WHO WE ARE
Gateway of Hope Social Services INC was founded on May 1, 2012, in Plano, Texas. As we progressed into a new era and recognized the need to expand our vision and mission throughout the United States, the Board of Directors made the decision in 2022 to change the organization’s name to Gateway of Hope Health and Wellness Incorporated.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in the landscape of mental health, with a significant impact on individuals, and we now see an overwhelming amount of people, especially in the black and brown communities, are affected. It’s our hope to bring awareness to all as it relates to our physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Meet the Board of Directors
Shawanda McGuire
Shawanda McGuire is the founder and CEO of the organization and a native of San Diego, CA. She is a loving and caring mother of six adult children. Shawanda studied Criminal Justice at Grambling State University, where she received her Bachelor’s in Science. She further pursued her education at Point Loma Nazarene University, earning a double Master’s degree in Counseling and Education. Currently enrolled in the Marriage and Family Ph.D. program at North Central University, Shawanda holds licensures and certifications in elder care, Child Welfare, Mediation, Geriatric Administration, and Counseling issued by the state of California. She is also a certified Livescan operator and Notary.
Throughout her career spanning over three decades, Shawanda has served communities in California and Texas, making a positive impact in the field of health and human services. Her passion lies in social work, working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Shawanda is dedicated to promoting self-care, self-love, and mental health awareness. She actively advocates for mental health and suicide prevention and has a strong commitment to caring for children and youth who have experienced trauma. Shawanda takes pride in her membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Tamara Allen-Muhammad
Tamara Allen-Muhammad, a San Diego native, is a passionate educator and advocate for children. With over twenty-five years of teaching experience in urban areas of San Diego, Tamara has a remarkable talent for uplifting youth and their parents through her role as an educator and mentor. She is a strong advocate for equity and works tirelessly to ensure the representation and support of historically underrepresented individuals.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego (BA, 1997) and a Master’s degree from National University (MA, 2004). Constantly striving for personal growth and betterment, she became a member of the Finer Women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in the spring of 2022. Tamara’s dedication extends to her role as a mother and grandmother, providing guidance and support to her three children as they embark on their own journey into parenthood. Her commitment to parenting reflects her hard work and dedication.
Carlos Hall – Information Technology Operations
Carlos Hall was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. At the age of 18, he joined the US Navy to serve his country, dedicating 30 years to military service. Upon retirement, Carlos received recognition from his commanding officers. He pursued higher education and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Currently, he holds the position of Supervisor at Aero Dynamic Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, leveraging his extensive 30 years of experience and expertise in aerodynamics and IT. Carlos is a loving father to three adult children and takes great pride in being a member of the Chosen Few Bikers Organization.
Dr. Kim Geiger – DNP, APRN, FNP, PHN, HWNC
Dr. Kim Geiger is an Advance Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner based in Chino Hills, California, with a passion for the health and wellness and humanistic side of patient care. Kim has worked in the healthcare industry for over 25 years. Her background includes Medical Surgical, Oncology, Ambulatory care, Emergency Medicine, Home Health Risk Assessment. She also has experience as a Nurse Consultant for a head start program in Los Angeles, California. Kim is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Black Nurses Associations, American Holistic Nurses Association, and the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing. Kim is passionate about connecting with like-minded health care professionals who desire and are passionate about making a difference in their patient/client healthcare needs.
OUR MISSION
Our mission at Gateway of Hope Social Services INC is to restore the lives of children, youth, and families struggling in all facets of life intervening in the home, school, and social setting. To accomplish this mission, the organization has an array of programs that assist those individuals and families who are suffering, by advocating for those individuals who do not have a support system and providing in-services to the community in which these individuals and families reside.
OUR VISION
- Our organization fosters and endorses an environment of respect in all areas of our daily activities, along with a non-judgmental outlook toward the diverse population we serve.
- Integrity guides each employee, volunteer, and stakeholder to uphold professional ethics and serve with honesty, fairness, loyalty, and trustworthiness.
- As social and mental health workers, we hold ourselves accountable for our behavior, performance, and all individuals and families entrusted to our program.
- We are committed to using the least restrictive environment to achieve optimal mental health- informing and educating wherever possible, directing and regulating only when necessary. Recognizing individual strengths, we encourage teamwork through active collaboration to solve problems, make decisions, and achieve common goals.