About Us
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved individuals and families access the support they need to thrive.
From scholarships to healthcare connections to mentorship, our goal is simple: to remove barriers and open doors.
We are not here to “fix” people—we’re here to walk alongside them. Everyone deserves the chance to grow, heal, and build something better for themselves and their families.
Our Story
What started as a small outreach effort by a group of passionate individuals has grown into a mission-driven organization serving people from all walks of life. Many of us have been where our community members are—navigating uncertain times, needing a little extra support, or searching for someone who believes in us.
Our team is fueled by compassion, shaped by personal experience, and guided by strong values like dignity, kindness, and equity. We believe lasting change starts with empathy and action.
Our Mission
To create opportunities for underserved communities through access to education, healthcare, and meaningful human connection.
Our Vision
A world where every person—regardless of their background—has the resources, support, and confidence to pursue a brighter future.
Our Values
Meet the Team
Shannah Bayrd
Naturopathic Medical Doctor – aka “Dr. Shannah”
Dr. Shannah was dubbed a pioneer when she left North Carolina for Arizona and went into medicine, and this has proven true. The idea of becoming a better human through compassion for others led her to help the homeless, giving out goods, food and looking into the eyes to pray with those considered the least. As a result of what she witnessed, she developed a heart for those struggling to survive, and the fire to do more was lit.
As an undergraduate, she studied mental health and psychology, and in medical school her focus was on the mind-body-life connection. She saw large gaps in acceptance, love and care for people who ended up on the streets. This motivated her desire to develop programs that would increase mental health and belonging, and lead to lives being restored. Dr. Shannah believes whole-heartedly that the only way for deep and true healing to happen is by the power of God. Led by the Holy Spirit, her faith is the inspiration for all she does.
Role
Board President and Co-Founder of Guiding Elements Outreach Foundation (GEOF)
One Personal goal I want to accomplish through GEOF
It is my personal mission to help GEOF open up a God-centered community space that fosters healing in 7 areas of life: the physical body, mental health, emotional regulation, heart connection, spiritual life, bio-energetic cleansing, and ancestral/ generational freedom. There would be a program to support people in each area and a way to interlink them for wholeness. The end goal is to help develop purpose in Christ for each person who participates. In the future, I would love to help our team develop these programs as the president of the foundation and through the potential role of health support director.
Christy Soto-Johnson
Naturopathic Medical Doctor – aka “Dr. Christy”
Dr. Christy was raised with a strong ethic for helping the indigent and most vulnerable and being active in the community. At an early age, she would join her elders in providing food and clothing to the poor and homeless, and clean water to those working in migrant camps. She came to them with a compassionate, gentle, listening heart. She believes that all people deserve to be treated with dignity, everyone should have access to the most fundamental safe and clean living conditions, and that genuine love and care is increasingly needed in this world.
Dr. Christy moved to Arizona from California in 2012 to attend medical school. She now lives in Phoenix with her husband, son and their dog. In her down time, you can find her gardening or hiking with her family, doing homesteading and crafting activities, or volunteering in various church ministries.
Role
Board Secretary and Co-Founder of Guiding Elements Outreach Foundation (GEOF)
One Personal goal I want to accomplish through GEOF
Well over 233,000 people in Phoenix live in poverty, the majority of which are children (city-data.com). This number is only increasing each year and doesn’t even count people in other Arizona cities! If GEOF is able to help even just 1 or 2 percent of those in need in our initial years, that is thousands of people having natural health, nutritional and community support that they may not have had before. My goal and determination is to eventually reach a minimum of 10-15% of those in need annually.
Erika Rudder
Bachelor of Science Public Health
Erika is a passionate advocate for mental health and community well-being because she believes that everyone deserves access to the right care and support. She works as a Community Liaison in the mental and behavioral health field. This work connects individuals with the resources they need to heal, grow, and thrive—which aligns deeply with her personal mission to help others and build community.
Her connection with the founders of GEOF began during an encounter with their for-profit business where she was inspired by the mission, compassion, and communities they served. Erika brings fresh perspective, lived commitment, and heartfelt enthusiasm to the team at GEOF. She’s honored to be part of an organization that reflects her values and gives her another avenue to make a meaningful difference.
In her personal life, Erika enjoys spending quality time with her dog, relaxing at the lake with family, and being surrounded by loved ones.
Role
Board Member at Large
One Personal goal I want to accomplish through GEOF
My goal is to advocate for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of others. I strive to encourage individuals to be attentive to their overall well-being and remind them that supportive resources are out there, even if they are not always easy to find. I am honored to be part of something greater than myself, working to uplift and stand beside those who need it most.
Marcus Browne
MBA, Bachelor of Science Financial Information Analysis
Marcus is a dedicated small business consultant with years of experience helping small to ms. Today, his focus is on supporting mission-driven organizations that serve underserved and underprivileged communities.
He first connected with the founders of Guiding Elements Outreach Foundation while helping them launch their for-profit naturopathic practice. Inspired by their passion and commitment to equitable access to care, Marcus stayed in touch. Years later, when the opportunity arose to work together on a new initiative focused on community impact, he was excited to join them on this meaningful journey.
Marcus is originally from New York, and now resides in Arizona with his lovely wife, Opal, and his adorable daughter, Ava, in the East Valley, Maricopa County, AZ. He is an active member with his church, and loves sports, TV/movies, and spending quality time with his family.id-sized businesses improve their financial processes and optimize operation
Role
Board Treasurer
One Personal goal I want to accomplish through GEOF
I am eager to help build GEOF’s financial team, equipping them to manage a budget exceeding $1 million with accuracy and efficiency. By strengthening our financial operations, we can extend the foundation’s reach and provide more resources to serve people in need, sharing His (God’s) love through meaningful impact.