Our History
As co-founder of LyfeLynk with my husband Michael of 30 years, my passion for seeing hurting people begin to heal and ultimately choosing to live life joyfully and abundantly started in 2018. Michael and I and our 7 children experienced a life changing event that impacted every area of our lives. God sent caring individuals who invested in us and walked with us to a brighter future. Reflecting on this journey as a family has brought us closer than we have ever been. Today, we are strong and grateful for having had this experience. We are excited to be a part of what God is doing in our community as people come together around our individual traumas and create safe healing spaces and educational opportunities to learn how to be better in all our relationships. I especially have a love for young people, particularly teens as they navigate today’s difficult challenges. My training around healthy sexuality, restorative justice and trauma as it relates to brain and body is what launched the idea of LyfeLynk. We know the need is great and we are committed to a display of empathy in every individual’s circumstance.
Tracy
About Us
Owen sits on the Board of Directors and is also a Director at LyfeLynk. He brings experience and knowledge from owning his own construction company. Owen has assisted with the mission of LyfeLynk since it’s inception. His business and organizational skills have been invaluable to LyfeLynk’s formation. While all of these skills bring guidance to this organization, Owen is most noted for his kind and caring heart. He stands strong for everyone and inspires a bold confidence while inspiring others to always move in the direction of compassion.
Vesta is the Treasurer of LyfeLynk and has lived all her life in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. She currently participates in LyfeLynk at all levels. Vesta has a passion for helping young women and empowering them to reach their full potential. She brings an uplifting and cheerful outlook to the programs. She also likes to experience the adventurous side of life and loves riding her motorcycle!
Harvey sits on the Board of Directors and is a local business owner. With plenty of experience, he brings organizational skills, vision, and can assist with the long-term goals of LyfeLynk. He was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Harvey desires to provide a safe haven for those who have been hurt, while they process their story, and start to heal.
Jennifer is the Vice President of LyfeLynk. She was born and raised in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Jennifer participates in all areas of LyfeLynk, including fundraising. She has an uplifting personality and is always willing to walk alongside individuals with love, care, and offering a safe space as they take their journey towards healing.
Michael is Co-founder of LyfeLynk with his wife Tracy and sits on the Board of Directors. He has taken extensive training in trauma, restorative justice and storytelling. Becoming involved in learning about basic needs, both in his own life and many others has been transformational to him. He is passionate about creating spaces where everyone can experience positive growth and change. Michael’s farm management experience and common-sense business direction is invaluable to LyfeLink. His leadership direction will guide the organization well into the future. Michael’s cheerful “can-do” personality is an inspiration to everyone at LyfeLynk!
Tracy is President and Co-founder of LyfeLynk with her husband Michael. She oversees all Programs and Trainings at LyfeLynk. Tracy started with a big idea and continues every day, with the help of many hands, to shape the non-profit organization LyfeLynk and using an organization in Pennsylvania that was instrumental in her family’s healing journey as a model. For Tracy, connecting with people who cared and invested in her life was so transformative that she is very passionate about helping to pass that gift to others. She shares a positive energy to whomever she speaks and before you know it, she has touched something in your life and you find yourself wanting to be a part of her vision, that of bringing awareness and direct healing to a devastation of spirit resulting from severely, traumatizing experiences. She exhibits grace and hope in everything she does.
Aaron sits on the Board of Directors and is also the Secretary at LyfeLynk. He is from the Midwest and currently works full-time as a manager and salesperson for a fencing company. Aaron also owns and operates a shed building business. He brings ambition and positive thinking to LyfeLynk. His direction and good values will lend guidance to LyfeLynk. He has faced his own life challenges and this real life experience has given Aaron compassion for others, who have faced even greater challenges of abuse and trauma. Aaron loves to see people become the person they were created to be and is committed to helping people have access to the resources needed to recover from domestic trauma.
Mindy is a Director at LyfeLynk and also sits on the Board of Directors. She grew up in East Central Pennsylvania. She was a teacher in a parochial school there, and later in Mississippi and Wisconsin. When invited to join LyfeLynk she wanted to be a part of the mission of helping others find healing from trauma. Mindy is a great listener and brings a solid wisdom to LyfeLynk’s board. She is a true people’s advocate and understands the LyfeLynk mission of helping others find healing from trauma.
As a neuroscientist who walks with trauma survivors, Dr. Joy Kreider has seen firsthand the profound effects of psychological trauma. All forms of violence and abuse, and many other threats to our wellbeing can leave us with long lasting emotional challenges. In the aftermath, survivors often struggle with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and a sense of disconnection from self and others. The good news is that the brain is capable of change! Trauma survivors deserve care, compassion and the opportunity to explore new paths towards wholeness. Dr. Kreider blends brain and body-based science with arts and body-based techniques that can assist us all in moving towards recovery and healing.
Joy Kreider, Ph.D. & CEO
Deliberatedialogues.org