Board of Directors and Officers*
Deborah Theisen - President
Laura Johnson - Vice President
Brenda Goldstein, LPN - Secretary
Keith Theisen - Treasurer
Elizabeth Guinea, Mental Health Counselor Intern - Consulting
*Please scroll down for biographies

Families of Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Inc. was founded in 2007 by Deborah Theisen in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. In consultation with her husband Keith, Laura Johnson, Brenda Goldstein and John Armao (all parents of children of different ages with various mental health disorders), it was quickly apparent that coming from our perspective, we could make a positive difference in the lives of other families and their children. What started off as a small group of local families has grown into much more through response we have received. We have "went with it" and are proud to be able to offer support and services to West Central Florida families and communities.

2008 started off with our organization in its developmental stages. Eary March 2008 saw us obtain non-profit corporation status. By fall of 2008 we hope to have secured 501c3 status. This is a time of growth through brainstorming and initial implementation of our goals. We are proud of and touched by the response we have gotten from the community, families, care providers and other organizations.

We stongly stand behind our Mission Statement: Families of Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Inc. supports child and teen mental health by empowering West Central Florida families through increased community awareness and stigma reduction programs. We passionately strive to involve the whole community in education, care and support programs to reduce stigma and increase self-confidence so all youth may openly be accepted and understood for who they are.

Deborah Theisen
FKMAD@fkmad.org
Deborah has served in the United States Army, and worked as a paralegal in Arkansas and Virginia. Since the birth of her daughter, she has been a full time mother and involved in volunteer and advocacy work at local and national levels relating to families and children. She is a Girl Scout Leader and has authored a children's book entitled "Bipolar Bubbles" which will be available in summer 2008. Deborah is actively working on the development of the organization.

Laura Johnson
LauraJ@fkmad.org
Laura has a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with over 8 years of classroom experience as a teacher. She has extensive experience as a La Leche League Leader and owns a children's party planning business. She currently homeschools her son and also teaches homeschool classes for other children. Her primary focus is support for caregivers.

Brenda Goldstein, LPN
BrendaG@fkmad.org
Brenda has a degree in Nursing and 20 years experience in the health care field. She has owned a temporary nursing agency, worked with geriatrics, pediatrics, medical surgical units, Hospice, home care, and case management. Since 2002 she has been a full time mother very dedicated to her son’s success. Her primary focus is mental health awareness and education for the whole family and community.

Keith Theisen
KTheisen@fkmad.org
Keith has a BA in Social Studies and Education from James Madison University. His professional background includes sales management, advertising and marketing, including money management, which easily extend to budgeting and his position as Treasurer.. As a father of a child with a mood disorder, he understands the unique needs of the working parent in regards to time management and support of his child and family.

Elizabeth Guinea, RMHCI
Information coming soon!