Kelly Poelker founded Glow For Hope out of a profound commitment to combat the devastating impact of suicide and enhance mental health awareness. Motivated by personal experiences with the daunting challenges of mental health crises within her own family, Kelly recognized the urgent need for more resources and support structures that address these sensitive issues.

Before establishing Glow For Hope, Kelly built an extensive career as an entrepreneur in business support and strategic consulting. That coupled with a long history as an event strategist and organizer, she developed a keen insight into organizational leadership and community engagement. This background has been instrumental in guiding Glow For Hope’s mission to provide targeted support and effective resources to families navigating mental health challenges.

Under her leadership, Glow For Hope has become a beacon for those in the darkness of despair, offering understanding, practical tools, and community support. Kelly’s story and the organization’s mission resonate with countless individuals and families, inspiring hope and fostering a collective effort to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent suicide.

Kristen joined the board in February of 2024 and brings her many years of community involvement along with her business savvy, leadership and organizational skills. Kristen knows personally through her own family and close friends experiences the unfortunate effect of mental health battles and struggles.

Kristen is currently in a leadership role for a North American and European company bringing many years of leadership and involvement in several community outreach programs. Her passion is working with kids and families, in all environments, to help them feel more empowered, loved, strong, and valued. She has supported the Special Olympics, MADD. She served as the Treasurer and Standards Board Advisor for the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha, and worked tirelessly for eight years to increase awareness, support, partnerships, along with expansion and growth, of the Springfield MO Boys & Girls Club. Kristen also partnered with the local Social Services department and served as a mentor for four years in a youth group home where she served as a foster parent for two years before relocating to O’Fallon IL.

Besides donating her time and commitment to Glow for Hope, Kristen has been actively involved the past five years volunteering her time at the O’Fallon Food Pantry.

Kelly Poelker founded Glow For Hope out of a profound commitment to combat the devastating impact of suicide and enhance mental health awareness. Motivated by personal experiences with the daunting challenges of mental health crises within her own family, Kelly recognized the urgent need for more resources and support structures that address these sensitive issues.

Before establishing Glow For Hope, Kelly built an extensive career as an entrepreneur in business support and strategic consulting. That coupled with a long history as an event strategist and organizer, she developed a keen insight into organizational leadership and community engagement. This background has been instrumental in guiding Glow For Hope’s mission to provide targeted support and effective resources to families navigating mental health challenges.

Under her leadership, Glow For Hope has become a beacon for those in the darkness of despair, offering understanding, practical tools, and community support. Kelly’s story and the organization’s mission resonate with countless individuals and families, inspiring hope and fostering a collective effort to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent suicide.

Delisa Richardson has a profound dedication to advocacy and extensive experience in mental health awareness.

Delisa’s commitment to making a difference is evident in her multifaceted roles as a Domestic Violence Awareness advocate, IBD advocate, and Mental Health advocate. She has lent her support to esteemed organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, Project Compassion NFP, and has serves as an Ambassador Board member for the Color of Gastrointestinal Illness NPF, as well as an Ambassador for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.

Professionally, Delisa’s expertise as an Actor, Director, and Integrative Wellness Life Coach speaks volumes about her passion for using the arts and fitness to shed light on mental health issues. Her personal journey, marked by losses and triumphs, serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths. Delisa’s story has been featured in prestigious publications such as Gazelle Magazine and Chatelaine Magazine, and she has shared her insights on renowned platforms like the Surviving My Past podcast and Catching Your Breath podcast.

Erin Robbins joins the Glow For Hope board as the Director of Marketing, utilizing the skills she’s developed throughout her career in public relations, advertising, and marketing at various St. Louis agencies. She is currently in a leadership position overseeing the traditional and digital marketing for all of the company’s clients.

Erin has witnessed the effects of mental health conditions among family and friends since childhood. She has managed personal mental health struggles for more than 15 years. As the mother of two young daughters, mental health awareness and advocacy to stop the stigma is especially important to her.

Aaron Hudson brings a deep-rooted passion for community service and advocacy to Glow For Hope. A lifelong resident of O’Fallon, IL, Aaron was a small business owner in the area for 24 years before transitioning into his current role in sales with Amcon

Aaron’s commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention stems from a deep compassion for those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, or lost their lives to it, as well as the loved ones left behind. He firmly believes that mental health matters and that as a society, we need to do more to support those who are struggling. By helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health, he hopes to encourage open conversations that can ultimately save lives.

As a board member of Glow For Hope, Aaron is dedicated to being a listening ear, raising awareness, and helping to organize impactful events. He is committed to fostering a culture of empathy and respect around discussions of suicide, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle. In his words, “If Glow For Hope saves one life, then the organization is a success.”