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ABOUT US
Many people in our area face barriers to mental health care. LightMHK is here to help. We offer local mental health providers and professionals resource opportunities to help qualified patients receive care. As we grow, we will offer local projects resource opportunities to promote mental health awareness.
We are funded through donations and managed by a board of directors composed of local volunteers devoted to improving awareness of and access to mental health care.
Our name has a two-part meaning. “Light” stands for actions donors take to support mental health in the community: Love, Invest, Give, Heal and Treat. “MHK” represents the region of service; plus, it’s an acronym for Mental Health for Kansans.

Beth St. Amand
Chair
“Every person, family, and community benefits from mental health care. After losing a son to suicide, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on LightMHK’s board of directors as we help support mental health care and education in our community.”

Dolly Gudder
Vice Chair
“It is my honor to serve on LightMHK's board of directors with others dedicated to providing financial access to mental health services for everyone in our community.”

Jayme Elliott
Secretary

Ashley Stalnaker
Interim Treasurer
"I am proud of LightMHK's dedication to supporting vital mental health services locally. Our collective efforts are instrumental in ensuring accessible care and cultivating a healthier, more supportive environment for individuals in our community."

Jason Hennigh

Harry Watts
Vice Chair
“We are so grateful for the many mental health organizations in the Manhattan area that are making a difference in the lives of those who need mental health treatment, and we look forward to helping them serve their patients.”

Cheryl Grice
“Mental health is a topic that touches the lives of countless individuals, directly or indirectly. The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents open conversations and access to essential support. By being part of this nonprofit, I am committed to fostering a community that promotes understanding, compassion and resources for those in need.
I believe that through education, advocacy and community engagement, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health struggles. Together, we can promote awareness, eradicate stigma and empower individuals to seek help without fear or judgment.”

Bri Fowler

Kristin Fischer

Deanna Nitschke
Resource Development Coordinator
“My passion for mental health is driven by a belief that compassionate care should be accessible to everyone.”

Jill Jacoby
Program Director
Partners
LightMHK is deeply grateful to the local mental health professionals who partner with us:
CORNERSTONE FAMILY COUNSELING
ETHOS THERAPY AND LIFE COACHING
FREEDOM BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS
BE ABLE COMMUNITY
MHKMENTALHEALTH.ORG
PAWNEE MENTAL HEALTH
And to contributors who are integral to our success:
DEAN COUGHENOUR TRUST
BILL SNYDER HALF MARATHON AND 5K RUN
GREATER MANHATTAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION'S GROW GREEN MATCH DAY
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Board of Directors
Members of our Board of Directors are dedicated to supporting the lives of people affected by mental health challenges.