501(C)(3) NONPROFIT · MTSS/PBIS/TBRI ALIGNED · TRAUMA-INFORMED
Together We Amplify Change
The MCF team is committed to building healthier, more resilient school communities through practical, science-based mental health tools that are delivered by world-class practitioners and supported by dedicated operations and governance.
About Us
Creating schools where students want to show up, educators want to stay, and families are engaged partners.
The Mindful Communities Fund (MCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing evidence-based mental health support, attendance, and special needs programming to students, educators, families, and school communities across the country.
MCF was founded in response to a reality that can no longer be ignored. Students are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety, stress, trauma, and disconnection. Educators are stretched beyond their limits, navigating increasing demands on their own emotional and mental well-being. We believe thriving schools begin with thriving people, and we exist to make sure both students and educators have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to flourish.
Although formally established in 2023, our team has spent nearly a decade leading large-scale mental health support initiatives across public and private schools, partnering with districts including Dallas ISD, Allen ISD, and Grand Prairie ISD. We have trained thousands of educators, administrators, counselors, and students nationwide, including through one of the largest districtwide mental wellness trainings in Dallas ISD history.
Our work is led by a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, researchers, Harvard faculty, presidential scholars, licensed clinicians, published authors, National Board Certified educators, and district implementation specialists. This breadth of expertise across neuroscience, behavioral health, education, and systems-level implementation allows us to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. Every program we deliver is grounded in science, designed for application, and tailored to the unique needs of each school community we serve.
At its core, MCF exists to help create learning environments where students and educators can build resilience, strengthen well-being, foster meaningful connection, and reach their fullest potential.
The MCF Team
MCF's work is led by a multidisciplinary team that includes neuroscientists, Harvard faculty, presidential scholars, authors, licensed clinicians, district implementation specialists, National Board Certified educators, and experts in autism and special education. The team brings deep expertise in education, behavioral health, and system-level implementation, including experience in PBIS, Crisis Management, IEP development, support for bilingual learners, restorative practices, and serving students with autism and other diverse learning needs. This combination of expertise ensures that all programming is evidence-informed, practical to implement, and aligned with the real needs of school communities.
World-Class Advisors and Expert Practitioners
Dr. Christopher Willard, PsyD
Senior Scientific Advisor and Trainer · Mental Health & Neuroscience Expert
A licensed psychologist and Harvard Medical School psychiatry faculty, Dr. Willard is an internationally recognized author and speaker. A former special education teacher, he translates evidence-based behavioral health concepts into practical tools for regulation, behavior management, and classroom engagement across clinical, educational, and organizational settings. He has authored 10+ books including Raising Resilience and Child's Mind.
Dr. Jamila Thomas
Leadership and Community Impact Advisor
Dr. Jamila Thomas is a Presidential Leadership Scholar for both the Obama and Bush administrations and has held senior leadership roles at several leading community impact organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star and VolunteerNow. She also served in leadership at Dallas ISD, where she helped develop districtwide initiatives designed to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for students, particularly those facing significant challenges. Dr. Thomas is a passionate advocate for empathy, community, and our shared humanity, and is dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting impact through collaboration and service.
Dr. Kasie Mainiero, EdD
National Attendance Strategy Advisor · School Climate & Student Engagement Expert
Dr. Mainiero is a Senior Attendance Specialist for MCF with 25+ years of experience, from Pre-K teacher to school principal. A National Board Certified Teacher, she has led districtwide efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism, including major gains in Caddo Parish School District. Honors include 2024 Hero of the Year by Volunteers for Youth Justice, Caddo Principal of the Year, and Shreveport Chamber's 40 Under 40.
Sandra Martinez
District Implementation Advisor
Sandra Martinez brings deep experience supporting district-level implementation of mental health and wellness programs. She works closely with campus leaders and educators to ensure programs are embedded effectively into school culture and daily practice.
Dr. Raymond D. Appleberry Jr., M.Ed., C.A.S.
Senior Advisor, Special Education and Behavior Support
Raymond is a highly regarded consultant, speaker, and education leader with 20+ years of experience. He serves as Special Education Coordinator, leading multiple district committees and initiatives. Certified in Crisis Management, Experiential Learning, and Reclaiming Youth at Risk, he is recognized with the 2013 Teacher of the Year and Kids Magic Award for bridging research with practical application to impact students, families, and educators nationally.
Dr. Kay Colbert, DSW, LCSW, MAC
Lead Mental Health Support Trainer and Advisor
Dr. Colbert brings extensive clinical experience in nervous system regulation, de-escalation, and behavioral stabilization. Trained at the University of Pennsylvania, she has over a decade of direct practice across a wide range of populations and settings, with advanced expertise in evidence-based mental health support and prevention. She served as lead trainer on the Dallas ISD program and multiple other major school-based initiatives.
Priti Ahuja, M.Ed., MSCD
District Implementation and Family Impact Advisor
Priti is certified in trauma-informed practices for education and has 10+ years of experience driving large-scale change in school systems, leading districtwide mental wellness initiatives across hundreds of campuses. She designs professional learning, leadership coaching, family impact, and implementation structures. A former teacher and administrator at Dallas ISD, she guided system-wide efforts that improved school climate, staff retention, and student outcomes.
Lynne M. Roland, M.Ed., L.P.C.
Senior Advisor, Special Education and Behavior Support
Lynne Roland is a licensed professional counselor and trainer with 25+ years supporting students with special needs, their families, and educators. Her work is relationship-centered, building trust through honesty, vulnerability, and respect. She helps students, staff, and families make meaningful strides toward growth. Her trainings are known for being engaging, inspiring, and practical.
Alejandra Ramos Gómez, M.Ed.
Senior Science and Bilingual Education Advisor and Trainer
Alejandra is a bilingual educator certified by the MCF team, with 7 years as a G/T teacher at Dallas ISD. She holds a master's from Harvard Graduate School of Education and is pursuing her doctorate at Johns Hopkins in Neurodiversity and Neuroscience. She leads all Spanish-language parent engagement for MCF and serves as a senior trainer on special education initiatives across the US and Latin America.
Brian P. Hopkins, C.A.S.
Senior Advisor, Special Education and Behavior Support
Brian Hopkins has 13+ years of experience in special education across pre-K through postsecondary settings, serving as a Behavior Interventionist, Behavior Specialist, Special Education Teacher, and Childcare Director. He provides consultation and training for administrators, educators, and support staff in Circle of Courage, Love and Logic, Crisis Management, PBIS, Restorative Practices, Classroom Management, Emotional Poverty, and IEP Development.
Sarah Sampson
Lead Trainer and Curriculum Advisor
Sarah Sampson delivers training centered on mindfulness, empathy, and DEI for youth-serving organizations. She received advanced mindfulness training from UC San Diego Medical School. As SEL and Mindfulness Facilitator for Keller ISD, she led district-wide implementation of mindfulness-based activities for 35,000+ students. She is also certified in trauma-informed restorative practices for youth.
Administration and Board
MCF's administration and board provide the strategic leadership, governance, and operational infrastructure that enable the organization to grow its mission with integrity and accountability. Their combined expertise spans nonprofit leadership, finance, law, program development, and community impact.
Caroline Koetting
Co-Founder & Mission Impact Advisor
Caroline Koetting is a visionary philanthropist and Co-Founder of MCF dedicated to helping children, families, and communities thrive. As Mission Impact Advisor, she helps build strategic partnerships and foster meaningful connections that expand access to mental health support, educational opportunities, and community resources. Inspired by a lifelong commitment to the well-being of young people, Caroline works to advance programs that strengthen school communities, create opportunities for growth, and improve outcomes for children and vulnerable populations.
Tom Bartlett
Financial and Strategic Board Advisor
Tom Bartlett brings extensive financial and strategic leadership experience to the MCF Board, providing guidance on fiscal management, organizational growth, and long-term sustainability. His expertise supports MCF in building the infrastructure needed to scale its mission and deepen its impact in schools.
Robin Minick
Legal and Governance Counsel
Robin brings over three decades of legal experience across the corporate and nonprofit sectors, including law firms, grant-making foundations, and community development financial institutions. Her diverse background uniquely positions her to guide MCF in matters of law and governance, ensuring the organization receives the strategic leadership it needs to grow and fulfill its mission.
David Sunshine
Co-Founder & Executive Director
David Sunshine is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Mindful Communities Fund, leading initiatives that strengthen student success, educator well-being, attendance, and school culture. With over a decade of experience, he has helped expand programs reaching thousands of educators, students, and families. He has overseen operations for mission-driven organizations, managed digital platforms, and built strategic partnerships that advance community impact. His work is driven by a passion for helping schools become places where students, educators, and families can thrive.
Daniel Sunshine, MBA
Co-Founder, President & Program Director
Daniel Sunshine has spent over a decade working alongside school systems, designing and delivering large-scale programs that strengthen student well-being, educator effectiveness, attendance, and school culture, including one of the largest districtwide mental health support initiatives in Dallas ISD history. He has partnered with organizations including Google, Dell, Accenture, Southwest Airlines, and Dropbox, and has been featured by national media outlets including Fox, NPR, and NBC. Daniel is passionate about helping schools create environments where students want to show up, educators want to stay, and families are engaged partners.
Hilary Arai
Director of Development and District Success
Hilary Arai serves as Director of Development and District Success for MCF, bringing over a decade of experience building meaningful connections and fostering impactful programs. She focuses on nurturing collaborative relationships with schools, nonprofits, and corporations to help deliver transformative mindfulness initiatives that empower and uplift underserved populations.
Our Values in Practice
Every program, every partnership, every interaction is guided by these principles.
Proactive
We anticipate needs before they are expressed. We bring solutions, not just services, and stay ahead of challenges so our partners can focus on the work.
Collaborative
We work alongside our partners, not just for them. We are high-touch by design, investing in understanding the goals, constraints, and culture of every environment we enter.
Accountable
We do what we say we will do. Every commitment is tracked, reported, and followed through with full transparency.
Outcome-Oriented
We are focused on results, not activity. Every decision from program design to daily delivery is tied to clear goals and measured against real outcomes.
Consistent
We show up reliably, well prepared, and focused on building programs that deliver results long after our direct involvement ends.
Support the Team
Help Us Grow What Works
MCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every donation directly funds the educators, trainers, and tools that create lasting change in schools.
Donate to MCF