About G&A Foundation
Locally rooted. Community driven. Mission focused.
Our Story
G&A Foundation was established in 2026 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with G&A Counseling, a behavioral health practice that has served the Richmond, Kentucky community since 2017.
The foundation was created to expand access to mental health and substance abuse services across the Bluegrass region through grant-funded programs, school-based mental health initiatives, and community outreach. We believe in meeting people where they are and removing the barriers that keep individuals and families from getting the help they need.
With a team of 21 dedicated professionals and years of clinical experience, G&A Counseling has built deep roots in Madison County through Medicaid-focused, school-based mental health and Targeted Case Management (TCM) services. G&A Foundation carries that mission forward by pursuing grant funding and community partnerships to reach those who fall through the cracks of the existing system.
Our Leadership
G&A Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors committed to transparency, accountability, and community impact. Foundation staff lead the organization's day to day programs and operations.
Board of Directors
Sara Szymkowiak
Board Chair
Sara has dedicated much of her career to serving children and families in her community. Her experience in education has shaped her belief in the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and building strong support systems for individuals in every stage of life.
In addition to G&A Foundation, Sara currently serves on three other nonprofit boards: Thompson Scholars Foundation, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and Site-based Decision Making (SBDM) Council. Through these roles she continues to advocate for students, families, education, and community well-being.
Sara is honored to serve as the Chair of G&A Foundation and is passionate about helping the organization expand its impact and make mental health a priority within the community.
Melissa Barnett
Board Member
Claudia Casasola
Board Member
Foundation Staff
Toni Gaines, LPCC
Executive Director
Toni Gaines is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and the founder of G&A Counseling, a behavioral health practice she opened in Richmond in 2017. Over nearly a decade, she has grown the practice into a team of more than 20 professionals providing school-based mental health and targeted case management services to children, families, and adults across Madison County.
Her work in schools and with families who rely on Medicaid has shown her how often location, cost, and circumstance stand between people and the care they need. She founded G&A Foundation to help close those gaps, so that every person in the Bluegrass region can access quality mental health and substance use services.
As Executive Director, Toni leads the Foundation's programs and partnerships and works alongside the Board of Directors to expand its reach and make mental health a priority in the community.
Our Values
Access
Every person deserves quality behavioral health services, regardless of income, location, or circumstance.
Independence
Our board and governance maintain full independence to ensure mission-driven decision making.
Transparency
We are committed to accountability in how we steward community trust and grant funding.
Community
We meet people where they are, building partnerships that strengthen our region from the ground up.