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About Us

Vision

Our vision is a world where mental health care is accessible to everyone, families grow stronger through understanding and connection, and individuals embrace their authentic selves without fear. At HOPE, we strive to be a trusted resource for healing and hope, making a lasting impact on our community and beyond.

Mission

At HOPE Counseling Center, our mission is to provide compassionate, accessible, and affirming mental health services that empower individuals, couples, and families to heal, grow, and thrive. As a nonprofit, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all, focusing on fostering resilience, improving communication, and building stronger, healthier relationships.

Board Of Directors

Dr. Lauren Lawson, PsyD, LMFT (she/her)

See Lauren's Background

Dr. Lauren Lawson founded HOPE Counseling Center in 2013 in Ventura, California with a vision to provide compassionate, specialized mental health services. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in both Pennsylvania and California, she brings extensive expertise in family dynamics and relationship healing to her leadership role.

Under her guidance, HOPE has grown from a solo practice into a diverse team of skilled therapists united by a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. An AAMFT Approved Supervisor in two states, Dr. Lawson is passionate about both client care and developing the next generation of mental health professionals.

Heather Terrible, MPA (she/her)

See Heather's Background

Heather has over three decades of experience working in nonprofits and community mental and behavioral health. Heather’s areas of expertise focus on operations, board development, employee hiring and training as well as program development and expansion. Heather and her family live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where she is heavily involved in her community serving on the board of directors for the Bethlehem Co-Op Market.

After completing her undergraduate degree in social work at The University of Delaware, Heather began working with children and adolescents in residential care which began her professional journey in the world of non-profit. She continued serving the nonprofit sector through marketing and business development and returned to client care and program operations after completing her Masters in Public Administration at Kutztown University.

Shannon Spillman (she/her)

See Shannon's Background

Shannon brings extensive expertise in grantmaking, database management, and organizational operations to the HOPE Counseling board. Her diverse professional background spans philanthropy, membership organizations, and the financial industry, where she has developed a reputation for strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail.

Throughout her career, Shannon has partnered with numerous 501(c)(3) organizations to manage funding programs, streamline internal processes, and advance mission-driven initiatives. Her approach emphasizes efficiency and collaboration, ensuring organizations can maximize their impact while maintaining operational excellence.

As a board member of HOPE Counseling, Shannon is committed to supporting our mission and enhancing our long-term sustainability. Her unique combination of administrative expertise and passion for mental health services makes her an invaluable asset to our leadership team.

Navjot Grewal, LCSW (she/her)

See Navjot's Background

Navjot brings over 20 years of mental health experience to her role as Board Secretary at HOPE Counseling Center. Her extensive background includes direct clinical work with diverse populations, clinical supervision, program management, and academic teaching as an adjunct professor at CSU-Fresno’s Social Work Department.

With expertise in organizational development, compliance, and quality improvement, Navjot helps guide HOPE’s strategic planning and policy development while ensuring we maintain the highest standards of clinical excellence. Her leadership supports our mission to provide accessible, culturally responsive mental health services.

Navjot earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Davis and her master’s degree in social work from California State University of Fresno. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2015.