Who We Are
The Guidance Alliance Incorporated is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization co-founded by Francesca McKnight and Lisa “Chase” Patterson. Our pilot project, Beacon House, is dedicated to empowering teens aging out of foster care. We believe that every young adult deserves a stable foundation, so our goal is to provide safe housing, vital resources, and compassionate support as they transition into adulthood. But our mission extends further. We stand with families and communities, offering educational programs, job readiness, essential supplies, mental health support, and more.
Since our founding, we’ve expanded our reach to serve not only youth but also women, the unhoused and other underserved populations in our community. Whether through GED support, computer literacy, domestic violence assistance, resume building or partnerships that provide essential resources, we are committed to fostering lasting change. At The Guidance Alliance, we believe in creating opportunities and hope for all.
Our Founders
“We are deeply rooted in our community, dedicated to creating lasting change by offering compassion, resources, and unwavering support to help everyone thrive.”
With over three decades of experience in public relations, community advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering others. As a former President of The Book Bank Foundation and a seasoned organizer, I’ve led initiatives supporting education, career development, domestic violence and services for underserved communities and the unhoused. Now, through The Guidance Alliance, I channel that passion into providing safe housing, vital resources, and supportive programs—not only for teens aging out of foster care, but also for women, children and our broader community.
Lisa “Chase” Patterson
Francesca McKnight brings years of hands-on experience serving and supporting the community through transportation, education, and public service. From safely transporting students and community members to creating nurturing learning environments for children, her work has always centered on care, responsibility, and helping others thrive. With a background in early childhood education and public transportation, Francesca’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to community support align closely with the mission of The Guidance Alliance and its work empowering youth and families in need.
Francesca McKnight
Our Board
Aaron Smith brings over two decades of K-12 leadership experience, overseeing complex school improvement initiatives, managing program budgets, and ensuring compliance with district and state requirements. He’s led cross-functional teams, developed and monitored improvement plans and coordinated data-driven reviews to ensure resources were used responsibly and aligned to strategic goals. His background in instructional leadership, accountability systems and operational oversight positions him to safeguard funds, maintain transparent records and support strong financial decision-making as treasurer.
Treasurer
Aaron Smith
Dr. Michellea “Redbird” Millis-Rucker
Dr. Michellea “Redbird” Millis-Rucker brings decades of leadership as an educator, coach, and advocate for educational equity. A U.S. Army veteran with an Ed.D., she has mentored future leaders, guided MBA candidates through dissertation defenses, and spearheaded research on leadership coaching for teacher retention. As a Senior Adviser on our board, she’ll apply her expertise, passion for inclusive education, and dedication to building high-performing school cultures, ensuring we drive lasting community impact.
Senior Advisor
Khalid Brinkley
Marketing/Publicity
Khalid Brinkley is a marketing and communications professional with experience supporting nationally recognized organizations in sports, entertainment, and hospitality. Having worked with brands including the Washington Commanders and Caesars Entertainment, he brings expertise in public relations, digital marketing, community engagement, and brand development. As Marketing and Publicity Director for The Guidance Alliance, Khalid is dedicated to expanding community awareness and strengthening connections that support the organization’s mission.