WHO WE ARE
KATHY LIECH
Kathy's passion for mental health advocacy is deeply personal. Having walked through her own journey with depression and anxiety as a young person, she understands the importance of having a safe space and understanding support system. Her experiences inspired her to create spaces where young people could be met with compassion, guidance, and the tools to navigate life's challenges.
Educated at Holderness school in New Hampshire and Hobart & William Smith Colleges in New York, Kathy's upbringing between Kenya and the United States gave her a unique cross cultural perspective. Growing up in Kenya, she learned the importance of community, while her upbringing in the US taught her how open conversations and structured emotional education can transform lives. Bridging these two worlds has become central to her work which combines psychology, story telling, and evidence based approaches to create systems that allow young people to grow in healthier, emotionally intelligent environments.
FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PERRY GITONGA
Perry is a psychological counselor and mental health advocate with over 9 years of experience at the National Youth Service (NYS), where she serves at the Chief Inspectorate level. In her role, she leads programs on peer-to-peer support, sexual and reproductive health, and general counseling.
Her dedication to emotional wellness and youth empowerment extends beyond her work at NYS. In 2024, Perry led Baobab’s Outback Program, guiding participants through an immersive journey of self awareness, teamwork, and personal growth.
Known for her authenticity, empathy, and transparency, Perry approaches her work with both skill and passion. She is passionate about using her own life experiences to inspire others, reminding young people that healing and resilience are possible through honesty, connection, and courage.
PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELOR
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Susan Eldredge, LCSW
Advisory Board
Susan Northrup Eldredge, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for the past 30 years. She works with children, adults, couples and families dealing with a wide range of mental health and relational issues. She has received extensive training in early child development and trauma informed therapy with children, families and adults. She is a TBRI, Trust Based Relational Intervention, practitioner and serves on the Advisory Board of the TCU Purvis Institute for Child Development. She is also trained in Attachment Theory and certified in administering and scoring the Adult Attachment Interview. Ms. Eldredge has chaired and served on several boards, including NASW/Tx (social work professional organization) and local non-profits.
Linc Eldredge
Advisory Board
Linc Eldredge is a specialist in C-level executive search for not-for-profit organizations. He began his career with Heidrick and Struggles and later was a partner with two other multinational search firms.
In 1997, Mr. Eldredge launched his own company, Brigham Hill Consultancy, serving not-for-profit organizations across the nation and internationally — focusing on independent schools, foundations, cultural institutions, and human service organizations — until he retired after 25 years.
He remains active as a volunteer consultant to both national and international non-profits.
Cathy Willis
Advisory Board
Cathy Willis spent almost 20 years at Procter & Gamble in various marketing and brand management positions. In addition to traditional marketing, she had the opportunity to lead several educationally focused programs, including the Crest school program and Always puberty education program.
She then cofounded Felton Willis, LLC, a qualitative marketing research firm with clients in consumer package goods, pharmaceuticals, as well as technology and service industries.
Cathy is now happily retired and enjoys working with Baobab.
WHAT WE VALUE
The culture at Baobab is deeply rooted in principles of empathy, where individuals genuinely understand and support one another. We thrive on a foundation of mutual trust and respect, creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves freely. Transparency is a core value of us that guides our interactions, fostering open communication and collaboration. We highly value and encourage teamwork, allowing diverse perspectives to come together harmoniously, ultimately driving the organization towards shared goals and collective success.
Empathy
Community
Mutual respect
Respectful dialogue
Authenticity
Inclusivity
Empowerment
WHY BAOBAB?
In African tradition, the Baobab tree symbolizes life, strength, hope, and togetherness. Historically, these majestic trees served as gathering spots for our ancestors, providing a space for storytelling and connection. The Baobab tree perfectly encapsulates our organization’s identity; it reflects our commitment to nurturing community bonds, fostering resilience, and harnessing the power of our shared stories and experiences to strengthen community and promote healing.