Building Connections

Overcoming Obstacles

About Mental Health Matters of Middle GA

MHM is a nonprofit organization, committed to breaking barriers and building a community united for Mental Health.

Mission Statement

At Mental Health Matters, we advocate for those suffering from mental illness, reduce stigma, improve access to mental health care, and educate the community, including first responders, in the Middle Georgia area. We are dedicated to creating a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to seek help and receive the compassionate care they deserve.

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Vision Statement

Our vision is for Middle Georgia to prioritize, understand, and make mental health accessible to all. We aim to eliminate stigma, ensure comprehensive mental health care for everyone, and educate the community and first responders to support those affected by mental illness.

Pictured left to right: Alan Everidge Co-Founder, Vice President and CFO; Tanya Cowperthwaite, Board Member; Nanette O’Neill, Co-Founder, Secretary and Social Media Liaison;Chrystal Wasden - Founder and President; Irwin Rutherford, Board Member

Meet Our Board: Building a Community Together

Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia was created by a dedicated group of Houston County residents who, through their diverse professions and personal experiences, recognized a pressing need to make a difference for those living with mental illness in our community.

Our founders and board members have witnessed firsthand how untreated mental health challenges, limited access to resources, and persistent stigma deeply affect our neighbors—impacting children and families, the criminal justice system, our military, and our peers. Together, we bring unique perspectives and a shared commitment to our mission: to break the stigma, educate the community, and expand resources for those living with mental health conditions.

We envision a community where mental health is embraced as a vital part of overall wellness—a community that understands mental illness knows no boundaries of race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. We’re working to create a safe, supportive environment where every person feels empowered to seek help and access the care they need.

But we can’t do it alone. Building a stronger, healthier community takes all of us. Join us in this mission—whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing your voice, you can help us transform lives and create a brighter future for Middle Georgia. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

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Chrystal Wasden, LPC, CCMHC

Founder and Leader, Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia

Chrystal Wasden is a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience dedicated to improving mental health access in her community. She has led clinical teams and contributed significantly to mental health care across Middle Georgia. During her tenure as Director of Clinical Services at Phoenix Health Center, Chrystal oversaw clinical programming, managed more than 150 employees, and implemented evidence-based practices, demonstrating her strong leadership and management skills.

Chrystal's innovative work extends to both the legal and medical communities. She played a pivotal role in developing the Houston County Accountability Court, which supports individuals in the criminal justice system with severe mental illness. Additionally, her experience in acute healthcare has allowed her to bridge gaps between mental health and medical care, ensuring a more integrated approach to treating individuals with complex mental health needs.

Now, as a co-founder of Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia, Chrystal focuses on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring access to comprehensive care for all, regardless of socioeconomic barriers. Her leadership drives the organization's mission to provide education, advocacy, and resources that empower the community to prioritize mental well-being.

With her deep experience and vision, Chrystal is committed to creating a more connected and supportive environment, bridging gaps in mental health services, and fostering community collaboration to make mental health a priority for every community.

Alan Everidge

Co-Founder, Vice President, and CFO, Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia

Alan Everidge, a lifelong resident of Houston County, brings over three decades of public service experience to Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia. During his 32-year tenure with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, he served in various roles, including 7 years as the Sheriff’s Response Team commander, which has equipped him with unique insights into the intersection of mental health and law enforcement.

Alan holds an associate and bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in public administration. He graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy and Georgia Law Enforcement Command College. Additionally, he has participated in the Georgia Law Enforcement International Exchange Program in Israel.

Alan's leadership extends to many community boards and committees, including serving on the Georgia Peace Officers Standards Advisory Board. He has also contributed as an adjunct instructor at several institutions, including Central Georgia Technical College and Fort Valley State University.

As Vice President and CFO of Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia, Alan leverages his extensive leadership background to support the organization's mission to reduce stigma, advocate for mental health, and educate the Middle Georgia community.

Nanette O'Neill

Co-Founder, Secretary, and Social Media Liaison

Nanette O'Neill is a dedicated social worker and advocate committed to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly children involved in the court system. She is one of the founders of Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia, where she serves as the organization’s Secretary and Social Media Liaison. Her passion for advocacy is reflected in her tireless efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues in the community.

With a deep history in social work, Nanette has been instrumental in advocating for children’s rights and well-being, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support within the legal and mental health frameworks. Her leadership in Mental Health Matters reflects her commitment to reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and connecting individuals and families with the mental health services they need.

Nanette’s role as Social Media Liaison allows her to engage the community through outreach, education, and online advocacy, helping to foster a more compassionate and informed approach to mental health in Middle Georgia.

Irwin Rutherford

Board Member, Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC)

Irwin Rutherford is a highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the social services and mental health fields. As a Military Family Life Counselor with Magellan Federal, he supports military families, helping them navigate challenges related to PTSD, anxiety, and self-esteem. His broad professional experience includes working with organizations such as the Department of Family and Children Services, Phoenix Center Behavioral Health, Community Solutions Inc., Fort Valley State University, and Robins Air Force Base.

Irwin’s passion for serving individuals and families extends beyond clinical settings into the juvenile justice system and military institutions, where he has had a significant impact. A resident of Middle Georgia since 2011, Irwin brings a deep commitment to helping vulnerable populations thrive. His dedication to mental health is reflected in his involvement with Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia, where he contributes to the organization's mission of reducing stigma and improving access to mental health care in the community.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Irwin enjoys spending time with his two daughters and his extended family in Americus, GA. He also loves working out, traveling, fishing, and sports.

Tanya Cowperthwaite

Board Member, Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia

Certified Peer Specialist and Community Advocate

Tanya Cowperthwaite brings a wealth of experience in mental health, substance use, and community engagement to her work with Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia. As a certified peer specialist, Tanya uses her personal and professional insights to guide individuals through their recovery journeys, providing critical support to those navigating mental health challenges. Her work in this role is essential to the organization’s mission, ensuring lived experiences inform the care and advocacy provided.

Tanya’s leadership experience includes serving as a Site Manager at River Edge Behavioral Health for five years, where she managed mental health programs and coordinated care for individuals with complex needs. This experience has provided her with a strong foundation in behavioral health management, making her well-equipped to support the strategic goals of Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia. Her time at River Edge will help the organization expand mental health services, improve operational efficiency, and ensure comprehensive care reaches those most in need.

Additionally, Tanya’s business acumen is demonstrated through her success in developing sustainable funding streams for mental health programs. She has worked with city officials to secure grants, build sponsorships, and cultivate strong community relationships, significantly bolstering the financial stability of organizations she serves. Her strategic approach to funding and resource development positions Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia for long-term success, expanding access to mental health care throughout the community.

Tanya’s deep connection to the community and her leadership in the mental health and substance use fields make her an invaluable asset to the organization’s efforts to reduce stigma, improve access to services, and advocate for those in need.

Our Mission in Action

At Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia, we are driven by a mission to build a community that understands, values, and supports mental health. We focus on empowering Middle Georgia to address mental health challenges through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

Our work centers on supporting the community in developing programs and initiatives that:

Reduce stigma and promote understanding through advocacy and education.
Expand access to compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families.
Increase resources for crisis intervention, trauma recovery, and peer support.
Provide faith-based options for those seeking spiritual support in their mental health journey.
Support families and caregivers navigating mental health challenges.
Train and educate first responders, health professionals, and educators to better address mental health needs.

We are committed to bridging gaps in mental health care and ensuring that resources are accessible to all. Through collaboration with local organizations, professionals, and community members, we aim to create practical solutions and foster a stigma-free, supportive environment for everyone in Middle Georgia.

Join Us in this Vital MissionJoin Us in this Vital Mission

Together, we can make mental health a priority in our community.

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Mission Statement

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Vision Statement

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Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia

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Email:

info@mhmattersga.org

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2525 Moody Road Suite 1

Warner Robins, GA 31088