Recent Grantee of the United Way's Nonprofit Catalyst Fund!
The Team
Director
Doria Miguel has a Master's degree in Information and Library Sciences from the University of Michigan. Doria brings over 20 years of experience in research and developing personalized training programs in academic and corporate institutions. She has extensive knowledge of international higher educational systems and assisting students in navigating their individual university paths. She is excited to now work in the nonprofit sector and help build this creative and noble workplace.
Project Manager
Anya Helzer has completed her Bachelor's degree in Science with a concentration in Biology and Equestrian Studies at Stephens College. She has experience in research and was part of the University of Missouri Veterinary College's 2022 Veterinary Research Scholars. She presented at the 2022 National Veterinary Scholars Symposium. Her experience with the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium ignited a passion in Anya for research and creating safe spaces in the scientific field for Women and People of Color.
Elder Counsel Chair
Anita W. Williams’ life reflects a deep commitment to personal and societal growth, shaped by her upbringing in Greenwood, Mississippi during the Civil Rights era. Her early experiences instilled a desire to understand human dignity and the potential of marginalized communities. This quest led her to establish a successful career as a businesswoman in Roanoke, Virginia, where she owned an award-winning Allstate Insurance agency for over three decades. Alongside her business success, Anita’s spiritual journey guided her to the Bahá’í Faith, where she found answers to her questions about societal healing. She was appointed to the Auxiliary Board of the Bahá’í Faith, and later to the Continental Board of Counsellors. After her service on the Continental Board, Anita transitioned to a leadership role in a Peer Support Services company in North Carolina and currently serves as Administrative Coordinator for Kindred Light Support LLC, continuing her legacy of service, embodying a life defined by faith, growth, and the advancement of society.
Beyond her professional and spiritual contributions, Anita is a devoted wife and a mother to three accomplished children.
Healthcare Consultant
Samantha-Mae grew up in the Kansas City area, where she was actively involved in the community through dance, music, and volunteer work at local nursing homes, schools, and hospitals. Her passion for community outreach, program development, and health education led her to earn a BSE in Community Health from the University of Kansas. With a heart for service, Samantha-Mae expanded her expertise by obtaining a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Rockhurst University. She is a skilled clinician with experience across multiple healthcare settings, including neuro, oncology, cardiopulmonary, orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, and dementia care. Samantha-Mae also founded SMM Therapy & Wellness Services, LLC, where she focuses on promoting healthy aging through dance, emphasizing physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health to enhance quality of life for the elderly and support aging in place.
Intern
Mykala Sanders was born and raised in the Kansas City metro area, she brings a strong sense of community and a personal commitment to service. With a deep passion for helping others, she is especially driven to support families in navigating the often-overwhelming process of finding safe, supportive assisted living arrangements. This motivation is rooted in her own lived experience providing care for her grandmother—an experience that continues to inform her compassionate and community-centered approach.
Mykala’s interests reflect a rich blend of creativity and service. She enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, painting, illustrating, and writing—outlets that nurture both personal expression and connection to culture. Her dedication to women’s healthcare, particularly within BIPOC communities, aligns closely with the mission of inclusive and equitable care at the heart of our organization.
She has also contributed to meaningful community initiatives through volunteer work with Connection of Success, supporting event planning efforts, and Operation Breakthrough, serving families and children in need. Mykala’s passion for outreach, advocacy, and hands-on service makes her a valuable addition to our team and a promising emerging leader in the field of community care.
The Board of Directors
President
President
President
Pierre Pickens is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in business development, healthcare, and mental health services. A Detroit native, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University. His passion for helping people led him to become a Life Coach, guiding individuals toward their true nobility, which eventua
Pierre Pickens is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in business development, healthcare, and mental health services. A Detroit native, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University. His passion for helping people led him to become a Life Coach, guiding individuals toward their true nobility, which eventually transitioned into a career in healthcare. Pierre has provided community support services for children, youth, and adults, working for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and serving as a Youth Program Assistant at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for adolescents.
Recognizing the need for services, Pierre co-founded a mental health agency focusing on peer support programs for adults in active recovery. He is now dedicated to elder care, emphasizing whole health and wellness based on the principles of the Baha’i Faith. Pierre is excited to bring his expertise in holistic health, program development, and community care to Light Under the Sun, where he aims to further initiatives that prioritize comprehensive care for elder wellness initiatives.
Treasurer
President
President
Jane Helzer is an expressive arts advocate and early childcare specialist with a deep commitment to community healing and growth. She holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and is near completion of a Master’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy. With over a decade of experience developing programs focused on trauma and grief recovery
Jane Helzer is an expressive arts advocate and early childcare specialist with a deep commitment to community healing and growth. She holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and is near completion of a Master’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy. With over a decade of experience developing programs focused on trauma and grief recovery, Jane has implemented healing strategies for individuals and families in diverse settings. She is currently working on a generative movement program for elders, promoting physical and emotional wellness through creative expression.
Jane’s work is rooted in her passion for fostering safe and nurturing environments, particularly within the family unit. She brings her expertise in program development, holistic healing, and community engagement to Light Under the Sun, where she is eager to support initiatives that focus on mental health, creative expression, and inclusive care for underserved populations.
Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Frederick Landry has many years of experience as a trained mediator as well as group facilitator. In addition to his work in conflict resolution, he spends time coaching and serving as an arts counselor with school-aged children, junior youth and young adults in creative sport outlets and also various community and advocacy groups.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Leigh Anne is the Executive Director for Ancient Cedars. Her work includes creating safe spaces for Indigenous and People of Color by building community through indigenous traditional sacred practices with the Land, Languages, the Arts, as well as systems of justice for the well-being of families and economic prosperity. As a Peer Support
Leigh Anne is the Executive Director for Ancient Cedars. Her work includes creating safe spaces for Indigenous and People of Color by building community through indigenous traditional sacred practices with the Land, Languages, the Arts, as well as systems of justice for the well-being of families and economic prosperity. As a Peer Support and Residential Elder Care specialist certified by the state of Alaska, Leigh Anne has gained extensive experience in elder support. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to open and operate a licensed childcare facility for six years in the state of Michigan.