Matthew S. Stanford, PhD, is Chief Executive Officer of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI), where he is leading the effort to reimagine how mental health care is delivered and accessed. Since assuming leadership in 2015, he has transformed HHCI from a respected local nonprofit into a nationally recognized leader in developing innovative, community-based models of mental health care. Under his leadership, HHCI has expanded access to compassionate, evidence-based services while training more than 70,000 clergy, healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, workplace leaders, and community members to recognize, respond to, and support those experiencing mental health challenges.

A neuroscientist by training and an innovator by nature, Dr. Stanford has spent more than three decades challenging conventional approaches to mental health care. Rather than accepting the limitations of traditional systems, he has dedicated his career to developing practical, scalable models of care that integrate clinical excellence, community partnerships, technology, and faith. His work is driven by a simple conviction: every person deserves timely, compassionate, and effective mental health care, regardless of financial resources or where they first seek help.

Under Dr. Stanford’s leadership, HHCI has pioneered programs that extend mental health care beyond the walls of traditional clinics. By equipping churches, healthcare systems, schools, workplaces, and community organizations to become active partners in mental health care, HHCI has helped create a continuum of support that identifies needs earlier, reduces barriers to care, and strengthens long-term recovery. This vision has positioned the organization at the forefront of a growing movement to make mental health care more accessible, collaborative, and community-centered.

Before joining HHCI, Dr. Stanford served as Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University, where his research advanced the understanding of aggressive behavior and the relationship between faith and behavioral health. Today, he continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth Houston, and Houston Methodist’s Institute for Academic Medicine, ensuring that HHCI’s work remains grounded in scientific evidence while addressing real-world community needs.

An internationally recognized authority on faith and mental health, Dr. Stanford is the author of five books, including Grace for the Afflicted and Madness and Grace, works that have helped churches, clinicians, and families better understand mental illness and recovery. His work has been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, and Christianity Today. He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and remains committed to translating research into practical solutions that improve lives.

Known for pursuing ideas others consider impossible, Dr. Stanford believes innovation is most meaningful when it expands access to care for those who need it most. His vision is to reimagine mental health care by creating practical, evidence-based models that empower communities to become part of the solution, bringing hope, healing, and recovery within reach of every person and every family.

Madeline Stiers, PhD, LCSW-S, is the Chief Clinical Officer at the Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI), where she leads clinical services, research, program development, and strategic initiatives to expand access to compassionate, evidence-informed mental health care. She oversees innovative clinical programs, conducts program evaluation and research, and is passionate about helping individuals, families, churches, and communities find hope and healing.

Dr. Stiers is a published researcher, speaker, podcast host, and educator whose work focuses on interpersonal trauma, faith integration, and community-based mental health. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from Baylor University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board-Approved Supervisor who integrates cognitive and behavioral therapies with a holistic, faith-informed approach.

Karen Allen is Chief Officer of External Affairs for HHCI, where she provides executive leadership for marketing and communications, community engagement, and external relations. She is responsible for advancing the organization’s visibility, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and aligning external engagement strategies with HHCI’s long-term mission and growth objectives.

Prior to her current role, Karen served as Vice President of Community Engagement and played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the Gateway to Hope program, helping establish it as a trusted source of education, support, and guidance for individuals, families, and professionals.

Lauren joined the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in January 2023. She graduated from Texas Christian University in 2011 with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Spanish. Lauren brings over a decade of experience in strategic communication, marketing, fundraising, and events in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining HHCI, Lauren served in various development roles: a rehabilitation home for alcoholic women, a comprehensive senior services agency, and a community center for individuals and families in the 5th Ward of Houston.

Lauren is extremely passionate about mental health care, specifically recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. Outside of work, she is wife to her Astros-loving husband, Ryan, and mom to her son, Carter. She is also dog-mom to Goldie and Prince and enjoys tennis, family games of Rumikub, reading, and traveling.

Karen is honored to be a part of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute and brings to the team over 30 years in financial leadership and accounting.  She is driven by a passion for the positive impact faith based mental health approaches can have on an individual and their communities.

Karen is a proud wife, and a grateful mother and grandmother.  When not immersed in numbers, she can be found with her family and friends walking on a trail, at Pilates, or exploring the amazing variety of activities Houston has to offer.

Adrean joined the Hope and Healing Center and Institute in September 2019 as a Mental Health Coach. She has a Masters in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services from the Pine Manor College. In her free time, Adrean enjoys listening to a variety of Podcasts and connecting with family and friends.

Perla Carrizales serves as Director of Gateway to Hope, where she provides strategic leadership for the organization’s training programs, marketing, and community engagement initiatives. She oversees the development and execution of integrated strategies that align program delivery, communications, and outreach to advance Gateway to Hope’s mission and expand access to mental health education.

With expertise in digital marketing, strategic communications, campaign management, analytics, and cross-functional leadership, Perla leads initiatives that strengthen brand visibility, increase program participation, and foster meaningful community partnerships. She is passionate about creating accessible, hope-centered resources that empower individuals, families, faith communities, educators, and professionals through practical, evidence-based mental health training and education while ensuring measurable impact across the communities Gateway to Hope serves.