Our Team

I consider myself to have grown up in Texas, but moved to California after college. I was raised a strong cradle Catholic, and fell in love with Eastern Christianity during college; becoming Orthodox was like coming home. I am heavily involved in my robust parish's life, serving on the Philoptochos board and frequently volunteering.

As a mental health therapist with nearly 10 years of experience, I work most frequently with eating disorders, trauma/ (c)PTSD, EMDR, anxiety/depression, shame, and existential concerns. I also enjoy clinical supervision and working with new therapists in training.

Founding Agape Wellness Collective and stepping into this role has allowed me to integrate my clinical skills with other natural organizational and leadership gifts, an outgoing personality, and an unmatched passion and drive, to give back to the Orthodox Church in a unique way.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watercolor, and walking (yep, walking!) my two Bengal kitties.

Bachelor of Science Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida

Major: Music (Sacred Music, emphasis in Vocal Performance); Minor: Theology

Master of Science California State University, Fullerton Fullerton, California

Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Dual Licensure MFT/PCC Track)

Megan Bonynge, LMFT

Executive Director

Operations & Executive Assistant

Bachelor of Arts Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California

Major: Art (emphasis in Acrylic Painting)

Certificate Program Fullerton College, Fullerton, California

Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Technology (emphasis in Architectural Design)

Thomas Bonynge

I'm a native Californian, and was raised nondenominational Protestant. My close friend, now godfather, introduced me to Orthodoxy, and I gradually learned about the faith for many years before becoming Orthodox. I have worked the past many years as an architectural drafter, and am excited to shift my skills of critical thinking, analysis, and strategy into a new field of work to further the mission of Agape. Outside of work, I'm an avid tennis player, a creative thinker/aspiring inventor, and cat whisperer.

Dr. Philip Mamalakis, LMFT

President pro-tem

Megan Bonynge, LMFT

Lucy Bataneant

Secretary

Treasurer

Board of Directors

Megan founded Agape after years of sitting with people through the ups and downs of their lives, and hearing a number of themes emerge of what holds people back from being able to get the help they need.
Her full bio can be found above.

Dr. Mamalakis is a licensed therapist, and is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston, MA. He has been heavily involved in many Orthodox ministries over the years, and is a renowned speaker and author.

Lucy works as the Global Head of Medical Affairs for a startup company. Her business acumen, her sharp mind, devotion to the Orthodox Church, and passion for mental health make her invaluable to our Board.

AWC Belongs Not to Us, But to the Lord. May It Be Blessed.

Grant Writing Advisor

Advisory Board

Bio Coming Soon!

AWC is deeply grateful to have a strong team behind us. Our Advisory Board are highly experienced individuals who are working with us in a focused capacity to grow our impact. We could not do this work without them!

Claire Pearson

Fundraising Advisor

Bio Coming Soon!

(Name Coming Soon)

Legal Advisor

Bio Coming Soon!

(Name Coming Soon)

Spiritual/ Theological Advisor

Bio Coming Soon!

(Name Coming Soon)

Current Openings

Are You an Orthodox Therapist?

Click here to become one of our affiliated providers!
We partner with licensed mental health therapists in good standing
with their parishes from across the United States.