Sanctuary Board

Garrett Thiessen, Chair

Garrett Thiessen is a Certified Financial Planner who owns a financial planning boutique firm in Vancouver, Granville West Group. Garrett's knowledge of the financial industry has provided him with the opportunity to partner closely with financial advisors and specialists in the past, which has increased his depth of experience in all aspects of financial and estate planning. Garrett's holistic approach to financial planning helps to create clarity beyond simple wealth management.

Garrett says:

Mental health does not discriminate as it can and does affect us all. I began work with Sanctuary to help provide a voice to those who too often are not heard. The team at Sanctuary provides a resource that I felt was missing within our communities. Whether community is defined as your local neighborhood, a place of worship, or any place where you wish to feel at "home," Sanctuary seeks to be there to provide tools and resources to help those in need. Every one of us deserve to feel that sense of relationship and belonging, regardless of background, faith or beliefs. I am proud to work alongside Sanctuary with this goal in mind.

Bing Ho

Bing Ho earned his LLB from the University of Toronto and then studied law in Peking University from 1980-82. Born in Edmonton, Bing also lived, studied, and worked in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chicago. He primarily acted for multinational corporations investing in China, became a partner of a major international law firm in 2000, and returned to Vancouver after retiring in 2015.

Bing says:

Too many family members and friends have struggled with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges, and their difficulties have been exacerbated by stigma, discrimination, shame, lack of helpful information, and uni-dimensional approaches to healing. Sanctuary develops and shares resources and stories about lived experiences that compassionately and holistically illuminate these issues from psychological (science), theological (faith), and social (community) perspectives. Sanctuary’s work, dedicated to the awareness and promotion of mental health and wellbeing—in and through the Church from all of these perspectives—is critically important in a world where mental health issues are sharply rising. It is a blessing and privilege to be a part of their mission.

Patty Neilson

Patty Neilson is a native of Vancouver, married for fifty-one years, mother of three and grandmother to fourteen. For the past five years, she has served as President of the Vancouver Chapter of Legatus International. She is an interior designer with a love of textiles, grandkids, and creatively providing safe spaces where people can thrive.

Patty says:

The timing was right for me to join the Sanctuary board. As I considered it, I realized that I personally have been negatively impacted during my life in the Church with the lack of empathy and understanding around mental illness. I believe the time is now for Sanctuary. It is the ideal vehicle for God to infuse compassion, love, and healing into the communities of his people. I am excited to be part of such a dynamic, passionate group who are committed to strategically transforming our world.

Ceri Rees, Vice Chair

Ceri Rees is a communications professional with more than fifteen years experience in strategic leadership roles. Ceri has held roles in both education and business spheres, fulfilling curriculum design, teaching, business development, client management, brand, and communication roles. Ceri is deeply curious about what it means to be human, and has explored this question from a range of angles, including a degree in Biochemistry from Oxford University, and more latterly a graduate degree in theology.

Ceri says:

Sanctuary's focus on the integration of mental health and faith communities is absolutely critical. Over the last few years, I've walked with a number of friends and family members as they've wrestled through their own mental health challenges. I frequently found myself grasping for what to do or say, and realized I was ill-equipped to think well about their experience, or know how best to support them practically. During this season, I came across some of Sanctuary's resources, and was deeply grateful for a robust intellectual framework, together with practical tools to help.

Sanctuary UK Trustees

Ian Mayer DL

Ian is an innovative entrepreneur, who connects strategic leaders, to see positive influence and transformation. His key focus is understanding people and how they behave in groups. Ian has successfully founded a number of Virtual Networks and Virtual Organisations. He currently manages a number of Internet based projects that range from business development to community and social networking. Ian is a trained teacher and graduate in technology. He has been involved in education and training since 1990 and his roles have included, Teacher of Design andTechnology and ICT, Head of Student Services, Head of Marketing, and Director of Information Learning Technology. Ian first started working with Internet and Multimedia Learning Technologies in 1995.

Ian says:

I'm passionate about supporting, resourcing and growing leaders, and as part of that passion I've encountered so many leaders who have struggled with mental health issues and had nowhere to turn. Sanctuary is ideally placed to impact the whole Church, including leaders who feel lost and isolated. I love the way that Sanctuary is using online tech, and I am excited to be part of a team who are committed to strategically changing the way the Church views and supports mental health.

Farayi Nyakubaya

Farayi Nyakubaya has worked as a Dialectical Behaviour Nurse Therapist for many years supporting people living with borderline personality disorder. He broadened his skills through a postgraduate diploma and worked as a clinical nurse specialist with patients with various personality disorders who had also committed serious offences. He has experience in staff training and team development. He moved into management and managed various inpatient services treating adults with complex mental health problems. He is currently working in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health service as a team manager looking after a service that treats young people with general acute mental health presentations.

Farayi says:

We are all broken and living in a broken world. The gospel is such wonderful news because it gives all creation hope for restoration. As we wait for the second coming of our Lord, the Church should use the authority of Christ to love the broken. Those in the margins of society should find love and acceptance in the Church of Jesus. The Church already does amazing work with the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned. From my perspective, the Church needs to do more to support those living with mental illnesses and mental health challenges. Sanctuary’s work in equipping the Church in loving and supporting those with mental health problems is valuable and central to the call of the Church. This is why I feel so privileged to contribute to this work and believe that every church should glean from Sanctuary’s resources to equip itself.

Sanctuary US Board

Heather Wallace, Treasurer

Heather Ann Wallace is a pastor, entrepreneur, and coach who is deeply committed to supporting the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals and communities. She serves as the Treasurer of the U.S. Board for Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, contributing strategic insight shaped by both pastoral experience and business leadership. Heather currently serves as Associate Pastor at New Hope Worship Center in Augusta, Georgia, where she provides leadership in preaching, coaching, and systems development. Her approach to ministry is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and a desire to walk alongside others in their growth and healing. She also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge, a wellness franchise focused on integrative care, and is the founder of Wallace Coaching, LLC, a national health and leadership coaching company. Heather’s personal journey has deeply informed her commitment to whole-person care. After facing serious health challenges and navigating a significant mental health crisis, she experienced profound healing that now fuels her advocacy. With a trauma-informed, hope-filled perspective, she is passionate about equipping churches to create safe, supportive spaces for conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Heather and her husband, Chris, met at as young adults and have been married for over 20 years. They have two young adult children and are deeply invested in both local and global expressions of faith and care. Heather’s voice brings encouragement, clarity, and practical insight to Sanctuary’s mission of equipping the Church to support mental health and wellbeing.

Heather says:

Sanctuary is a beacon of hope at the intersection of faith and mental health. This organization embodies the critical mission of fostering a safe, understanding environment where mental health is addressed with compassion, knowledge, and the supportive embrace of faith. My passion for this cause is deeply personal. In 2010, amidst my service as a pastor, I faced a mental health crisis that the church was unprepared for. This pivotal moment on my path to healing ignited my commitment to advocate for mental health awareness within the faith community. With over 20 years of pastoral experience, I've witnessed the urgent need for the church to offer a sanctuary for those battling mental illnesses. Sanctuary's work is not just necessary; it's life-saving, bridging the gap between spiritual and mental well-being. It is an honor to come alongside and support their invaluable efforts to ensure no one has to walk their darkest paths alone.

John Pritchard, Treasurer

John Pritchard is a creative leader and experience designer whose work sits at the intersection of emotional wellbeing, human connection, and meaningful transformation. He currently serves as Vice President of Entertainment and Specialized Services at Onsite, one of the world’s premier emotional wellness organizations, where he has spent the past five years helping shape immersive, transformative programming. With a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Auburn University, John brings emotional intelligence, relational insight, and presence to every environment he leads.

Over the past two decades, John has worked across the nonprofit, creative, and entertainment sectors, building teams and designing experiences that invite people into deeper awareness, connection, and growth. His work has taken him all over the world, yet regardless of setting or scale, John is known for his ability to create spaces where people feel safe, grounded, and genuinely seen.

He is particularly passionate about helping faith communities cultivate environments that honor the complexity of mental health while fostering connection, presence, and care. At the core of John’s work—both professionally and through his service with Sanctuary—is a deep belief in the power of shared experience. He listens with intention, leads with empathy, and helps build spaces where people feel at home, even as they engage in the hard and beautiful work of healing and transformation.

John says:

Rev. Professor John Swinton, FBA, FRSE, FISSR, RMN, RNMD

John Swinton is Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. For over ten years John worked as a registered mental health nurse. He also worked as a hospital and community mental health chaplain alongside people with severe mental health challenges. In 2004, he founded the University of Aberdeen’s Centre for Spirituality, Health, and Disability. He has published widely within the area of mental health, dementia, disability theology, spirituality and healthcare, end of life care, qualitative research and pastoral care. John is the author of several monographs including Finding Jesus in the Storm: The spiritual lives of people with mental health challenges. His book, Dementia: Living in the memories of God won the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ramsey Prize for excellence in theological writing. John is also chaplain to King Charles of England.

John says:

Sanctuary focuses on a very important area of ministry for the church and offers a vital prophetic sign of hope to people for whom hopelessness is often a defining aspect of their lives. I have been involved with Sanctuary for many years. I have watched as its vision has developed and grown in ways that have been creative and faithful. When organisations begin to grow and reach out into different countries and contexts, there is always a risk that the focus shifts from people to business. I have never seen that with Sanctuary. All of the team have passionately held on to the vision of facilitating better lives of people living with mental health challenges. This desire continues to shine as the organisation continues to flourish. Working with Sanctuary continues to be a pleasure and a blessing.

Suzanna Hendricks

With over fifteen years of experience, Suzanna brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to every event and team she leads. Her work spans global nonprofits, Fortune 500 tech, and faith-based organizations, partnering with teams at International Justice Mission, Invisible Children, and Salesforce.org to name a few.

Driven by a passion for experiences that leave a lasting impact, Suzanna has produced over 110 events, including five global summits with 36K attendees, generating $20M in closed sales. She has crafted events marketing and demand generation content for 300K nonprofit customers, supported digital and in-person mobilization campaigns that raised $30M+, and helped launch one of the most viral documentaries in internet history.

At her core, Suzanna is dedicated to advocating for vulnerable communities, mental health accessibility, and disability rights. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that extend far beyond the moment itself.

Suzanna says:

I was introduced to Sanctuary and their CEO, Dan Whitehead, in spring 2023, shortly after losing my youngest sister, who had special needs, to heart and respiratory failure. As a trauma survivor with over a decade of mental health counselling participation, I thought I understood mental health and faith more than I actually did. Meeting Sanctuary was a balm for my soul and is/was an honor to serve.

Before joining the U.S. Board, I worked alongside them for months. In that time, they:

1. Deepened my understanding of the intersection of faith and mental health—how God is woven into the entire journey.

2. Introduced me to incredible global leaders who reinforced my belief that these conversations and tools must be accessible to all.

3. Provided support by just being themselves in my darkest days.

Sanctuary’s work is changing lives and communities — and is truly the lived expression of Jesus meeting us all right we are at, in the lament and joy of our everyday lives.

Rev. Justin Alan Lindstrom, MDiv

The Reverend Justin Alan Lindstrom is the Associate Rector for Community Formation at Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio, TX . He oversees the children, youth, college, and young adult ministries and is the director of outreach. Justin was Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City, the Founding Vicar of Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Cypress, TX, and the Associate for Youth and Family Ministry for St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. He has been ordained for 25 years. Justin has a heart for people, a desire to share the love of God with all, is a community organizer, and sees his role as a Priest to be involved with the community. Justin has served on numerous boards and community organizations. He is the author of Faith, Family, Focus, Finances, a framework to help individuals and families discover their core values, live them out, become debt free and live with intention. Justin is also a dynamic communicator, effective teacher, and caring leader. He has been a guest preacher, teacher, and speaker and loves to paint as a spiritual practice. Justin is married to Susan and they have two children, Covell and Cooper.

Justin says:

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministry is the best resource for churches to train their people in what it means to love, care, and support those who struggle with their mental health. it has been my experience that churches are incredibly under-resourced when it comes to how to care for those who suffer from mental illness. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministry gives the church a common language, mutual understanding, and key ways to be companionate to those who need their care
and teaches how to be compassionate to all. Sanctuary is a foundational part, I believe, of the formation of disciples of Jesus Christ. It is an honor to be a part of Sanctuary as a board member.

Jessica Henderson

Jessica Henderson is a native Texan currently based in Seattle, WA. She is Principal Corporate Counsel for Microsoft Gaming (Xbox Game Studios) and is an avid lover of anything creative, musical, adventurous, theological, or nerdy. Jessica proudly takes on her “dog mama” and “cool auntie” duties to her giant Great Dane-Doodle pup, Moxie, and her baby nephew, James. She has worked in both non-profit and corporate sectors, including the International Mission Board, Sony Music Publishing, and Microsoft (Xbox), to name a few. With an archaeology degree from Boston University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!), Jessica is a resident “archaeologist” who is trained to dig up dirt in both the ancient past and the legal field. When she is not lawyering, Jessica sings in a few worship and cover bands, works on melting the "Seattle freeze" by building community and hosting parties, volunteers for missions, social justice, and special needs organizations, and enjoys adventuring and anything outdoorsy. She is all things “sparkles” and finding the latest “niche” arts or cultural event, in addition to her deep love of community, creating shalom and doing her part to cultivate human flourishing. Jessica is passionate about the intersection of faith and work and is a proud alum of the Gotham Fellowship, a 9-month theological and vocational leadership development program, run through the Redeemer Presbyterian NY’s Center for Faith and Work, and its satellite programs around the world.

Jessica says:

Sanctuary’s mission resonates with the deepest parts of my story. Although I grew up in a loving Christ-centered military family-it was "colored" by 18 years of learning how to walk in both joy and lament with my terminally ill, special needs brother, whose passing 10 years ago left a profound emotional imprint. Those formative years taught me the emotional complexity of caregiving, anticipatory grief, and childhood trauma. Later, surviving a gun-related robbery forced me back into therapy to rebuild my sense of safety and mental wellbeing. Additionally. many of my family members have faced their own mental health challenges, so persevering to mental health has never been abstract—only deeply personal. These moments taught me that crisis often isolates unless community steps in. I believe churches are called to be that community: steady, wise, and safe. Sanctuary uniquely equips churches to offer grounded, Christ-centered care: not quick fixes, but presence, safety, and hope. Sanctuary flourishes in being the hands and feet of Jesus-walking with us in both lament and joy. Its work strengthens the Church in the long suffering a better story - a story of shalom and belonging suffering into shared humanity and reminds us that healing often begins with being seen. Serving on the U.S. Board is an honor, joy, and privilege because it allows me to be a small part of bridging faith and mental health in ways that transform pain into healing, hope, and redemptive community.