About Us

The Healing and Wellness Tribe, Inc. was established to provide educational and charitable services to the general public, including both individuals and organizations. Funding is provided by donations from program participants, the general public and grants from government and from other nonprofit organizations. For the purposes of this application, the Organization’s specific programs are summarized below.

Mission

The mission of The Healing & Wellness Tribe, Inc. is to provide short term housing to women and children as a bridge from crisis to stability and self-sufficiency. We offer a range of supportive services that are intended to equip women and children for positive and thriving futures.

Vision

It is our vision that every mother and child will have the opportunity to heal, learn, and grow and to ultimately build a future where they blossom into who God has called them to be.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michelle Peterson

President & Executive Director

Ms. Peterson is the Executive Director of THAWT. Ms. Peterson has a heart to serve disproportioned families in the community. For over 20 years Michelle has served and advocated for LAUSD, families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, as well as children with special needs and their parent/s in the often-intimidating Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings. Ms. Peterson has provided a safe and welcoming place for monitored family visits with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In addition, Michelle has represented and advocated for many family reunifications with DCFS. A Los Angeles, CA native, Michelle has witnessed firsthand the great need for representation and services for the communities plagued with aforementioned hardships.

Heather Peterson-Hernández

Secretary

Mrs. Hernández is a volunteer who serves as our corporate Secretary. She is responsible for maintaining corporate records, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the Board of Directors in fulfilling its fiduciary duties. Serving as a Corporate Secretary provides an opportunity to contribute to the success and sustainability of an educational and charitable organization. She supports strong governance, ensuring that the organization operates with transparency and integrity while furthering its mission to create positive social impact. By offering her time and expertise, she helps drive meaningful change in education and philanthropy.

Donna Pugh

Treasurer

Ms. Donna Pugh has passionately served and advocated for her community for over 30 years. She has a passion to fight with and for women living with AOD use and mental health disorders. Ms. Donna strategically offers a bridge to recovery, as she shares and gives endlessly to women that face the same barriers that she has 35 years in recovery from. Unafraid to roll up her sleeves and meet women, men, teens right where “they are”. You may at any time find Ms. Donna on foot walking the relentless streets of South-Central Los Angeles, handing out bottled water, condoms and hope to sex trafficked workers. Or in her on home where she hosts weekly emotional sobriety groups to women in recovery. A nationwide in demand speaker and coach who has imparted so much love, hope and truth to countless women groups, co-ed recovery programs, leadership coaching and more.