Leadership

Those that lead and facilitate Light For The Darkness have personal experience with mental health variances; their understanding and empathy is key to their leadership. Further, they have faith in Jesus Christ and are open to the exploration or discussion of what other spiritualities look like and how Jesus may also operate through them. They lead by companioning, coming along side whenever possible, to bring light to the darkness for others.

Members

Everyone is welcome to join, whether you have been walking in darkness for years or if shadows are only starting to appear. Light For The Darkness helps members transform from having a glimmer of light in the darkness to full-on shining, starting to facilitate, initiate connection, and give to others because they are no longer void and dark. Please do not suffer alone. Email us at help@light4thedarkness.com if you want to learn more.

Our Team

Rev. Thirza Sayers, Founder & Director

  • Rev. Thirza Sayers is a PCUSA minister serving Light For The Darkness, and Our Selah communities, and Hillside Presbyterian Church, House Springs, MO.
  • She is currently working on her Doctorate in Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
  • Her research examines what hope looks like for people with mental health variances, people in darkness.
Thirza joined Light for the Darkness in it’s first year when it was called Caritas because she couldn’t imagine a cooler thing than to use her faith and her experience of great darkness to bring comfort and Light to others.

Fun Fact: She has shared over 800 bouquets from her garden in the past three years.

Kevin Jones, MAC, Facilitator

  • Is a Counselor with Chesterfield Counseling Associates
  • Has a passion for walking alongside individuals and groups through the dark and light seasons of life.
  • Brings Psychology and Theology into conversation with each other, founded on the belief that they are intrinsically intertwined.
Kevin joined Light For The Darkness in 2020 and has deeply enjoyed the community and mutual support. He brings a love of research, deep discussion, and his counseling knowledge and experience to the group.

Fun Fact: Kevin is an avid reader of Historical Fiction and Fantasy Adventure Literature

Keegan Esping, MAC, Facilitator

  • Earned her Masters in Counseling in 2022.
  • Loves having deep conversations, adventuring with friends, reading, and anything related to art.
  • Considers herself a ‘fellow traveler’ ready to listen to the stories of others, learning, exploring the darkness, and searching for the light.
Keegan joined Light For The Darkness because she’s passionate about knowledge of and care for mental health being integrated within spirituality.  “We are created for relationships and Light For The Darkness invites a beautiful, nurturing community, where all can be seen and loved.”

Fun Fact: Keegan’s first job was being a self-employed silk painter

Rev. Stephanie Allen, MSW, MDiv, Facilitator

  • Rev. Stephanie is the pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia, MO
  • Holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Washington University, St. Louis, MO and a Master’s of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.
  • She has been a mental health professional and in the field of Social Work for 12 years.
  • She has a heart for the people and is committed to meeting them exactly where they are.

Fun Fact: “I like to cook from recipes as a means of self-care.”

Debby Viveros, MDiv, Writer

  • Executive Director for sister organization, Our Selah
  • Earned her Masters of Divinity from Knox Theological Seminary in May 2022
  • Served as a Women’s Ministry Leader and Bible Study teacher
  • Home-schooled 4 children through high-school
  • Holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University
  • Has been married to Juan for 33 years, is a parent of twins and is a proud grandmother
Debby joined Light For The Darkness because she has walked through her own dark times, cared for those she loves in their dark times, and is convinced of the need for community that understands. 
 

Fun Fact: “I am Jewish by birth and grew up outside the church and became a Christian after hearing the gospel for the first time in my late 20’s. “

Our Board Members

Cal Calhoun, Director of the Board

  • Ruling Elder at Westminster PC STL  
  • Masters of Arts Degree in Human Relations
  • Certifications: Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Adult and Youth), Infant Massage Educator and Instructor, First Aid, CPR, AED Instructor, Safe Crisis Management Instructor.
Cal joined because he was invited and encouraged by the very convincing Bernice Thompson and because of his interest in mental health.

Fun Fact: Cal loves to ride his Sling Shot.

Nigel Holloway, Board Member, Secretary

  • Father of three grown-up kids who live on the East Coast. 
  • Member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, MO
  • Professional writer and editorial consultant
  • Former journalist 
“I am on the board of Light For The Darkness because my church is a partner of the organization and I want to support it as much as I can. I am a true believer in the work that Light For The Darkness does for the community and in its power to do good.”
 
Fun Fact: Dual-nationality British and American 
Nigel

Rose Mary Sandimeier, Board Member

  • Elder and Deacon at Hillside Presbyterian Church. 
  • Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader
  • Grandmother of 7
  • Leads a weekly prayer group.
“I joined the board to learn more about Light for the Darkness.”
 
Fun Fact: 12th of 13 children; green thumb; loves photography, working outside, and helping others. 

Bernice Thompson, Board Member, Treasurer

  • A Concerned Friend To Many
  • My training and work experience in mental health made my serving on the board a real fit.

I joined the Light For The Darkness board because of how I am identified.

Fun fact: I enjoy music and singing.

Brenda Christy, Board Member, Web Designer

  • Member of Light for the Darkness community.
  • Wife, mother of 3 (+1). I have 3 children by birth and 1 that has joined our family seeking safe haven.
  • My own walk through depression and PTSD gives me a unique insight to the grace, endurance and faithfulness of God to me and to humanity.
  • I hold a business degree with a specialty in Information Systems Design. Computers behave for me!

Fun fact: I am always learning – be it crafts, spirituality, mental health, etc. I enjoy reading too.