Who we are
We are committed to providing counseling, support, and education to a diverse and inclusive community, including families, individuals, and high school students. With a board and Executive Director that reflects the richness of our community, we strongly support multiculturalism, inclusion, and community integration while recognizing the essential importance of mental health for everyone.
How we serve now
At our practice, we offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment options designed to meet the unique needs of every client.
We have a special place in our hearts for adolescents. We know this stage of life comes with its own set of challenges, and our dedicated team of therapists is here to help teens navigate them with care and expertise.
Whatever mental health struggle your family is facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to provide support, guidance, and personalized treatment plans that truly make a difference.
And because healing happens in all kinds of spaces, we meet people where they are—whether that’s in schools, at homeless encampments, or through video chat. Wherever you need us, we’ll be there.
Our Story
In 1985, Gloria J. Baxter, a licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 45 years of experience, founded the Lighthouse of Hope Counseling Center with a mission to provide accessible therapy to underserved communities. Recognizing that many individuals and families lacked access to essential mental health services, Gloria dedicated herself to creating a safe space where everyone could share their stories, heal, and realize their full potential.
Today, Lighthouse of Hope continues Gloria's legacy by offering a range of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. From counseling and therapy to specialized initiatives like "Sons To Fathers," "LET'S Talk," "Safe Place Parking," and "The Lotus Place Grief Recovery Program," our holistic approach ensures that the tools and support provided extend beyond the treatment room.
Our dedicated team, led by Michelle Grays as Executive Director, remains committed to assisting individuals in examining their challenges and making choices that support physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We believe in meeting people where they are, whether through in-person sessions or TeleHealth, ensuring that everyone has access to the services they need to grow into healthy, self-sufficient individuals.
At Lighthouse of Hope, we are more than a counseling center; we are a community dedicated to illuminating the path to healing and personal growth for all.
Why Choose Treatment with Lighthouse
At Lighthouse, we believe in healing the whole person—mind, body, and soul. Our programs are designed to empower individuals on their journey to recovery, with a special focus on building self-esteem, navigating social media in a healthy way, and practicing mindfulness.
Whether you're healing from trauma, mood disorders, substance use, eating disorders, or community displacement, our compassionate, holistic approach ensures that the tools you gain stay with you long after treatment. Because true healing isn’t just about what happens in the treatment room—it’s about reclaiming your life with confidence and resilience.
Our Leadership Team
Michelle Grays
Executive Director
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Michelle brings both clinical expertise and strong business acumen to her work. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied and Organizational Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Jose State University. Her passion lies in helping individuals heal and thrive, with a specialized focus on trauma, self-esteem, adolescent mental health, and personality disorders.
As a Ph.D. candidate, Michelle combines her deep understanding of psychology with strategic leadership, ensuring that staffing, program development, and organizational growth run with optimal efficiency. Her visionary approach not only strengthens the foundation of our programs but also drives sustainable expansion, making high-quality mental health services more accessible to those in need.
Gloria J. Baxter, LCSW
Clinical Director
Gloria, a licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 45 years of experience, is the visionary founder of Lighthouse of Hope. Driven by a deep commitment to serving individuals, families, and youth, she established Lighthouse of Hope to ensure that therapy and essential mental health services are accessible to underserved communities.
Her mission is to empower people to examine their challenges and make choices that support their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Gloria remains dedicated to working alongside the community, ensuring that every individual and family has the resources and support they need to grow, heal, and become self-sufficient. Through her leadership, Lighthouse of Hope continues to shine as a beacon of healing and transformation for all.
Trevor Alexander Powell
Board Chairperson and Secretary
Trevor Powell, a seasoned technology leader from Silicon Valley, brings over two decades of experience in building and scaling high-performance platforms. Trevor brings his proven track record of leading successful teams and initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to collaboration and achieving impactful results to the Lighthouse of Hope board.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Trevor is known for his generosity in sharing his time and expertise, whether it's training colleagues or volunteering in the community. Trevor’s commitment to service, coupled with his expertise in technology and leadership, makes him a valuable contributor to the Lighthouse of Hope, furthering its mission to uplift and empower individuals and families.
Aimbrell Shanks
Board Member
Aimbrell Shanks is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in business development and leadership within the mental health and counseling sector. As the Director of Business Development at the Silicon Valley Behavioral Health Center (SVBCC), Aimbrell has played a pivotal role in expanding the center’s outreach, fostering partnerships, and driving initiatives that enhance the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services. With a deep commitment to supporting mental health and wellness, Aimbrell has been instrumental in securing funding, developing strategic programs, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families in the community.
A dedicated community leader, Aimbrell Shanks has actively contributed to various local initiatives and has built strong relationships with stakeholders across the mental health, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Aimbrell brings a compassionate, strategic, and results-driven approach to the Lighthouse of Hope Counseling Center’s Board of Directors, where they are committed to furthering the center's mission of providing affordable, high-quality counseling services to those in need. With a passion for service, a wealth of experience, and a collaborative mindset, Aimbrell Shanks strives to make a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Deryk Clark
Board Member
Deryk Clark has 30 years of community–centered leadership in non-profit management focused on developing, strategic planning, implementing, and overseeing impactful programs that have served homeless, foster care, and probation youth and families. Presently, Deryk is Director of Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy at Bill Wilson Center; identifying, cultivating, and managing high-level relationships with external partners, identifying key policy issues, and monitoring legislative developments to lobby decision-makers.
Deryk is a Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Commissioner, a Board of Director Member with San Jose Conversation Corp + Charter School, and Governance Board Member of Santa Clara County Office of Education Opportunity Youth Academy (OYA). Previously, a Board of Director Member for California Youth Connection, and a member of Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Systems Collaborative (JJSC) Race Equity through Prevention Workgroup.
Meet our staff
-
Jazzel Deloso
Billing Administrator/Executive Assistant
-
Wendy Denton
Business Development Manager
-
Lora Baxter, GRMS
Grief Recovery Program Counselor
-
Alessandra Bassanello
MSW
-
Rawl Campbell
MFT Associate
-
Remi Lafayette
MSW Associate
-
Tabethia McGee
MSW Associate
Passionate to serve the community?