About Us
Who We Are
Founded by Dr. Sade Thompson, LMFT, Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation (HBHF) is leading the charge in promoting mental health treatment for all. We fulfill our mission through advocacy, cultural awareness, education, and effective treatment services.
We work every day to protect the dignity and rights of marginalized communities. Like any other illness, mental health is critical, and symptoms should be addressed immediately. We’ve developed an appropriate plan of action to help others improve their overall health.
Our Mission
Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation aims to minimize the effects of oppression and intergenerational trauma experienced by many members of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities. We’re committed to helping bridge the gap of culturally sensitive mental health resources and treatments, promoting mental health wellness, and removing the barriers that hinder people from accessing the quality help they require.
Who We Serve
BIPOC
LGBTQ+ Community
Marginalized Communities
HBHF works to protect the dignity and rights to mental healthcare of marginalized communities. We ensure that their plights and needs are integrated into our organizations plans and support strategies.
We are committed to advancing our 100% culturally sensitive mental healthcare agenda and promoting health equity. We recognize that racial injustice has caused enough trauma to communities of color which in turn affects their mental wellbeing, and we’re doing our part to make a difference.
LGBTQ+ individuals with mental health concerns may also face a double stigma. Many will face discrimination centered on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity as well as mental illness-related stigma. We are dedicated to helping individuals from the LGBTQ+ community find qualified mental health professionals who can provide effective treatment.
FOUNDER
Dr. Sade Thompson, LMFT( President / Psychotherapist )
Dr. Sade Thompson is a Doctor of Psychology, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (116250), and the President of Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation. Dr. Thompson was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and worked as a psychotherapist all over LA, from Palos Verdes to Inglewood, South LA, Beverly Hills, and in Orange County before establishing a behavioral health center in Lakewood, CA.
Dr. Thompson lived in Santa Barbara while completing her bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Barbara, earned her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC), and completed her doctoral education at California Southern University. She has worked with many populations, especially k-12 children, and families of all backgrounds.
Dr. Thompson has assisted individuals from many backgrounds with a range of needs that has led her focus to forming a nonprofit organization based on individual experiences. Throughout her career, numerous individuals expressed stigma holding them back, not knowing how to navigate the process of finding mental health treatment, or affordability. She learned firsthand how many members of marginalized communities have a hard time finding a therapist who truly recognized how background and culture affected their life experiences and mental wellbeing. Many of those who eventually found a therapist dropped out of treatment if they felt their therapist could not truly empathize with their experience.
With this knowledge, Dr. Thompson decided to assist these communities as she recognized a pattern of similar experiences regarding mental health treatment for many individuals. Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation aims to bridge the gap between BIPOC, LGBTQ+, marginalized communities and quality mental health treatment.
Dr. Zachary Gvildys( Chief Financial Officer )
Dr. Zachary Gvildys recently completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, specializing in theoretical and computational chemistry with a focus on the physics of protein-RNA interactions.
As a PhD student, Dr. Gvildys received accolades such as the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award and the Hanson Dow Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching, reflecting his commitment to both research and education.
Dr. Gvildys’ involvement in scientific outreach programs, tailored towards underserved communities, such as mentoring high school students in nanoscience projects and leading workshops for educators, demonstrates his dedication to fostering scientific curiosity and literacy among diverse audiences.
Dr. Gvildys is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability while advancing its mission-driven initiatives.
Dr. Gvildys oversees all financial aspects, including budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management, to guarantee fiscal responsibility and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, Dr. Gvildys works closely with program managers and executives to allocate resources effectively, optimize funding streams, and pursue strategic partnerships or grants to support the organization’s programs and services.
He provides valuable insights through financial analysis, forecasting, and long-term planning, guiding the nonprofit towards achieving its goals of providing accessible and impactful mental health support to the marginalized communities.
Marisa Meza( Administrative Assistant )
As the heartbeat of Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation’s administrative operations, Ms. Meza brings a compassionate touch and an organized mindset to our team. With a deep commitment to supporting our mission of providing accessible mental health treatment, she diligently manages the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our services running smoothly.
Ms. Meza is more than just an administrative assistant. She is a crucial link between our clients, clinicians, and the administrative team. With many years of experience in medical office administrative roles, Ms. Meza seamlessly blends professionalism with empathy, ensuring that every interaction leaves individuals feeling supported and valued.
Board of Directors
Dr. Sade Thompson, LMFT
Dr. Sade Thompson, Board Chair of Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation, is a Doctor of Psychology, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (116250), and the visionary founder and President of the organization. A proud Los Angeles native, Dr. Thompson earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and her Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University.
Dr. Thompson brings a wealth of experience working with K–12 youth, adults, and families across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her clinical specialties include treating depression, anxiety-related disorders, and providing affirming, identity-centered care for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her practice is rooted in empathy, cultural responsiveness, and social justice—principles shaped by her own lived experience and deep connection to the communities she serves. Clients often describe her as deeply authentic, relatable, and compassionate—qualities that foster a strong therapeutic alliance and meaningful healing.
As Board Chair, Dr. Thompson plays a pivotal leadership role in guiding the Foundation’s mission, vision, and long-term strategic direction. She leads the board in upholding the organization’s core values of equity, accessibility, and inclusivity in mental health care. In addition to her governance responsibilities, she oversees clinical operations, supervises associate therapists and trainees, and facilitates therapeutic groups. Her leadership ensures that all programming remains community-centered, trauma-informed, and aligned with the Foundation’s vision of creating a more compassionate and inclusive mental health landscape for marginalized communities.
Dr. Thompson founded Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation with a bold and personal mission: to break down systemic barriers to mental health care and foster healing in communities that have historically been excluded or overlooked. She is a tireless advocate for equity in mental health and remains deeply committed to ensuring every person—regardless of race, identity, or income—has access to care that is affirming, culturally relevant, and stigma-free.
Dr. Zachary Gvildys
Dr. Zachary Gvildys serves as the Treasurer of the Board at Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation. He is a Doctor of Chemistry and a dedicated professor of chemistry at both West Los Angeles College and Long Beach City College. Dr. Gvildys spent half of his childhood in Vallejo, California, and the other half in Long Beach, California, giving him a deep appreciation for the diverse communities across the state and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Dr. Gvildys earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also led impactful STEM outreach initiatives for underserved and historically marginalized student populations. Through these programs, he developed a strong understanding of how access to science and education can transform lives and communities. His work involved building inclusive educational opportunities, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, and coordinating with community partners to promote long-term engagement in STEM fields.
In addition to his academic and outreach efforts, Dr. Gvildys has extensive experience in data analysis, financial modeling, and grant budgeting. While at UCLA, he contributed to several grant-funded research and outreach projects, further refining his expertise in resource management, program development, and impact evaluation.
As Treasurer of the Board, Dr. Gvildys plays a key role in overseeing the financial health and accountability of Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation. He supports strategic planning through data-driven financial insights, develops sustainable budgeting frameworks, and ensures transparency in the organization’s fiscal operations. His combined background in scientific research, education, and financial planning strengthens the Foundation’s ability to allocate resources effectively and pursue funding opportunities that align with its mission.
Dr. Gvildys is deeply passionate about breaking down systemic barriers in both education and mental health. His advocacy for equity in STEM education directly aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities. Through his work on the board, he strives to ensure that financial and educational resources are used to promote inclusive, accessible, and stigma-free mental health care for all.
Dr. Jasmin Tobar, MSW
Dr. Jasmin Tobar was born in Los Angeles to a Salvadoran father and a Salvadoran and Honduran mother. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Global Studies and Human Rights from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles. She received her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, School of Social Work, and her Doctorate in Social Work from University of Southern California.
During her time in New York City, she worked at the Roberto Clemente Family Guidance Center, where she worked as a psychotherapist intern with recently arrived immigrant families and youth. Dr. Tobar has over ten years of experience in nonprofit management, program evaluation, community organizing, and educational programs. She is also an adjunct professor at California State University, Northridge in the Central American and Transborder Studies.
Dr. Tobar is the Secretary of the Board at Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation. In this capacity, Dr. Tobar ensures that board members are given appropriate notice of meetings and proactively records these meetings. Dr. Tobar is responsible for proactively collaborating with board members to set up meetings, giving proper notice of any meetings, and promptly distributing materials like agendas and minutes.
Tsion Mitchell
Tsion Mitchell serves as a dedicated member of the Board at Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation. Her passion for social justice and commitment to mental health equity make her a valuable voice in shaping the Foundation’s mission and impact. Ms. Mitchell brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to her role, helping guide our efforts to better serve marginalized populations.
Ms. Mitchell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ashford University. She is actively involved in her community and regularly volunteers her time supporting marginalized groups—whether assisting at local food banks, mentoring underserved youth, or participating in community clean-up events.
As a board member, Ms. Mitchell contributes to the Foundation’s strategic planning, community outreach, and program development. Her work helps ensure that our initiatives remain grounded in the lived experiences and needs of the people we serve.
Ms. Mitchell joined the board because she deeply understands the importance of mental health and the need to eliminate stigma surrounding it. She believes mental well-being is just as essential as physical health, and is committed to making compassionate, accessible care a reality for all.