Recent Grantee of the United Way's Nonprofit Catalyst Fund!
The Team
Director
Elder Counsel Chair
Elder Counsel Chair
Jane Helzer is an expressive arts advocate with over 18 years of experience working with elders and families to foster community healing and growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in advanced clinical practice.
With more than a decad
Jane Helzer is an expressive arts advocate with over 18 years of experience working with elders and families to foster community healing and growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in advanced clinical practice.
With more than a decade of experience developing trauma- and grief-informed programs, Jane has implemented holistic healing strategies that support individuals and families across diverse cultural and community settings. She recently completed the development of a Generative Movement Program for Elders, a creative wellness initiative designed to enhance mobility, emotional resilience, and connection through expressive movement and group engagement.
Jane leads the development of assisted care centers that integrate holistic health practices, expressive arts, and culturally responsive care models to promote dignity and vitality in aging. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments for both elders and families.
At Light Under the Sun, Jane brings her expertise in program design, holistic wellness, and community engagement to initiatives focused on mental health, elder empowerment, and equitable access to creative and compassionate care.
Elder Counsel Chair
Elder Counsel Chair
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 bus
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.
Project Manager
Elder Counsel Chair
Healthcare Consultant
Anya Helzer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Equestrian Studies from Stephens College. She has extensive research experience, including participation in the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2022 Veterinary Research Scholars Program, where she conducted research and presented her findi
Anya Helzer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Equestrian Studies from Stephens College. She has extensive research experience, including participation in the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2022 Veterinary Research Scholars Program, where she conducted research and presented her findings at the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium. This opportunity not only strengthened her skills as a researcher but also sparked her passion for advancing inclusivity within the sciences.
Beyond her academic work, Anya has dedicated her time to volunteer service with organizations such as equine care programs, Columbia Second Chance, and Red Cross, where she supported both animal welfare and community care initiatives. These experiences have shaped her commitment to service and broadened her understanding of the vital role that compassion and equity play in both science and community work.
Inspired by her journey, Anya is passionate about research and creating safe, supportive spaces for women and the BIPOC community in the scientific field, advocating for greater representation and equity in veterinary and biological sciences.
Healthcare Consultant
Administrative Assistant
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
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.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
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 moti
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
Board Member
Board Member
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.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Telisha Harrison holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. She brings over 20 years of professional experience in research and program development, with a strong emphasis on health equity and community partnership.
She has successfully managed multidisciplinary research studies in clinical, public health, and so
Telisha Harrison holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. She brings over 20 years of professional experience in research and program development, with a strong emphasis on health equity and community partnership.
She has successfully managed multidisciplinary research studies in clinical, public health, and social science settings, translating data insights into community-action programs that build safe, inclusive, and sustainable care environments.
At Light Under the Sun Inc., Telisha serves on the Board, where she contributes her deep expertise in behavioral health program implementation, strategic evaluation, and cross-sector collaboration. In this role, she supports the organization’s mission to empower underserved elder and community populations through inclusive care, creative expression, and culturally responsive practices.
Telisha’s work is motivated by a strong commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring that communities often marginalized by systemic barriers receive meaningful access to wellness, research-informed services, and collaborative healing initiatives.
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.
Board Member
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.