DESIGN
OUR TEAM
BOARD
Molly Bombardi-Mount
Kelly Dorsey
Mary Sims
Joshuah Gregory
Mary Linden Salter (Chair)
Claudia Bonnyman (Vice Chair)
Mary Moran (Treasurer)
NeKeisha Wheeler
Evelyn Yeargin
Marvin Berry Jr.
Leanne Crawford
Mary M. Bers
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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Lynece Benton-Stewart
Executive Director
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Lynece Benton-Stewart oversees teaching and administrative staff; works with the Board of Directors to identify strategic plans and policies; leads efforts to gather evaluative data of HAPI’s programs; and identifies opportunities for growth through fundraising, partnerships, and service expansion. Ms. Benton-Stewart has over 20 years of clinical experience, is a licensed mental health counselor, and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision. She is passionate about the use of art in the recovery process, is an art collector, and volunteered with HAPI for years prior to her appointment as Executive Director.
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Kiara Bacon
Middle TN Program Coordinator
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Hello I'm Kiara Bacon. I'm the Middle TN Program Coordinator for HAPI. I've been with the organization since February 2023. I met Mrs. Lynece through healing arts myself and we hit it off from the start. Some of my favorite hobbies include helping others, and cooking and trying new recipes. I also enjoy painting, along with arts and crafts. I enjoy trying new styles on my daughter. She's my "Better Me" and loves fashion. So, she truly helps me stay creative. I'm also a Licensed Esthetician so learning marketing is bringing out my creativity as well. I'm as unique as a Unicorn and fierce like a Dragon.
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Lisa Chibbaro
West TN Program Coordinator
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Lisa Chibbaro was born in South Carolina; however, for over 35 years she has lived in Tennessee so she considers herself a native. She currently resides in Jackson, Tennessee where she spends her "down time" helping others, painting, writing, reading, and piddling with her flowers. After a long bumpy road she has found solace in her art work and the peace that her relationship with God brings her. Lisa received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Memphis and her Masters from Bethel University. Lisa has recently submitted her first children's book for print, which was created from the journey through art to better her mental health. She looks forward to sharing the multiple lessons that the main character, Maisy, teaches her friends in the future. She admits Maisy has already taught her so much and helped her find her wings.
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Garrett DeVaughn
Social Media and Marketing Manager
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Garrett grew up in Alabama, and moved to Nashville in 2005. After working in the non-profit arena with mental health and addiction recovery for 15 years, Garrett began pursuing a career as an artist. Garrett joined the HAPI team in December of 2022, and excited to be working to improve the community around him again through art and through HAPI.
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Savannah Hamblin
Administrative Assistant
Savannah is one of the newest team members at HAPI. Armed with Associate’s degrees in Elementary Education K-6 and General Science, she brings a diverse background and unwavering confidence to her role. Passionate about mental health advocacy and fostering connections, Savannah will be working closely with teachers, managing class schedules, coordinating volunteers, and overseeing data entry and record-keeping. Her eagerness to learn while making a positive impact is palpable. Outside of work, Savannah cherishes spending time with her husband and two beautiful boys, creating precious memories.
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TEACHERS
Marlynda Augelli has a C.F.A. degree and experience with after-school art programs. She teaches art classes and occasional print-making and tie-dying classes.
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Marta Beatriz is a contemporary artist/poet/singer who lives in Memphis, TN since 2013. She is also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Therapeutic Art Coach with Transformation Academy. She uses healing arts as a tool to help people cope with symptoms of mental health creatively.
Crystal Brown is a multi-faceted artist, well-versed in the healing arts. She explores her professional passions through painting commissions, murals, portrait art as well as playing acoustic instruments at Sound Bath events. As a reiki master and yogi, she brings a powerful skill set to world communities.
Selina Hyzer graduated from MTSU with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. In 2020, she joined HAPI as the Outreach and Arts Coordinator. As her ministry in Coffee County began to grow, she felt lead to pursue it full time. In 2021, Selina stepped down from her administration position with HAPI, but is still involved today as a HAPI instructor, and independent artist.
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LeeAnn Love has an master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Lesly University. She is a licensed art therapist and clinical mental health counselor. She has a private practice and has worked to create art therapy programs for children, youth, and families. http://www.leeannlove.com/
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James Spearman has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He specializes in interior architectural design and space planning. Beyond the classes he teaches for HAPI, Jame has also taught art classes in elementary schools and the YMCA. https://www.jamesspearmangallery.com/