Our Vision
Holistic Leaders Across Organizations
A future where CEOs and executives lead with fortified resilience, social vulnerability, and holistic wellbeing, creating healthier organizations with a culture where mental health is destigmatized and prioritized at the highest levels of leadership.
Our Mission
Empowering Leaders in Mental Health
To equip and support senior leaders across organizations with confidential peer networks, evidence-based executive coaching, and advocacy tools that normalize and prioritize leadership’s sound mental health in a safe and welcoming environment.
VISION 2035
100+
Peer Circles
35+
Chapter Locations
1000+
Leaders Supported
What Makes Leaders Lounge Unique?
Our peer-circle pledge format creates safe, confidential spaces for leaders to share and grow together.
Through chapter-based education, executive coaching, and advocacy, we empower leaders to prioritize and champion mental wellness in their organizations.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Leaders Lounge is a faith-based membership organization tailored uniquely for private and public sector leaders committed to enhancing their mental well-being.
Meet Our Board Members
Our passionate board of directors brings together expertise in leadership, mental health, and governance for peer support to foster a caring, impactful community of executives and leaders across chapters.
Pat A. Tamakloe, Ph.D.
Founder & Chair
Pat A. Tamakloe, Ph.D. (“Dr. PAT”) is a faith-anchored executive and organizational leadership professional who helps entrepreneurs and other leaders clarify career strengths and elevate performance to build healthy, resilient organizations.
He is the President and CEO of GLOBAL REACH Leadership Institute, Inc., and the founding member of Leaders Lounge, a mental health education non-profit for leaders. He delivers speaking, training, mentoring, and coaching services to leaders of diverse audiences, including transitioning military and ecclesiastical leaders. Visit https//drpattamakloe com. for an exhaustive bio summary.
Doris Gomez, Ph.D.
Dean, Regent School of Business and Leadership
Dr. Doris Gomez is an accomplished leader in the field of business and organizational leadership. Originally from Austria, she earned her MBA from the University of Economics and Business Administration in Vienna (Austria), where she laid a strong foundation for her career. With extensive experience in global trade, retail, and manufacturing, Dr. Gomez has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of international business.
After several successful years in the global business arena, she immigrated to the United States and pursued her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership in Virginia Beach, VA. Her academic achievements led her to take on the role of director for the M.A. in Organizational Leadership program, where she has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and mentoring future leaders. In October 2014, Dr. Gomez was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees as the dean of Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership. In this capacity, she continues to inspire and guide students and faculty alike, fostering a culture of excellence, entrepreneurship, and innovation within the institution.
Jeremiah Burke
Executive Coach & Vice Chair
Jeremiah Burke is the Operations Director for GLI, where he is responsible for managing the Institute’s operations and overseeing all aspects of the organization’s ongoing operations. He previously served a distinguished 26-year career in the Coast Guard, retiring from both enlisted and commissioned service with many honors. At present, he works as an Operations Analyst, developing doctrine and tactics for the United States Navy. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family in their RV.
Jeremiah holds a B.A. degree in Homeland Security from American Military University as well as an M.Sc. degree in Strategic Intelligence from National Intelligence University. Moreover, he is certified in victim advocacy and is a trained Health and Wellness Coach and leadership consultant, which reflects his passion for helping others with their well-being and development.
Victor Counted, Ph.D.
Regent Associate Professor, Research Director
Dr. Victor Counted is a psychological scientist specializing in human flourishing, well-being, and the psychology of religion. He is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Research and Sponsored Programs at Regent University. His research examines the psychological, religious/spiritual, and socio-environmental processes that shape health and well-being across cultures. He is also a faculty affiliate of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program and Associate Editor of The Journal of Positive Psychology.
LaMichelle Hecht, MA, CPA
Owner, Overhead Solutions Group
LaMichelle Hecht, CPA, is the Owner and CEO of Overhead Solutions Group, PLLC. She brings over a decade of experience in accounting, auditing, tax consulting, and business advisory services. LaMichelle specializes in working with business owners and individuals on strategic planning, tax optimization, internal controls, and financial management.
She is passionate about helping clients develop and achieve their financial goals and is committed to providing high-quality service with the same level of professionalism and respect to every client, regardless of business size.
LaMichelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s College and an MBA in Finance from Anderson University. She is a licensed CPA in Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Virginia and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.
MaryJo Buchard, Ph.D
Founder, Concord
Dr. MaryJo Burchard has spent two and a half decades helping leaders, teams, and organizations build clarity, cohesion, and alignment while facing change and uncertainty. Since moving to Virginia Beach in 2014, Most of her work has been helping leaders and teams in local government, nonprofit, and corporate environments stay effective in tough times when people feel most vulnerable.
MaryJo’s effectiveness at helping leaders and teams thrive while facing chaotic and unpredictable change was shaped by her own family’s journey to help their Ukrainian-born son, Victor, heal from trauma, learn to trust, and grow into a thriving adult.
Her dynamic blend of storytelling, humor, and audience interaction when she speaks enables participants to feel safe, grow in awareness, regain hope and focus, and rediscover what is within their power to do the most possible good, right now.
Wayne Credle, Ph.D.
Regent Associate Professor, School of Divinity
A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Wayne combines Leadership Development, Mental Health, and Pastoral Care to serve our clients. Wayne completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational & Ecclesial Leadership at Regent University and his Master of Divinity degree at Duke Divinity School. His undergraduate degree in Religion & Sociology was completed at Virginia Wesleyan University. Wayne also holds a certificate in Transformational Leadership/Facilitation from the ALICT School in South Africa.
Wayne serves as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Regent University. Wayne has served several corporate, academic, non-profit, and church sectors, such as the Butner Federal Correctional Complex, Durham VA Hospital, Therapeutic Application Practice, Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries, BlackMenHeal, BlackMalePhDs, The North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Bahamas Methodist Conference, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Duke Divinity School. Wayne’s work in leadership has been published in the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership, Palgrave MacMillan’s Christian Faith Perspective in Leadership & Business, and the 5th International Conference on Research in Business, Management, and Economics
★★★★★
“Leading a peer-circle has transformed the way I approach leadership and mental health within my chapter.”
Chapter Leader
Peer Circle Facilitator
Leaders Lounge
Ready to Join a Peer Circle?
Take the next step in your leadership journey—connect, share, and grow with Leaders Lounge.