Matthew S. Stanford, PhD is CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI) in Houston, TX and adjunct professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Methodist Hospital Institute for Academic Medicine. Dr. Stanford’s research on the interplay between psychology and issues of faith has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, Christianity Today, and U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Stanford earned his doctoral degree in behavioral neuroscience at Baylor University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Professionally he has worked with a variety of mentally ill clients, including those with aggression, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance dependence, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

As director of HHCI he writes, conducts training seminars, and serves individuals living with mental illness and their families. He is the author of five books, including his latest Madness & Grace: A Practical Guide for Pastoral Care and Serious Mental Illness.

Madeline Stiers, PhD, LCSW-S works as the Chief Clinical Officer at the Hope and Healing Center & Institute, a faith-based mental health nonprofit in Houston, Texas. She has a Ph.D. in social work from Baylor University, an MSW from the University of Houston, and a BA in Psychology from Baylor University. Her clinical work is based on cognitive and behavioral approaches and takes a faith-based integrative approach. Madeline’s research interests include interpersonal trauma, integration of faith in clinical practice, and peer delivered services. As CCO of HHCI she writes, conducts research and training seminars, provides therapy to individuals living with mental illness, and provides clinical oversight to the agency.

Karen Allen joined the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in October 2017 as Vice President of Faith Community Engagement. She has over 25 years of experience in leadership roles as a corporate marketing and stakeholder engagement strategist for leading multinational companies. Karen has two sons and enjoys running, tennis, reading and travel with her family.

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 brings expertise in digital marketing, campaign management, and content strategy to the Gateway to Hope team. With a strong background in strategic communications, audience engagement, analytics, and CRM systems, she specializes in developing impactful campaigns and content that help organizations strengthen their outreach and connect communities with meaningful resources.

Perla’s experience in cross-functional collaboration and digital communications allows her to support initiatives that elevate awareness, foster engagement, and expand access to mental health education. At GTHU, she is passionate about creating accessible, hope-centered communications that support individuals, families, faith communities, and professionals through practical mental health resources and training.