FELIX BUI

Felix’s goal is to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth without fear of judgement for their identity while building relationships with the youth. Additionally, Felix produces graphic designs to highlight SAVES’ program and encourage positivity throughout the LGBTQ+ community. 

REBECCA MCDONELL

Rebecca is a mother of three and the grandmother of six. Her belief is what we pour in to our children is what they will pour out to the world, why not pour in unconditional love? Rebecca's adage is to have the courage to be your own kind of beautiful.

LAURA PITILLO

Laura is a an elementary educator who has a passion for working with youth. She wants to help LGBTQ+ kids feel safe to be themselves and connect with each other by building queer community.

LISA EARLEY

Lisa is a tireless educator and proud mother of two LGBTQ daughters. She provides a safe space for students and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work.

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LEE PAYTON

Lee is a parent and an advocate who believes everyone deserves a safe space to simply be themselves.  Lee is working to get into medical school so he can advocate for our underserved communities and connect them to the quality care they deserve.

CAITLYN DEVLIN

Catelyn Devlin (she/her) is a social worker, wife, mother, and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and families in the child welfare system and religious communities. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ youth seeing a future for themselves where they can be all of who they are in every area of society.

TYLER LONG

Tyler is an educator and LGBTQ advocate that is passionate about supporting our queer youth through mentorship and bridging the generational gap in our community.

SHANNON O'BRIEN

Shannon connected us with Elevate Credit through her work in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department as the Chair of its LGBTQ+ Network. She is a steadfast ally who strives to support LGBTQ+ youth improve the quality of their experience and promotes equality in its many forms.

GREG HUGHES

Greg connected us with the Lockheed Martin Pride organization. Their members serve as examples of having survived adolescence and having prospered afterward.

LISA NICHOLS

Lisa (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Ph.D. student, and educator at Cook Children’s Medical Center. She is an ally, and wants all LGBTQ+ youth to know that they are loved, needed, and important. She is committed to creating a community that is safe for LGBTQ+ youth.

PAPI SALGADO

Papi became involved as one of our youth and has stayed to become a leader. Papi has a heart for others and is currently studying to become a Sign Language Interpreter.

CHRIS BARTLEY

Director

Chris is a lay church professional and divinity school student.  He is an advocate for inclusion and justice, and he wants our LGBTQ youth to have every possible opportunity to flourish.

CHRIS BUTLER

Director

Chris Butler has provided hope and opportunity in the nonprofit world for over twenty five years.  He has been part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth for the last 16 years and his most recent role was that of Vice President of Operations. Chris is currently the Executive Director for The Parenting Center in Fort Worth.

SARA FAIRLEY

Director

Sara serves on the board to support Tarrant County youth and to challenge her hometown to love all those who call this city home. She is a global citizen and change agent.

Sara Herrera

Director

Sara is an artist and educator. Sharing her love and passion for the arts, especially with youth, she feels is truly an honor and an opportunity not to be taken for granted. 

SANDY MARTINEZ

Secretary

Sandy Martinez Russell believes that love comes in many different forms and should be expressed in a variety ways. Whether it’s a smile or a random act of kindness, do it with a full heart. No one should go a day without expressing some form of gratitude before the end of the night, because moments in life are precious. 

DIANE VERSOCKI

Director

Diane was inspired by the passing of a friend during the AIDS crisis to get involved and wants to help provide housing, community resources, and loving support for all LGBTQ youth. 

BRANDON BRIGHT

Director

Brandon is a native of Fort Worth, TX, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2009 and later started working in the HIV field. Brandon has attended National Conferences such as Building Leaders of Color, Training Consumers on Quality, and received a Social Media scholarship to the 2019 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS. He is currently the Ending the HIV Epidemic Community Engagement Specialist for Tarrant County.

CHERYL FARMER

Treasurer

Cheryl has a background in school district purchasing and served in leadership roles, including treasurer, at her church. She loves camping and backyard get-togethers.

BARBARA HEPTIG

Board Chair

Barb is an attorney and ordained minister. She is passionate about LGBTQ inclusion in all areas of society and the church since she was a student at Brite Divinity School.

NATHANIEL LEANDER

Youth Director

Nate is a civil engineer who is continuing school in pursuit of his Masters. He came out in 2017 as a transman and since then has been living as his authentic self in DFW.

LASHONDA THOMAS

Director

LaShonda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has experience with LGBTQ youth support groups. She encourages acceptance, authenticity, and honesty.

TARA WILSON

Director

Tara is an ER nurse and community advocate that wants to create a world where all youth including her own kids get to be their full authentic selves.