Lynda Kaufmann is a passionate leader and advocate in the field of behavioral health, currently serving as Vice President of Development and Public Relations at Psynergy Programs, Inc. With more than 15 years of dedicated service to Psynergy, Lynda has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s growth, expanding its residential and clinical services, and championing sustainable housing solutions for individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness. Her career reflects a deep commitment to community-based care, advocacy, and responsible development. Under her leadership, Psynergy has secured Community Care Expansion (CCE) funding for innovative senior programs, partnered with counties to launch new behavioral health initiatives, and expanded its supported housing network. Lynda’s vision emphasizes growing “slowly, appropriately, and steadily” to ensure that every program maintains the highest standards of care and dignity for clients. Beyond her organizational leadership, Lynda is widely recognized as a voice for mental health advocacy in California. In 2020, she was named Corporate Chair of NAMIWalks Northern California, where she championed awareness, support, and resources for families and individuals navigating mental health challenges. Her advocacy extends far beyond Psynergy’s campuses—she has testified before the State Senate, served on county mental health advisory boards, and worked tirelessly to connect families with resources, often going above and beyond to ensure no one is left without support. Her dedication has earned her significant honors, including Psynergy’s 2019 Housing Hero Award from San Mateo County and a prestigious CNN Heroes nomination in 2019. CNN recognized her as one of the “everyday people changing the world,” highlighting her tireless efforts to help families in crisis, relocate vulnerable residents when facilities closed, and personally drive individuals to safe placements when no other options were available. Lynda’s career began in the financial sector, where she excelled as a branch manager and business banker, consistently ranking among the top performers nationally. Yet her true calling emerged in behavioral health, where she has since dedicated her life to advancing recovery-focused care. Her journey—from managing admissions at Drake House, to directing government and public affairs at Psynergy, to her current executive leadership role—illustrates her unwavering belief that recovery happens when people are given the right supports, housing, and community. Today, Lynda continues to inspire colleagues, families, and advocates across California. She is celebrated not only for her professional achievements but also for her compassion, empathy, and relentless drive to make mental health care accessible and humane. Whether leading organizational growth, chairing statewide initiatives, or meeting families one-on-one, Lynda embodies the mission of Psynergy Programs: to create places where individuals can heal, thrive, and belong.