Journey’s Dream is rewriting the narrative on mental health.
We’re glad you found us.
While our founders have two very different stories, one tragic and one triumphant, our collective lived experience has taught us that mental illness can be temporary and transformative. It’s important to us that you know you are not alone. If you’ve been told that mental illness means a lifetime of struggle, we challenge that narrative. Journey’s Dream shows people the path to sustained mental health.
We recognize it‘s bold to state that we know “the path” to mental wellness. However, any one who’s found restored mental health after crisis, has done so by looking inward, addressing their physiology, nurturing relationships and exploring their place in the community. We’ve labeled these four areas “The Path Within”, “Medicine”, “Family” and “Work”. We do not claim to know each person’s unique path to wellness, only that it will require honest exploration in these four areas. Access to broad and diverse resources is a passion of ours, so we’ve aggregated hundreds of solutions to support mental health recovery.
Founders

Mark Hattas
Mark Hattas has, amongst other accomplishments, started, built and sold a $20M/yr tech company. He was later diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder and told there was no cure. Mark didn’t believe that prognosis and searched for solutions. Thanks to a divine hand, he found them and is fully healthy now. Part of Mark’s mission is to support everyone in finding their path to optimal health. One way he does this is through Hattas Shay International Foundation’s www.journeysdream.org. Mark uses his experience to help others as a guide. He also is a speaker, author, teacher, and advocate for all people living healthy and vibrant lives free from mental illness. He envisions a future where mental illness is seen as the gift it is and our society supports transformation to optimal health consistently.

Mitzi Montague-Bauer
Mitzi has spent her entire career supporting people through life’s most transformative moments—from birth to death. During her 30+ years as a doula, Mitzi has owned her own successful doula practice, was the co-owner of a freestanding birth center, and has the privilege of assisting in over 500 births. Mitzi recently published a personal memoir, Journey: A Mother’s Account of Love, Loss and Spiritual Healing which is a compelling story about her journey as a mother whose son was diagnosed with mental illness. It is Mitzi’s hope that her book, and the vision of HSI and Journey’s Dream, will help others find their path to peace, love, and optimal wellness.

Rex Montague-Bauer
For 30 years Rex has supported others in transforming their lives by listening to and connecting more deeply with their innate, intuitive guidance. When his son Journey Shay was diagnosed with a mental illness and died 4 years later, he was motivated with renewed passion to uplift and support anyone struggling with mental health challenges with solutions-based options and programs. This life changing personal experience inspired Rex to co-found Hattas Shay International Foundation and its flagship project, Journey’s Dream. Rex is also the co-founder of Rookha Group, Inc. and the co-creator of the Optimal Being program. His vision and heartfelt desire are that all people achieve and sustain optimal health, joy and well-being.

Breaha Wallin
Breaha Wallin is a communications expert whose career experience includes public affairs with Fortune 50, The Dow Chemical Company, and managing a $1M budget and global communications for joint venture Dow Kokam. In 2013, Breaha founded Breaha Wallin Communications, providing strategic counsel to corporate and non-profit clients across the United States. Following her brother Journey’s struggle with mental health challenges and subsequent death in 2013, Breaha was inspired to co-found Hattas Shay International Foundation and Journey’s Dream. Through this work, Breaha shares hope where often there’s despair; co-creating a world where mental health recovery is the mainstream expectation and everyone has access to excellent, multi-faceted care.
Who is Journey?
Journey Shay Montague-Bauer was born in Lansing, Michigan on March 20, 1987. He brightened the world with his huge smile, tender heart, and quick wit. Journey excelled as an honor student at the University of Michigan School of Economics. He loved listening to and making music and was blessed with a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Journey touched many lives and inspired numerous people with his strength and courage.
Continue Journey’s story here…
As a college student, Journey began experiencing mental health challenges. Almost immediately, Journey was given a hopeless prognosis; the best he could expect was to manage a myriad of symptoms with medication. Journey’s family searched exhaustively for solutions that could provide a path to wellness. Meanwhile, hospitalizations and medications were forced by the state and Journey began to isolate himself.
During one of his four symptomatic years, Journey was diagnosed with somatic delusional disorder which is characterized by an otherwise healthy person obsessing over symptoms that have no medical basis. Journey desperately wanted to live but vehemently believed he was dying of a colon disease. Writing was one of the ways he sought to make sense of his experience.
I am not on a path that was cut short. I am simply on a short path. Some combination of destiny and free choice mixed up this batch of reality. I hope that after my death the laws of the universe allow me to witness the rest of humanity. Even if I can not “play the sport”, I am a fan of humanity and I would like to watch.”
– A quote from Journey’s blog, 2010
Sadly, Journey’s life did end too soon, but not as he had feared it would. After his ninth hospitalization, believing he could levitate, Journey stepped off a six-story building and died.
Following his death, Journey’s family was disheartened to learn he had been taking five prescribed psychiatric medications, with multiple contraindications. Furthermore, some of the medications are known to cause hallucinations and all of them carried warnings of suicidal ideation.
Fueled by grief and their desire to help others who may be looking for innovative mental health solutions, Journey’s family co-founded Journey’s Dream. The quote from his blog (above) gives a brief glimpse into Journey’s desire for humanity. Until his last breath, his dream was to help others. Now, it is our dream as well.

Board of Directors
Breaha Wallin, Board Chair

Aimee Canfield
Aimee brings 20 years of diverse experience with progressive responsibility in business integration, strategy, corporate governance, finance, and information systems through roles at major global corporations including Arthur Andersen, SBC Corporation, Ecolab, and Essendant. She earned a B.S. in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Aimee also spent nearly 6 years in Dusseldorf Germany exploring new cultures, languages, and customs with her family. She was actively involved at the International School of Dusseldorf as First Vice President of the school’s Parent Faculty Association, coach of the middle school girls volleyball team, and outside hitter on the school’s competitive adult volleyball team.

Dr. Timothy Hayes
Timothy J. Hayes, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Crystal Lake, Illinois. With forty-seven years of successful experience doing therapy with individuals and families, Dr. Hayes integrates mind/body energy techniques into a client-friendly model.
Dr. Hayes has become known for his successes in assisting patients as they resolve the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has helped hundreds of individuals, including veterans and their families resolve the effects of severe trauma, whether a recent occurrence or one in the distant past.
Dr. Hayes has co-hosted an internet radio show for over ten years, one hour a day, five days/week, teaching and supporting people in using some of the most powerful, effective, efficient, and accessible tools he has learned in his career.
In addition to his role as a therapist, Dr. Hayes speaks professionally on a wide variety of topics related to mental health, relationships, parenting, and the mind/body connection.

Dr. Albert H. Mensah, MD
Dr. Albert Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, IL, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances, and the cognitive (and physical) disorders caused by those imbalances. As a physician in this specialized field since 2005, Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural, non-pharmaceutical, advanced targeted nutrient therapy.
Dr. Albert Mensah received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) and his medical degree from Finch University of Health Sciences-Chicago Medical School.

Brenda Steinberger-Domienik
Brenda Steinberger-Domienik has successfully found wellness after years of medication and hospitalizations. Her hope is to encourage and inspire others struggling with mental health challenges to create a successful life. A life that allows balance, clarity and joy. By offering her experience and perspective, she believes we can all change the planet’s perception on mental health and be the hope so many are looking for as they navigate their journey to wellness.

Dr. Loren Michaels Harris
Having survived six years within the state foster care system and experienced the joys and traumas associated with having had 22 mothers, Dr. Michaels-Harris is an authority on how to shed shame and reinvent blame. Loren is dedicated to sharing with others his systematic approach in harnessing the true power found within life's curve balls, thereby utilizing that power to refine one’s trajectory in life.
As a mentor, “Break Through Coach,” author and friend, Michaels-Harris believes that we are all a part of “The Ripple Effect,” and that it is his duty to use his story to create a ripple that will reach around the globe. Loren is the Founder of “The Power Of WE Symposium” an event dedicated to uplifting, celebrating, and encouraging underserved youth leaders around the globe. The Power Of WE Symposium provides a one-day experience for these kids that allows them access into areas of opportunity most have never dreamed possible. In November of 2022 Loren launched his own
television network “Trajectory TV” and also Trajectory Magazine. Dr. Michaels Harris also received the White House “Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award” on December 3 rd, 2022.
Our Staff

Breaha Wallin
Executive Director
Breaha Wallin is a communications expert whose career experience includes public affairs with Fortune 50, The Dow Chemical Company, and managing a $1M budget and global communications for joint venture Dow Kokam. In 2013, Breaha founded Breaha Wallin Communications, providing strategic counsel to corporate and non-profit clients across the United States. Following her brother Journey’s struggle with mental health challenges and subsequent death in 2013, Breaha was inspired to co-found Hattas Shay International Foundation and Journey’s Dream. Through this work, Breaha shares hope where often there’s despair; co-creating a world where mental health recovery is the mainstream expectation and everyone has access to excellent, multi-faceted care.

Joseph Gabriel
Joseph Gabriel’s interest in mental health began in his early twenties when he experienced severe anxiety disorder and depression. After four years’ of barely getting by, he experienced a powerful, spontaneous awakening which served to transform his mental illness into a state of clarity and well-being. Joseph knows firsthand that mental illness can be temporary and transformative.
Joseph provides information technology support at Journey’s Dream. His 40+ years experience, his brilliance and his dedication allow for a smooth user experience. He attended College of DuPage, University of Illinois in Chicago, and Northern Illinois University. Joseph has worked as a developer and manager at software development firms, functioned at the VP-level at large financial services corporations, and co-founded a $10 million systems staffing company. In addition to his essential work at Journey’s Dream, Joseph is involved in part-time independent consulting advising individuals and business owners.

Paul Repicky
Dr. Paul Repicky’s passion is exploring human behavior and supporting others in developing skills for living an inspired life. His 30-year inquiry into, and use of, the principles and tools that govern human behavior spans educational psychology, personal development, neurolinguistics, energy work and spiritual approaches.
Grounded in 40 years of business experience including corporate consulting, mid-level management, plus founder and CEO of six early-stage companies … he knows what it takes to lead a company. His academic foundation includes three graduate school degrees in teaching and instructional design followed by 41 years as a college professor (Baylor College of Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, National University and Southwestern Community College).
Bridging the gap between business and academia, Paul applies the latest advances in educational research and online technologies to the development of cutting-edge training programs such as The Optimal Being Program offered by Journey’s Dream.

Nick Hankes
Social Media Coordinator
Nick Hankes graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Mount Clemens, Michigan before attending Michigan State University where he currently studies Media Information and Communication. As the Communications Director for Hair Underworld, Nick gained hands-on experience with communications, digital production and media marketing. As the Director of Communications, Nick helped rebuild Hair Underworlds brand allowing them to reach a much larger audience. In doing so the company was able to secure buyers from China, Australia and parts of Europe. Nick understands there are multiple paths to find and sustain mental health and happiness. He is passionate about making those paths visible and accessible to all who can benefit from them.
Council of Advisors
Journey’s Dream is honored to have the following experts in their fields on our Advisory Council. In this capacity, they share their expertise in support of our mission to gather, develop and share the most innovative, effective solutions for mental health.
Hugh Ballou
Hugh Ballou is a Transformational Leadership Strategist, Executive Coach, Trainer, and Motivational Speaker. After forty years of musical conducting experience, he now works as an executive coach, process facilitator, trainer, and motivational speaker teaching leaders in many diverse fields the fine-tuned skills employed every day by orchestral conductors. Hugh is the author of eight books on Transformational Leadership and is a recognized expert in working with leaders in churches, religious organizations, and business and non-profit communities. As President of SynerVision Leadership Foundation, Hugh guides the life-changing, life-saving global impact of churches and nonprofit organizations. His mission is to empower nonprofit organizations to move beyond maintenance thinking to success mentality, such that their mission and impact is greatly magnified.
Susan M. Beckman, MA, LPC
Susan Beckman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 32 years’ experience in helping adolescents, adults and families through mental health challenges. She currently works in Children’s Emergency Services at Community Mental Health, performing evaluations for inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and conducting intensive, short-term therapy with compassion and skill, meeting multiple times a week with families at the height of their crises. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT and Trauma-focused Therapy among others. She is a teacher of Love and Logic Parenting and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor. Susan also has her own practice where she works with those struggling with anxiety and depression, utilizing her wealth of therapeutic knowledge, holistic health and spiritual/mindfulness practices.
Dr. Michael Ryce
dr. michael ryce is an acclaimed lecturer, teacher, and author on health and healing, as well as founder of HeartLand Teaching Center; a self-healing center in the Ozark mountains. His book, Why Is This Happening To Me . . . Again?! is an international best seller. With doctorates in Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Philosophy, he has combined body/mind principles, physics, and ancient Aramaic studies into a unique body of pioneering work in the fields of self-healing, healing through relationships, anger and grief resolution, and the inner process of Forgiveness. The tools developed through dr. ryce’s 50 years of research and synthesis are one of the foundational elements of our Optimal Beng Program.
Jerri Nicole Wright
Growing up in the foster care system in Michigan, Jerri Nicole never felt safe or truly loved. During her second year of college, she developed mental illness. She sought help through Community Mental Health (CMH) in Lansing, Michigan. With the help of CMH, a psycho-social rehabilitation program called Charter House, and mastering the skills called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Jerri gradually found recovery.
Today Jerri is aligned with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) of Lansing where she speaks publicly sharing her story and her understanding of recovery. She is trained as a peer support specialist and is employed part-time at Michigan State University in the Brody dining hall. Jerri Nicole is living her dream as an advocate and a voice for others with mental illness.
Zachary Wallin
Zachary Wallin is proud to support Journey’s Dream as a member of the Advisory Council, furthering the message that “hope is here”. With degrees in Health Care Systems Administration and Radiography, and more than 10 years employment as a radiographer and manager of imaging, Zachary offers valuable insight into the healthcare field. Personally and professionally, he strives to provide long term solutions for those in need. He is thrilled that his expertise and experience can now help Journey’s Dream reach people across the world, improving lives on a much larger scale.
Dr. Susan Fenek
Dr. Susan Fenek has over 13 years of professional experience in three key areas of expertise, including Corporate Executive Business, Academia, and Psychology. Her strong leadership and management skills, combined with a high level of self-motivation and problem solving abilities have enabled her to be highly effective working in diverse environments, including Special Assistant to the President at The American University in Dubai, and as a powerful advocate for change in the juvenile justice system. In this role she has developed a Course, “Juvenile Justice Secrets: Is Your Child Next?”, written a screenplay, “Jumpsuit Shackle”, and authored numerous articles.
Dr. Katherine Gimmestad
Dr. Katherine Gimmestad is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive training in research. She has authored peer-reviewed articles in her discipline, and adheres closely to an evidence-based, scientific model in working with her primary population of Veterans. Two years ago Katherine’s son, Alexander, was diagnosed with autism at 2 ½ years old. Though the news was devastating, Katherine harnessed her knowledge in psychology and her background in research to help her son. After examining all options for treatment and navigating the murky world of insurance coverage for autism therapies, Katherine first turned to evidence-based therapies. She and her husband quickly saw major gains in Alexander, and feel fortunate to have discovered the PLAY Project by Dr. Solomon, in addition to more commonly known therapies (Applied Behavioral Analysis, Speech and Occupational Therapy). Once nonverbal and completely disengaged, Alexander has recently tested into the range of normal on a standard preschool language test and is quite social, frequently demanding others to play with him – “Mommy, play with me!” His future looks much brighter than it did upon diagnosis, which Katherine wishes for all parents of children on the autism spectrum. Katherine is passionate about helping other parents of children with autism find the best resources and tools to help their child.
Tim Rhodes
Tim Rhodes is an executive leadership consultant, author, and pastor. He led a successful turn-around of a $100 million international human services organization, founded a church, and was a Ringling Brothers Clown.
Tim has served on domestic and international, corporate and non-profit boards for over 40 years including human service, insurance, ESOP, health care, education, religious, and arts organizations. He is currently serving a graduate school trusteeship and chairs an audit committee. We are delighted to welcome Tim as the most recent addition to our Council of Advisors.
Colleen A. McHugh-Heflin
Senior Executive with 30+ years of progressive experience in the insurance industry, with a focus in healthcare and transformation. Innovative, purpose driven, and impactful with a passion for leading, developing, and implementing complex, high profile strategic business initiatives. Highly intuitive with a keen ability to link strategy with tactics focused on outcomes. Strong vision for identifying and understanding cross functional interdependencies. Able to provide early and accurate downstream assessment of ramifications regarding critical business decisions. Extensive experience working with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including at the C-suite and Board level and with Employer Coalitions. Skilled leader who enjoys managing and developing teams, problem solving, and supporting a culture of growth. Licensed life, health agent in all 50 states.
Colleen worked for Aetna Inc. for 27 years holding various roles across the enterprise. She has in-depth experience in strategic planning, business development, go-to-market solutions, business operations and P&L management. She was one of the original architects in the development of the Health Transformation Alliance, a collective of 45+ Fortune 250 companies with a goal of improving the way corporations provide health care benefits for their employees. With extensive experience in Medicare, she co-led the development of Retiree Health Access for HR Policy Association member companies which launched in 2006. Colleen joined the Association in 2011 as the President of the Health Care Policy Round-table and continues to manage the exchange for member companies and provide thought leadership to employers regarding the challenges in providing health care and best practices. In addition to her role at the Round-table, Colleen is also the Strategic Adviser to the American Health Policy Institute.
Colleen resides in Madison, Connecticut with her husband, Jon. She has two daughters – Erin and Kara, and two step-children Victoria and Brian. She enjoys the outdoors and all the shoreline has to offer. She is an active Yogi, likes to garden, bike, ski and hike with her English Lab, Bentley.

Hattas Shay International Foundation
Journey’s Dream is the flagship initiative of Hattas Shay International Foundation (HSI). HSI is a nonprofit organization that builds and invests in global wellness initiatives. We envision a world where all people are empowered and equipped to live healthy, joyful lives. This vision is being realized as Journey’s Dream expands to foster connection, provide education, and inspire hope.
Designations
Journey’s Dream is the flagship initiative of Hattas Shay International Foundation (HSI), which received 501c3 designation in 2017.