Board of Directors

LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

Meet Our Board of Directors

Dedicated leaders helping advance Transpire Help’s mission of expanding access to affirming care, recovery support, housing, mental health services, and community resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, oversight, and guidance to help ensure Transpire Help remains focused on its mission and long-term impact.

SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us expand access to affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

💜  Donate
🤝  Volunteer
🏳️‍⚧️  Advocate
🏠  Expand Access to Care

Donate Today
Become a Volunteer

Governance, Accountability & Mission Stewardship

Transpire Help is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors composed of professionals and community leaders with diverse backgrounds across behavioral health, clinical social work, legal services, community advocacy, and nonprofit governance.

Each board member brings professional expertise and lived experience that informs Transpire Help’s strategic direction. Together, they ensure the organization maintains the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and mission alignment as it works to expand access to affirming care and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities.

Our board is united by a shared commitment to LGBTQIA+ equity, affirming care, and the belief that every person deserves access to support — regardless of their financial situation, identity, or circumstances.

BOARD LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

How Transpire Help Is Governed

The Board of Directors ensures that Transpire Help operates with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on its mission.

🎯

Strategic Guidance

Setting long-term direction and priorities that advance the organization’s mission and community impact.

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Organizational Oversight

Providing independent oversight of programs, operations, and organizational performance.

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Financial Stewardship

Ensuring responsible use of donated funds and financial sustainability for long-term impact.

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Mission Accountability

Holding the organization accountable to its mission and the LGBTQIA+ communities it serves.

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Community Leadership

Building partnerships and relationships that strengthen Transpire Help’s reach and community impact.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Board Officers

Transpire Help’s board officers provide executive leadership and ensure effective governance of the organization.

Jaki Neering, LCSW

Board Chairperson

Jaki Neering is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and behavioral health leader with extensive experience serving LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. Throughout their career, Jaki has focused on trauma-informed care, substance use recovery, mental health services, and gender-affirming support. As Board Chairperson, Jaki helps guide Transpire Help’s mission of expanding access to affirming care, community resources, and recovery support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Donna Weinberger

Founding Board Member

Donna Weinberger founded Transpire Help in 2016 after recognizing the significant barriers many LGBTQIA+ individuals face when seeking affirming treatment, housing, recovery support, and essential resources. Donna has dedicated their career to expanding access to LGBTQIA+-affirming behavioral health services, recovery support, housing resources, and community-based programs. Through Transpire Help, Donna continues to advocate for equitable access to care and opportunities that help LGBTQIA+ individuals thrive.

Sarah Needleman

Board Secretary

Sarah Needleman is a behavioral health professional committed to improving access to care and support services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. As Board Secretary, Sarah helps support organizational governance and strategic initiatives while advancing Transpire Help’s mission of connecting LGBTQIA+ individuals with affirming resources and opportunities for recovery and wellbeing.

BOARD MEMBERS

Board Members

Our board members bring a broad range of professional and community expertise that strengthens Transpire Help’s governance, programs, and outreach.

George Lydon

Board Member

George Lydon brings experience in behavioral health operations, client advocacy, and recovery support services. His work has focused on helping individuals navigate treatment systems and access resources that support long-term stability and recovery. As a Board Member, George is committed to helping Transpire Help reduce barriers to care and expand opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support.

Chris Rhoades

Board Member

Chris Rhoades is a community advocate dedicated to advancing equality, inclusion, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Transpire Help, Chris also serves as a board member of Equality Florida, helping support statewide efforts to advance civil rights and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ communities. Through his board service, Chris contributes leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to expanding access to affirming resources and support.

Paul Zilber

Board Member

Paul Zilber is committed to supporting Transpire Help’s mission of creating greater access to affirming care, recovery resources, and community support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As a Board Member, Paul contributes his professional experience, community perspective, and dedication to helping strengthen the organization’s long-term impact and sustainability.

OUR COMMITMENT

The Values That Guide Our Leadership

Every decision made by our Board of Directors is grounded in these core commitments.

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Affirming Care

Every LGBTQIA+ person deserves care that sees and respects the whole person.

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Equity

Removing financial and systemic barriers so that access to care is not a privilege.

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Inclusion

Welcoming and serving all members of the LGBTQIA+ community without exception.

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Accountability

Holding ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and responsible stewardship.

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Community Partnership

Building lasting relationships that strengthen our ability to serve LGBTQIA+ communities.

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Transparency

Open and honest communication with our community, donors, partners, and stakeholders.

HELP US EXPAND OUR IMPACT

Help Us Expand Our Impact

Whether through volunteering, advocacy, partnerships, or financial support, there are many ways to help Transpire Help expand access to affirming care, recovery support, housing, and community resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Donate Today Become a Volunteer