous LearningKeep developing and stay responsive to changing needs.
Get involved

Help shape what comes next.

TLHMH's current leadership and board opportunities are listed below. Select a role to learn more before reaching out.

Open position

Director of Training & Development

Help design and implement training programs for staff and volunteers, with a focus on education, advocacy, and trauma-informed practices.

Open position

Chief Communications Officer

Guide external communications, media relations, digital strategy, messaging, and brand development.

Open position

Director of Partnership Development

Develop strategic relationships with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

Governance & oversight

A board built around accountability.

The Board of Directors helps protect the mission, provide oversight, and make sure TLHMH continues to operate with integrity and purpose.

⚖

How the Board works

The Board of Directors is a governing body separate from day-to-day staff operations. Board members work together to provide oversight, strategic guidance, and accountability for the organization.

01
Board members serve together

Directors bring different perspectives, experience, and community insight to board discussions and decisions.

02
The Board Chair is elected

The Board Chair is selected through a vote of the Board of Directors rather than being automatically assigned by staff leadership.

03
Officers have defined responsibilities

Board officers such as the Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary each have specific governance responsibilities and work together as a leadership team.

04
Decisions stay mission-focused

The Board provides oversight and strategic direction while keeping TLHMH's mission, community impact, and organizational integrity at the center.

01
Elected position

Board Chair

Presides over Board meetings, helps guide board-level strategy, and works with directors to keep governance focused and effective.

02
Board officer

Treasurer

Supports financial oversight, budgeting, reporting, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

03
Board officer

Secretary

Supports board records, meeting documentation, official communications, and governance administration.

04
Director

Board Member at Large

Provides community perspective, relevant expertise, and mission-focused input without holding a specific officer position.

Be part of the lighthouse

Want to contribute?

Whether you're interested in leadership, board service, volunteering, or simply connecting with TLHMH, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact TLHMH
Important note TLHMH.org provides educational and supportive content only. It does not provide therapy, diagnosis, crisis intervention, or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.