meet our team

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Jessica Domingos is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Evie Effect and a compassionate leader with a passion for inspiring hope and resilience. After the loss of her youngest daughter, Evie, Jessica transformed her grief into a mission to help others navigate mental health challenges and find strength in their struggles. Her dedication to this work is deeply personal, rooted in her belief that even in the darkest moments, there is hope.

Jessica’s leadership is shaped by her belief in the power of perseverance. “I’m inspired by people who overcome adversity,” she explains. “People who get up every day—in spite of what they’ve been through—and keep moving forward.” Guided by this mindset, she develops programs and initiatives that foster connection, educate the community, and promote mental well-being.

Her vision is to build a community where conversations about mental health are open, stigma-free, and transformative. Through her efforts, Jessica reminds others that healing is possible, that their stories matter, and that they can find purpose even after profound loss.

Jessica’s journey exemplifies resilience and a deep belief that life after loss can lead to meaningful impact. She is dedicated to helping others find hope and stand tall, no matter the challenges they face.

Michael Domingos is the Co-Founder and President of the Board of The Evie Effect, where he provides leadership and guidance to support the nonprofit’s initiatives. After the loss of his youngest daughter, Evie, Michael turned his grief into a commitment to creating opportunities for connection, healing, and hope.

Drawing on the bond he shared with Evie through their love of music, Michael created Evie Rocks Tyler, our signature suicide awareness concert that brings the community together to take an active role in preventing suicide. Through the universal language of music, the event fosters connection, inspires action, and provides a space where attendees can unite in their shared commitment to reducing the suicide rate.

As President of the Board, Michael helps guide the organization’s direction, ensuring it remains focused on reducing the suicide rate and empowering communities to make a difference. His calm, steady leadership and deep connection to the mission of The Evie Effect inspire those around him to take part in creating a stronger, more connected community.

Austin McFarland is a talented professional with a diverse background in marketing and community engagement. A Tyler native and UT Tyler alumnus, he has a deep appreciation for the growth and transformation of his hometown into a vibrant community with exceptional opportunities. As a local realtor, Austin leverages his skills to foster connections and support the needs of his clients and community.

Austin is a proud husband and father, enjoying life with his beautiful family as they embark on their journey together. His commitment to fostering connections within the community is evident in his active involvement and support of The Evie Effect. Before joining the Board, Austin was an incredible advocate for the organization, demonstrating his passion for mental wellness and community empowerment.

With his ability to engage and connect with others, Austin continues to make a positive impact in East Texas, championing causes that matter and supporting initiatives that uplift those in need.

Carla Anthony brings her keen sense of curiosity and dedication to her role as Treasurer at The Evie Effect. In her spare time, Carla enjoys diving into books and exploring new areas of knowledge, always eager to learn something new.

Inspired by the unique journeys and challenges faced by people, Carla finds motivation in the resilience and strength of others. Her passion for non-profit work stems from a deep personal connection to the cause of suicide prevention, driven by a heartfelt desire to give back to the community.

Carla's hero is her mother, a woman who has faced numerous trials with grace and a constant smile. This resilience and positivity profoundly influence Carla's approach to life and work.

Known for her eclectic interests, Carla proudly embraces her inner nerd. She has a broad appreciation for art, technology, and literature, enjoying the odd and niche as much as the mainstream. This diverse passion for life enriches her contributions to The Evie Effect, where she combines her love for learning with a commitment to making a difference.

Shonda serves as the Director of Cultural Belonging at The Evie Effect, bringing over three decades of experience in inpatient and ambulatory healthcare. A lifelong resident of Tyler, Shonda is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to healthcare while actively working to diminish health disparities.

With a focus on mental health and well-being, Shonda aspires to raise awareness and advocate for everyone, particularly Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and LGBTQ+ individuals who face mental health challenges due to historical, structural, and cultural factors. She strives to dismantle structural barriers, enhance diversity among mental health practitioners, endorse culturally suitable treatments, and establish community-based outreach programs to address these issues.

Shonda believes in prioritizing and safeguarding mental health, echoing Janelle Monae's sentiment that 'prioritizing and protecting your mental health is everything.'

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shonda finds joy in family, especially in spending time with her adult son. She is an advocate for volunteering, networking, and community service. Her hobbies encompass vacationing, exploring luxury hotels, and nurturing family bonds.

Her mission aligns seamlessly with The Evie Effect’s commitment to initiating dialogues on mental health. She seeks to support those who may be hesitant to engage with mental health practitioners, offering guidance and direction to individuals curious about their mental well-being. This dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting mental healt

Heather is a passionate advocate for mental wellness who brings a unique perspective to The Evie Effect Board. 

While she is often seen as confident and outgoing, Heather has overcome significant personal challenges related to public speaking and anxiety. In the past, the thought of reading aloud or being the center of attention would overwhelm her, often leading to moments of retreat. However, through determination and a desire to push beyond her comfort zone, Heather has transformed her fears into strengths, embracing opportunities to share her story on various platforms, including news segments and community events.

One of Heather's remarkable qualities is her ability to empathize with others, seeing beyond their behaviors to understand their pain and hurt. This intuitive understanding allows her to connect deeply with strangers, often serving as a comforting presence during difficult times. Her commitment to learning and sharing impactful insights fuels her journey, as she strives to help others navigate their own paths to healing.

LaRhonda Hamilton serves as the Director of Veteran Engagement at The Evie Effect, where she plays a vital role in connecting veterans with mental health resources and support. A 20-year Army veteran, LaRhonda is passionate about continuing her service to the community, particularly in helping veterans navigate the challenges they face after military service.

In 2017, LaRhonda began teaching criminal justice at Tyler Junior College, further extending her commitment to service by educating and mentoring students. She brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a dedication to fostering mental health awareness among veterans.

We are honored to have LaRhonda as part of our team, helping us extend our mission to reach veterans and ensure they have the resources and support they deserve.

For over 18 years, Michelle Kenyon has enriched Tyler, Texas’s educational and spiritual landscape. She began her career in school systems, fostering student development, and later transitioned to Children’s Ministry, where she served as Director, shaping the spiritual growth of young minds.

Michelle is a driving force at Flourish, dedicated to empowering nonprofits with vital support services. Her role capitalizes on her deep understanding of community needs and organizational development, enhancing agency resilience and impact.

Michelle also contributes to Tyler’s cultural vibrancy as a former docent at the Tyler Museum of Art and an active participant in local arts. Married for 36 years and a proud mother and grandmother, Michelle’s personal and professional life reflects a commitment to growth, service, and community enrichment.

Jazmine Parks serves as our Director of Fundraising and Development, playing a pivotal role in advancing our organization's mission. She specializes in driving fundraising initiatives and formulating impactful development strategies.

Throughout her career, Jazmine has excelled in fostering partnerships and spearheading fundraising endeavors, reflecting a passionate commitment to effecting meaningful change. Her innovative collaborations stem from a deep desire to give back to society and address pressing societal needs.

Inspired by Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for education and girls' rights, Jazmine admires those who fearlessly champion noble causes. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jazmine's adventurous spirit emerges through her culinary explorations showcased on her Instagram food blog. She also treasures moments spent with loved ones and her beloved canine companions.

Jazmine Parks, with her professional expertise, dedication to philanthropy, and spirited sense of exploration, significantly contributes to our ongoing efforts to create positive and enduring change.