With Gratitude and Confidence in the Future
Written by Reo Menning, Outgoing Board President
As my two-year term as President of the Board of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude—gratitude for the people, the purpose, and the shared commitment that make this Center such a vital part of our community.
Serving in this role has been both an honor and a humbling experience. Mind & Spirit exists to offer healing and hope, and that mission is not abstract—it lives in the daily work of counselors, psychiatrists, staff, volunteers, and supporters who show up with care, professionalism, and compassion. My time as Board President coincided with a season of transition, and it is during moments like these that the true strength of an organization becomes visible.
Over the past year, the Board undertook an intentional and thoughtful search for our next Executive Director. It was not a rushed process, nor was it an easy one. The Board remained united, grounded in trust, and committed to doing what was right for the long- term health of the Center. Every trustee brought their time, talents, and perspective to the table, always guided by our mission and the culture that defines Mind & Spirit. I am deeply proud of how the Board worked together—with openness, patience, and a shared sense of responsibility—to ensure strong leadership continuity.
That continuity would not have been possible without the steady leadership of Shannon Welch Groves, who stepped in as Interim Executive Director when the first round of the search did not yield the right candidate. Shannon provided far more than stability. She ensured the Center stayed on track, continued to evolve, and remained aligned with our strategic objectives during a critical period. Her leadership allowed the Board to stay focused on finding the right long-term leader rather than the quickest solution, and we are all better for it.
I am also incredibly grateful to the staff of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Their talent, professionalism, and commitment never wavered during this transition. They trusted the Board to do its work well, and they continued to serve clients and families with the same care and excellence that defines this organization. That trust is something I do not take lightly, and it speaks volumes about the culture that has been built here over many years.
With great confidence and excitement, we now look to the future under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Amy Doyle. She brings strategic vision, deep compassion, and a proven ability to strengthen teams, build sustainable fundraising models, and expand access to life-changing services. She is uniquely equipped to advance Mind & Spirit’s mission of healing and hope. I am confident that Amy’s leadership will help the Center continue to thrive and expand its impact across our community.
As I step out of the role of Board President, I want to say thank you—to my fellow Board members for their partnership and trust, to the staff for their unwavering dedication, and to our donors and supporters for believing in this work and in my leadership. Your support makes everything we do possible.
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center has a strong future. The Board has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s foundation so that it can expand its ability to serve children, families, and individuals for years to come. I leave this role with confidence, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for being part of such a meaningful and mission-driven community.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
