Dr. Robert D. Lehman, PhD, LPC;   Professor of Counseling, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dr. Robert Lehman is Professor of Counseling at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary where he has been teaching since 1996. Prior to coming to Grand Rapids, he served as Pastor of Counseling at West Park Baptist Church in London, Ontario for over 12 years.  Dr. Lehman received a Master of Divinity degree from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa . He received his Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Iowa . In his spare time, Dr. Lehman enjoys tennis, canoeing and camping in Canada.

Dr. Patricia L. Janes, PhD;  Associate Professor, Grand Valley State University; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dr. Patricia Janes joined GVSU in 2012 as an associate professor. She most recently was a professor at Central Michigan University in the recreation, parks and leisure services administration department where she spend the past 21 years. Her career began with the Marriott Corporation in catering, sales, marketing and training. Janes’ has continued her professional work in the industry having consulted with over twenty leisure businesses on developing more effective marketing, event, quality service and quality of work life/human resources practices with hospitality, tourism and recreation based organizations.

Patty’s writing and research has focused on developing effective marketing strategies, training practices, event issues, and quality of work life in the hospitality and leisure industry. In 2006, Janes published her first book titled, “Marketing in Leisure and Tourism: Reaching New Heights”. She has also conducted over 30 professional presentations, published 11 articles/book chapters since 2000.

Scott McKnight, LMSW, MBA;   Founding Director of 3rdchair

Scott founded 3rdchair to meet the needs of young adults of Grand Rapids. He has made it a full-time endeavor to counsel, mentor, and speak to schools, colleges, churches, seminaries and other groups regarding the challenges facing today’s youth. Scott works in groups or one on one and is gifted in dealing with sexual abuse, addictions, self-injury, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship struggles. He makes it easy for young people to communicate how they really feel and gives them the tools to articulate their thoughts. He works with people so they can build constructive relationships with others by being aware of the needs around them. Scott received his Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Western Michigan University as well as further training through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Joni L. Cook, LBSW; Manager of Client and Community Relations

Joni is a graduate of Kuyper College, where she earned a Bachelor's in Social Work. Soon after graduating, she spent two years serving the community through AmeriCorps at a local community health center. During her years of service, she journeyed with people from all walks and stages of life. For the past 11 years, she has worked with pregnant women and their babies, providing education, support, and referrals to support healthy birth outcomes and healthy babies. Beyond her current employment, Joni has experience in mentoring high school and college students as well as significant training in prayer ministry. A deep passion that is woven into her vocation, volunteer engagements, and personal life is that of holistic health and wellness. 

Lisa E. Anderson,  founding director of Grace's Table                              

Lisa Anderson founded Grace’s Table, to walk alongside teen moms from isolation to community and support them as they reach their full potential. She works to create a safe space for mothers and their children to engage in healthy relationships with peers and adults. Through 1:1 and group mentoring, she works with teen mothers to establish stability, achieve educational milestones, learn parenting skills, and explore spirituality. Her passion to see teen moms achieve, sustain, and launch into independence is derived from her journey as a teen mom and years of mentoring youth.

Lisa founded Grace’s Table in 2014 and has grown the organization from a simple meal around the table to a mentoring program with opportunities for personal growth focused on Spiritual Exploration, Parenting Play, Adolescent Transitions, Career Confidence, and Educational Investment. Additionally, they offer professional counseling free of charge to all of their families. She works to create equity for the women and children Grace’s Table serves by educating and empowering them on all levels so that they are equipped and ready for the future.

In addition, Lisa has more than 15 years of financial, legal, and business experience in various financial service positions with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and GE Commercial Finance.

Kyle A. Los, Managing Director, Actors’ Theatre, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kyle Los is the Managing Director of Actors’ Theatre in Grand Rapids. With an educational background in Philosophy and Theology, and practical work experience in workplace design, hospitality, and psychology, Kyle has a passion for seeking to understand the way people think, live, and work, and create effective human-centered businesses. In his current role as Managing Director of Actors’ Theatre, Kyle manages and produces high-impact theatrical storytelling, in addition to creating new programming and other business development. Actors’ Theatre’s mission is to produce thought-provoking theatrical works – topics ranging from racism, psychological disorders, family relationship, LGBTQ, women’s rights, and other such issues. 3rdchair and Actors’ Theatre have partnered in public discussions to create greater community impact.

Lisa. J. Rathbun, LMSW, ACSW, OTR; EMDR trained therapist specializing in trauma

Lisa has been in private practice since 2003. She has extensive experience in trauma resolution and has been trained in EMDR since 2001. Lisa works with a wide age range providing diverse treatment modalities for anxiety, mood disorders, family of origin issues, addictions, academic and occupational performance struggles, stress, relationship difficulties, and more. She has a background in psychiatric occupational therapy making up a 30+ year career in mental health.