Personnel

Founder and Executive Director

Timothy Bishop is the Founder, Executive Director, and staff member of Encouraging the Light of Wellbeing. Timothy is an educator, mental wellness life coach, peer support specialist, and poet. The executive director’s role is to work side by side with the staff and oversee the services and programs of the organization. The executive director works closely with the board of advisors to evaluate and co-create programs as well as co-create future programs based on peer needs. The director co-organizes each peer program with another member of the staff. Timothy is a peer who has lived experience and practices wellness for mental health conditions and a substance misuse condition. He also has lived experience as a suicide loss survivor and attempt survivor. Timothy attends all peer groups where he lends and receives support.

Assistant Director

Steven Serba is the Assistant Director, and staff member of Encouraging the Light of Wellbeing. Steven has worked with adolescents with mental health and substance misuse challenges, as well as being a substance misuse counselor for adults. The assistant director’s role is to work closely with the executive director and reports on the group dynamics and functionality. The assistant director provides outreach to prospective group members and is a liaison to other organizations and advisory board members. Steven keeps all resources and program developments current. He works in tandem with the executive director in preparing for advisory board meetings. Steven is a peer who has lived experience and practices mental health wellness. He also has lived experience with substance misuse and has experienced homelessness. Steven attends two groups where he lends and receives support.  

Board of Advisors

The Board of Advisors of Encouraging the Light of Wellbeing are inspirational volunteer peers whose personal, professional, and volunteer experience brings diverse perspectives to the work. The advisory board works closely with the executive director to make sure that the programs are offered to peers and are delivered effectively. Advisory board members are encouraged to support peers and themselves by co-organizing or participating in any program they find interesting or called to. 

Peer Coaching

In the Peer Creativity Coaching program, the peer coach has skills that support a peer through the process of obtaining creative goals they wish to achieve.

All the other support groups have two peers who are co-organizers. These peers attend the group, giving and receiving support as every other peer. The difference is that the co-organizers take care of the logistical details such as making sure everyone in the group receives the virtual link so they can participate. Other duties include assuring peers receive materials for activities the group may take part in and making arrangements for guest speakers.

Dedicated to the Memory of Josi Stewart

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.