Our Team

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Tanya Ward is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Executive Director of Hope Springs Collective. With over a decade of experience in clinical practice, supervision, and teaching, Tanya is passionate about making high-quality, faith-based mental health care accessible to individuals, children, teens, couples, and families. She brings a compassionate, relational approach to both therapy and leadership, grounded in a deep belief in the healing power of hope, connection, and restoration.

In addition to overseeing the vision and operations of Hope Springs, Tanya mentors the next generation of therapists through clinical supervision and training. She is also actively involved in community outreach, nonprofit development, and creating innovative programs that support underserved populations. Her work is driven by a calling to serve others with integrity, empathy, and faith.

Kelly Equity is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee at Hope Springs Collective, where she provides counseling to individuals, children, teens, couples, and families under the supervision of a licensed therapist. With a calm and empathetic presence, Kelly creates a safe space for clients to explore their emotions, relationships, and personal growth. She is passionate about walking alongside others in their healing journey, especially those navigating anxiety, family conflict, identity, and life transitions.

Kelly is currently completing her clinical training through Hope International University, where she is deepening her skills in trauma-informed, systems-based care. She feels honored to be part of a team that integrates professional excellence with compassion and faith.

Pedro de Lima is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee at Hope Springs Collective, currently completing his clinical training through Jessup University. He provides counseling to individuals, couples, teens, and families under the supervision of a licensed therapist. Pedro brings a warm, grounded presence to the therapy room and is passionate about helping clients find hope, healing, and clarity in the midst of life’s challenges.

With a strong commitment to faith-integrated care, Pedro values the unique story each client brings and works collaboratively to foster growth and resilience. His compassioante approach creates a safe space for clients to process their deepest hurts with a some who truly cares!.

Tanya Ward is the Founder and CEO of Hope Springs Collective and serves on the Board of Directors, where she leads with a deep passion for expanding access to high-quality, faith-based mental health care. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Tanya brings over a decade of experience in clinical practice, supervision, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Her vision for Hope Springs is rooted in a belief that healing and restoration should be available to everyone—regardless of income, background, or circumstance.

Tanya combines clinical expertise with entrepreneurial drive, guiding the organization’s mission, fundraising efforts, and long-term strategy. She is dedicated to creating a supportive space for therapists in training, as well as developing sustainable solutions that serve individuals, families, and communities with compassion and integrity.

Christopher Ward serves as the Chief Financial Officer and a Board Member of Hope Springs Collective, bringing a unique blend of pastoral leadership and business acumen to the organization. With over 15 years of experience as the Lead Pastor of Richfield Community Church, Christopher is deeply committed to fostering emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being in the local community.

He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology and earned his undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Southern California. His combined background in ministry and finance equips him to steward Hope Springs’ resources with wisdom, integrity, and a heart for service. Christopher is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission to offer affordable, faith-based mental health care to those in need.

Terri Haun serves as the Secretary of the Board for Hope Springs Collective, bringing over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry as a Title Officer. Known for her exceptional administrative skills, attention to detail, and unwavering reliability, Terri plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s governance and day-to-day operations.

Beyond her professional expertise, Terri brings a deep compassion and a genuine heart for helping others. She is passionate about the mission of Hope Springs and is honored to contribute to an organization that offers hope, healing, and accessible mental health care to the community.

Dr. Laura Steele serves on the Board of Directors for Hope Springs Collective and brings nearly 30 years of clinical, academic, and training experience to our mission. She has led the College of Psychology and Counseling at Hope International University as Dean since 2009 and has served as faculty there since 2001. A licensed Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Steele is an EMDRIA-certified therapist, approved consultant, and trainer who has guided clinicians and graduate students in Trauma-Focused EMDR for decades.

Her clinical expertise spans trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, and attachment issues with individuals, couples, and families. As an innovative educator and leader in the field, she has published and presented on topics including clinical simulation in training, advanced supervision, and the integration of Christian values in MFT education. With a passion for transformation through evidence-based care and compassionate leadership, Dr. Steele enriches Hope Springs with vision, depth, and expertise.

Kandis Hutton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Hope International University, where she earned her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also holds a B.A. from California State University, Fullerton. With over eight years of clinical experience, Kandis brings deep expertise in relational systems and trauma-informed care.

Passionate about guiding clients toward hope, healing, and growth, Kandis helps individuals and families develop insight into emotional patterns and build joy and peace in daily life. Her academic interests include child and adolescent development, and she integrates both clinical and educational excellence in her work to support mental health and well-being across generations.