Our Story and Mission at Helen’s Project.
Helen's Project began with a simple belief — that healing should be accessible, not overwhelming. Our story is rooted in justice, cultural grounding, and tearing down the barriers that keep people from the care they deserve.
Because healing should be accessible — not overwhelming.
Our Mission
Helen's Project exists to remove financial and systemic barriers to mental health care through equitable, trauma-informed, community-based services, ensuring that cost, insurance status, and geography never determine which neighbor heals. We pursue that mission through a model we call One Session. Two Healed. — every neighbor who can pay for care helps fund care for a neighbor who cannot.
Our Story
Where We Started
Helen’s Project was founded to dismantle the barriers that make mental health care difficult to access — especially for individuals navigating trauma, injustice, and systemic challenges.
What We Learned
Our founder witnessed firsthand that people heal best when they receive culturally anchored support that honors their experiences and identities.
Where We Are Today
Today, we help communities access affordable therapy, medication support, care coordination, and trauma-informed services across multiple states.
Our Values
-
Accessibility
Care without stigma or barriers.
-
Compassion
Support that honors every person’s lived experiences.
-
Cultural Responsiveness
Therapy that reflects diverse identities and communities.
-
Integrity
Ethical, transparent, and human-centered care.
Meet Our Founder
Helen’s Project was created by Dr. Kayla Smith, LCSW, who brings years of experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, family challenges, and systemic barriers.
Her commitment to culturally anchored healing guides our mission every day.
Dr. Kayla Smith, LCSW, brings years of specialized experience supporting individuals through trauma recovery, identity challenges, and systemic barriers. Her commitment to culturally grounded healing shapes our work every day.
Leadership
Meet Our Board
Our board brings together diverse expertise in healthcare, technology, energy, and community leadership — all united by a commitment to accessible mental health care.
Mike Solow
Founder & Investor
Founder and investor helping companies grow through capital solutions, strategic advice, and mentorship for entrepreneurs.
- Co-Founder: Cask Strength, 99 Proof Partners, OCTANE
- Advisory Board: Barmalade Premium Cocktail Mixers
- Mentor at Capital Factory, Texas
Katie Hill
Energy Executive
Strategic and results-driven energy leader combining technical expertise with a passion for community impact and nonprofit leadership.
- 17+ years: Vital Energy, Javelin Energy, Chesapeake Energy
- BS & MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
- Board member for multiple nonprofits
Pierce Rosengren
Behavioral Health & Healthcare Technology Leader
Focused on improving patient recovery through human-centered systems and innovation in behavioral health technology.
- Account Executive at Sunwave Health
- Career: BHT → Senior Director of Outreach → AE
- Active in recovery community
Julia Wrobel
Director of Membership, Vandelay Hospitality Group
Focused on couples and family systems to support strong, connected communities. Bilingual in Polish and passionate about belonging.
- Pursuing M.S. in Counseling at SMU
- Clinical focus: couples & family systems
- Bilingual in Polish, culturally engaged
Ready to Begin
Get connected with a clinician who understands your story.