Megan Adams Professional Community Ambassador - New YorkMegan Adams is a Health & Phys Ed Teacher for 7th and 10th grades for Utica Academy of Science in upstate New York. She is a SUNY Brockport & Emporia State alumni in Health, Phys Ed and Recreation. Her first 4 years, she taught in Killeen, TX and is currently in year 9 of her teaching career in Utica, NY. Outside of school, she is a girls basketball coach and enjoys spending time with her kids and family, golfing, attending SU Football & Basketball games, crafting and crocheting.
Laura Beckmann Professional Community Ambassador - MissouriLaura Beckmann brings 35 years of educational experience and leadership serving as a teacher, K-12 curriculum coordinator, adjunct professor, and most recently the Missouri Healthy Schools Director/Consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Among her many contributions during her career, Laura has been awarded numerous local, state, and federal grants to improve wellness within schools and the communities they served. The documented success in data-based project outcomes of multiple projects that have served as models, has contributed to many publications, the delivery of various workshops and the attraction of consultant services in the development of curriculum, grant and data programming and reporting, and school health and wellness initiatives. Due to the positive results of this work, Mrs. Beckmann has received many awards for her achievements and involvement in the areas of Health, Physical Education and Wellness.
Cassie Brooks Professional Community Ambassador - IndianaCassie Brooks was the 2018 SHAPE America Midwest District Health Teacher of the Year and is President of the 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 Professional Community Ambassador - North CarolinaAmanda 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.
Maritza Cha, PhD Professional Community Ambassador - Northern CaliforniaDr. 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.
Annie Chowns Professional Community Ambassador - VirginiaAnnie Chowns currently serves as an Instructional Specialist for School Counselors with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. When she is not supporting school counselors in her division, she is hanging out with her family at the beach!
Tal Clubbs Professional Community Ambassador - MissouriTalmage 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.
Monica L. Coleman, MS, CRC, NCC, P-LPC, BC-TMH Professional Community Ambassador - MississippiMonica L. Coleman is an emerging counselor educator and evaluator whose work focuses on adolescent mental health, health equity, and public policy advocacy. She is a licensed counselor in Mississippi and works with schools and organizations across the state and nation to advance mental wellness.
Jason Dane, M.S. Ed. Professional Community Ambassador - IllinoisWhat 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.
Gabriela Cortez, LMSW Professional Community Ambassador - TexasGabby Cortez has her LMSW and a background in Wilderness Therapy & School Social Work. She is excited to be an Erika's Lighthouse Professional Community Ambassador.
Esther Deth Professional Community Ambassador - LA CountyEsther 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.
Megan Eischeid Professional Community Ambassador, IowaMegan 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 Evans, MA, LPCC, LPAT Professional Community Ambassador - New MexicoJillian Evans 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.
Jill Fackelman Professional Community Ambassador - New JerseyI 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.
Nicole Gilmore, LMSW Professional Community Ambassador - KansasNicole 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. Currently, she is a full-time School Social Worker for the SEK Interlocal #637, Adjunct Instructor through the University of Kansas School of Social Work for both MSW and BSW students, and the Colorguard Instructor for the Pittsburg High School Marching Dragons. Nicole recently just finished my building principal certification through Pittsburg State University and aspires to be a future administrator. She is licensed as a LMSW in both Kansas and Missouri, and as a PreK-12 Building Principal in Kansas.
Amy Gladman Professional Community Ambassador - OhioAmy 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!
Rosie Guerra Professional Community Ambassador - TexasMy 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.
Britnee Harvey, Ed.D. Professional Community Ambassador - WashingtonDr. 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 resides in Washington and 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.
Johanna Jacobson, MS Professional Community Ambassador - IllinoisJohanna 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 the 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. For the last 5 years, Johanna has been using the Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum to educate the Skinner North middle school students about depression and mental health. Prior to working at Skinner North, Johanna was an elementary School Counselor in the Little Village neighborhood. Johanna is also the mother of two college students who have had their own mental health challenges. She is very passionate about mental health education and advocacy.
Allegra Jarvis Professional Community Ambassador - CaliforniaAllegra 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.
Jesus Mateus, M.Ed. Professional Community Ambassador - InternationalMateus 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, MSW Professional Community Ambassador - IllinoisMaggie 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, M.Sc., Dip Coun., Dip CBT Professional Community Ambassador - InternationalScott 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 Lenz, Ed.S. Professional Community Ambassador - Northern CaliforniaJaymie 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.
Stacie Nessa, LICSW Professional Community Ambassador - IowaI am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have over 29 years of 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.
Kelly Ragan Professional Community Ambasador - California
Michelle Rawcliffe Professional Community Ambassador - ConnecticutMichelle Rawcliffe has 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 hers. She resides in Woodstock, Connecticut with her family. She loves traveling, especially to visit family in England. She loves hiking and coaching swimming.
Anna Riley Professional Community Ambassador - Southern CaliforniaMy name is Anna Riley and I'm a former 8th grade math teacher turned school social worker. I currently work at a middle school at Los Angeles Unified School District, and I love implementing Erika's Lighthouse in classrooms at my school.
Tiffany Ruffin Professional Community Ambassador - IllinoisMy name is Tiffany Ruffin, I am a School Counselor with Chicago Public Schools. I am also someone who loves to serve others.
Michelle Sircy, PhD Professional Community Ambassador - KentuckyDr. 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.
Mary Jo Wentland Professional Community Ambassador - Wisconsin
Rachel Winsten Professional Community Ambassador - FloridaRachel has been teaching Health & Physical Education for 23 years. She began her teaching career in NYC. After that, she was the District Resource Teacher/Curriculum Specialist for Health, PE, Driver Ed & JROTC for Brevard Public Schools in Florida. It was during this time she became involved with Erika’s Lighthouse, bringing the program in district-wide. In 2022 she decided to return to her passion, teaching. Rachel currently teaches health and PE at Viera High School in Melbourne, Florida.
Megan Adams
Professional Community Ambassador - New York
Megan Adams is a Health & Phys Ed Teacher for 7th and 10th grades for Utica Academy of Science in upstate New York. She is a SUNY Brockport & Emporia State alumni in Health, Phys Ed and Recreation. Her first 4 years, she taught in Killeen, TX and is currently in year 9 of her teaching career in Utica, NY. Outside of school, she is a girls basketball coach and enjoys spending time with her kids and family, golfing, attending SU Football & Basketball games, crafting and crocheting.
Laura Beckmann
Professional Community Ambassador - Missouri
Laura Beckmann brings 35 years of educational experience and leadership serving as a teacher, K-12 curriculum coordinator, adjunct professor, and most recently the Missouri Healthy Schools Director/Consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Among her many contributions during her career, Laura has been awarded numerous local, state, and federal grants to improve wellness within schools and the communities they served. The documented success in data-based project outcomes of multiple projects that have served as models, has contributed to many publications, the delivery of various workshops and the attraction of consultant services in the development of curriculum, grant and data programming and reporting, and school health and wellness initiatives. Due to the positive results of this work, Mrs. Beckmann has received many awards for her achievements and involvement in the areas of Health, Physical Education and Wellness.
Cassie Brooks
Professional Community Ambassador - Indiana
Cassie Brooks was the 2018 SHAPE America Midwest District Health Teacher of the Year and is President of the 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
Professional Community Ambassador - North Carolina
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.
Maritza Cha, PhD
Professional Community Ambassador - Northern California
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.
Annie Chowns
Professional Community Ambassador - Virginia
Annie Chowns currently serves as an Instructional Specialist for School Counselors with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. When she is not supporting school counselors in her division, she is hanging out with her family at the beach!
Tal Clubbs
Professional Community Ambassador - Missouri
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.
Monica L. Coleman, MS, CRC, NCC, P-LPC, BC-TMH
Professional Community Ambassador - Mississippi
Monica L. Coleman is an emerging counselor educator and evaluator whose work focuses on adolescent mental health, health equity, and public policy advocacy. She is a licensed counselor in Mississippi and works with schools and organizations across the state and nation to advance mental wellness.
Jason Dane, M.S. Ed.
Professional Community Ambassador - Illinois
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.
Gabriela Cortez, LMSW
Professional Community Ambassador - Texas
Gabby Cortez has her LMSW and a background in Wilderness Therapy & School Social Work. She is excited to be an Erika's Lighthouse Professional Community Ambassador.
Esther Deth
Professional Community Ambassador - LA County
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.
Megan Eischeid
Professional Community Ambassador, Iowa
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 Evans, MA, LPCC, LPAT
Professional Community Ambassador - New Mexico
Jillian Evans 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.
Jill Fackelman
Professional Community Ambassador - New Jersey
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.
Nicole Gilmore, LMSW
Professional Community Ambassador - Kansas
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. Currently, she is a full-time School Social Worker for the SEK Interlocal #637, Adjunct Instructor through the University of Kansas School of Social Work for both MSW and BSW students, and the Colorguard Instructor for the Pittsburg High School Marching Dragons. Nicole recently just finished my building principal certification through Pittsburg State University and aspires to be a future administrator. She is licensed as a LMSW in both Kansas and Missouri, and as a PreK-12 Building Principal in Kansas.
Amy Gladman
Professional Community Ambassador - Ohio
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!
Rosie Guerra
Professional Community Ambassador - Texas
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.
Britnee Harvey, Ed.D.
Professional Community Ambassador - Washington
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 resides in Washington and 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.
Johanna Jacobson, MS
Professional Community Ambassador - Illinois
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 the 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. For the last 5 years, Johanna has been using the Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum to educate the Skinner North middle school students about depression and mental health. Prior to working at Skinner North, Johanna was an elementary School Counselor in the Little Village neighborhood. Johanna is also the mother of two college students who have had their own mental health challenges. She is very passionate about mental health education and advocacy.
Allegra Jarvis
Professional Community Ambassador - California
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.
Jesus Mateus, M.Ed.
Professional Community Ambassador - International
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, MSW
Professional Community Ambassador - Illinois
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, M.Sc., Dip Coun., Dip CBT
Professional Community Ambassador - International
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 Lenz, Ed.S.
Professional Community Ambassador - Northern California
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.
Stacie Nessa, LICSW
Professional Community Ambassador - Iowa
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have over 29 years of 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.
Kelly Ragan
Professional Community Ambasador - California
Michelle Rawcliffe
Professional Community Ambassador - Connecticut
Michelle Rawcliffe has 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 hers. She resides in Woodstock, Connecticut with her family. She loves traveling, especially to visit family in England. She loves hiking and coaching swimming.
Anna Riley
Professional Community Ambassador - Southern California
My name is Anna Riley and I'm a former 8th grade math teacher turned school social worker. I currently work at a middle school at Los Angeles Unified School District, and I love implementing Erika's Lighthouse in classrooms at my school.
Tiffany Ruffin
Professional Community Ambassador - Illinois
My name is Tiffany Ruffin, I am a School Counselor with Chicago Public Schools. I am also someone who loves to serve others.
Michelle Sircy, PhD
Professional Community Ambassador - Kentucky
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.
Mary Jo Wentland
Professional Community Ambassador - Wisconsin
Rachel Winsten
Professional Community Ambassador - Florida
Rachel has been teaching Health & Physical Education for 23 years. She began her teaching career in NYC. After that, she was the District Resource Teacher/Curriculum Specialist for Health, PE, Driver Ed & JROTC for Brevard Public Schools in Florida. It was during this time she became involved with Erika’s Lighthouse, bringing the program in district-wide. In 2022 she decided to return to her passion, teaching. Rachel currently teaches health and PE at Viera High School in Melbourne, Florida.
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