Our team
President
Larry James Lanchester Jr.
Larry is a US Air Force veteran with expertise in Air Cargo Management and a Bachelor's degree in business management; transitioned from retail management to become a Senior business consultant in the aviation industry. His impactful career spans commercial aviation and the music industry, leading to the establishment of Pure Sound Entertainment, Inc. (PSE), a national leader in live music production. Collaborating with RCI Consultants, PSE directed the careers of influential figures in politics, music, comedy, and entertainment. After managing San Francisco International Airport, Larry joined Trans American Airlines and returned to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) seventeen years ago. His marriage sparked a shared commitment to community service with his wife, where they advocate for mental health and work extensively with at-risk populations, contributing to community leadership roles and volunteering in education. Their passion includes supporting youth education, coaching sports teams, and addressing societal challenges like mental health stigmas and homelessness, which positioned them as a formidable team dedicated to positive community change.
Treasurer
Secretary
Sergeant at Arms
Leslian McNeely
Leslian McNeely embarked on her professional journey in corporate business management while pursuing her studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey, later relocating to Pasadena, California due to family reasons. There, she pursued her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication/Journalism with a minor in Drama at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1981. She transitioned from corporate development to education, McNeely began her tenure as a long-term substitute teacher for the Pasadena Unified School District in 1986 before transferring to the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1989. Exposed to a diverse student population with various challenges, she underwent pre-practicum experiences that led her to secure a scholarship for a pilot dual-credential program at Dominguez Hills University, earning a Dual Masters Degree in special needs education and behavioral counseling in 1996. Engaging in numerous projects and committees, McNeely pursued National Board Certification and envisioned pursuing a doctorate in education, though familial responsibilities intervened as she fostered four grandchildren. Nonetheless, armed with her doctorate program insights, McNeely played a pivotal role in developing instructional materials, overseeing teachers, providing transition services for at-risk students, and spearheading the creation of the Leadership in Entertainment Media Arts (Charter) School. Her unwavering dedication to guiding at-risk youth towards successful adulthood remains an integral part of her life's mission and focus.
Board Member
Spencerdevine Reed
Spencerdevine Reed, hailing from Compton, CA, is on a quest to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from CSULA, with a specialization in sustainable energy. At CSULA, Spencer has taken on the roles of Treasurer and Outreach Coordinator for the Golden Eagle Makers (GEM), a club he established to foster community impact through volunteer engineering projects. Additionally, he is involved with ASHRAE, where its focus is on advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) technologies and practices to promote sustainability and improve indoor environments. He is also apart of the CSULA Real Estate Club and will soon revie his real-estate license. Spencer also recently completed a fellowship with the Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator, earning three certifications within the Building Energy Management System Sector. In his role at FHAI, he will be leading the energy department, overseeing the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings that align with state codes for sober living housing. This undertaking seamlessly combines sustainability and safety by integrating cutting-edge architectural methods, advanced insulation techniques, and efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems. These structures not only reduce their environmental impact but also create a nurturing environment for recovery. Balancing strict adherence to state regulations with a dedication to energy efficiency, these buildings serve as more than just supportive spaces for individuals in recovery—they embody responsible and forward-thinking construction practices, something he feels was lacking in lower income communities.
Assistant Treasurer
Sheran Waters-Lanchester
Sheran Waters-Lanchester holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in clinical psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Phillips Graduate Institute. With over 18 years of experience, she has served at-risk and underserved populations extensively. Beginning as a Site Director/Case Manager for 40 Domestic Violence survivors and their children, Sheran then spent 12 years as an Instructor/Coordinator, supervising 14 staff members and providing supportive living services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. She has held leadership roles in educational volunteering, including serving as Board President for an LAUSD Charter Division Associated Charter School. Following her master’s degree, Sheran initiated her internship in Substance Abuse Research and Treatment, focusing on individuals with opioid-related diagnoses. For the past 9 years, she has offered crisis therapeutic services to various demographics with severe and chronic mental illness, along with therapeutic support for victims of crime. Her passion lies in supporting youth and adults with substance use disorders, specializing in individual, couples, family, and group therapy with a person-centered approach. Throughout her years of extensive experience in supporting individuals with high acuity and substance use disorders, it became evident that housing played a major role in the current mental health and substance use epidemic. Sheran is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and substance use disorders through education, awareness, and multi-level support to reduce daily stressors and foster community empowerment. Currently, Sheran manages a team that provides housing and full-service partnership (FSP) services to individuals who have co-occurring disorders, were homeless and previously incarcerated.
