Morning Light Board of Directors

I have believed in the mission and purpose of the organization for decades. When Madison came in as Executive Director, I took more interest, as I see her leadership and vision clearly and it is contagious.

And then, in 2023, my father spent his last five weeks on this earth at AHB. My “why” became personal and I am invested in being a part of the impact of AHB on other individuals and families who find themselves in need of the care provided at end-of-life at AHB.

Mary Gaughan is an Indianapolis native who began volunteering with Morning Light in January 2025.

Beginning in 1989 up to her retirement in October 2024, Mary represented Ascension hospitals and its various related health care organizations. That representation was originally done through her membership in the law firm of Hall Render.

In 2018, Mary joined Ascension’s legal department. She has represented Ascension operations in Indiana and, more recently, in Michigan and Texas with a focus on regulatory affairs, physician relations, and tax-exempt and governance matters.

Brenda’s “Why” for Morning Light: “Knowing that we are providing a service to not just an underserved community, but a non-served community makes my heart happy. I appreciate that my donations and time can help a small, local foundation where donation dollars are used and appreciated to the maximum, well, then that is time and money well spent.”

Years Served on the Board:

• Currently on 8th year

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Business owner: The Naked Monkey, a waxing spa & more

Committees:

• Fundraising and Special Events

Laura’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I want to help less fortunate individuals live a proud and fulfilled life and death. I hope to be able to provide dignity and grace to those without a safe or secure place to reside facing end of life. My goal is to educate more people about Morning Light to increase volunteers and donations – so as to sustain the future of the organization.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 2

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, STORY COTTAGE

Committees:

• Executive Committee
• Marketing/Business Development Committee

Hitesh’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I wanted to pick one organization to invest my time and mean something. Morning Light allows me the opportunity to give back my time to those in need. Furthermore, an organization that truly helps those that need our help the most. ”

Years Served on the Board:

• 8 Years

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Midwest Design Group
• President

Committees:

• Real Estate/Facilities Committee

I was drawn to Morning Light seeing the positivity and the unique approach to the end of life that exists here. Morning Light truly offers its residents life with dignity, support and love.

It is powerful to see and and after my mother experienced hospice care at the end of her life, it became more personal to me! I wanted to support this, and I am so proud to be connected to what Morning Light gives to its Residents & Families.

Tom was raised in a large family in northwest Indiana whose values emphasized cheering for the underdog and helping the underserved.

He received his bachelor’s degree at Indiana University and medical degree from Michigan State University. He completed his residency in family medicine at Community Hospitals and an ethics fellowship at IU. He met his wife, also a family doctor, in college at summer camp for handicapped children.

The strong influences of family, education and mentors has led them to the path of working with the underserved in Indianapolis, Kenya, and in multiple community health centers. He tries to pass forward his passion for care of marginalized populations through medical education.

His practice currently focuses on end-of-life care; helping patients and families find peace in transition. He has 4 children: a writer, boat builder, an OB/GYN and entomologist. He enjoys being outside, working with wood and serving on non-profit boards.

Shannon’s “Why” for Morning Light: “Morning Light shares a similar interest as myself in caring for those less fortunate by way of health Care, mental care, and emotional care.”

Committees:

• Culture Committee

I am honored to be considered for this board position at Morning Light, Inc. As a current volunteer and member of the culture committee, I have witnessed firsthand the compassionate care and vital mission this organization provides to families during their most difficult times.

My professional background includes over 20 years in human resources leadership. I currently work with a global agriculture company, complemented by my MBA, which has given me extensive experience in organizational governance, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

Beyond my corporate role, I am deeply committed to community service, currently serving on the Ronald McDonald House Charities task force where I help revamp policies and procedures. Through our family foundation, my husband and I actively support 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education and scholarships, reflecting our belief in giving back to strengthen our community.

I would bring this combination of HR expertise, nonprofit experience, and genuine passion for Morning Light’s mission to help guide the organization’s continued growth and impact.

Crystal Niang is a seasoned hospice nurse and educator with over 16 years of experience in end-of-life care. She has dedicated her career to supporting patients and families during life’s most vulnerable moments, ensuring that compassionate, culturally sensitive care is accessible to all.

Crystal is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Systematic Leadership, where her scholarly focus centers on improving hospice care access and education within marginalized communities. Her goal is to bridge gaps in understanding by partnering with organizations to raise awareness about the benefits of hospice care and to advocate for equitable end-of-life services.

As a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), Crystal brings a wealth of clinical expertise, leadership insight, and a deep personal commitment to advancing the mission of hospice. She believes in the power of education, empathy, and community engagement to transform how individuals and families experience end-of-life care.

Dana has worked in financial services consulting, specializing in tax preparation and strategic planning for both individual and business clients. Over the years, she has supported several local nonprofit organizations by preparing and filing their annual Form 990 returns. This experience has given her a strong understanding of nonprofit structure, compliance, and financial best practices.

Earlier in her career, Dana served in both internal and external audit roles. At Indiana University Health, she worked within financial services as well as the internal audit department. Prior to that, she was part of a public accounting firm focusing on healthcare organizations, with specialized experience in Medicare and Medicaid compliance reporting. These roles strengthened her analytical background, attention to detail, and commitment to organizational integrity.

Outside of work, she and her family and enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants, attending outdoor and community events, playing games, and especially cheering on our Indiana Pacers.

She looks forward to the opportunity to bring her financial expertise, nonprofit experience, and long-standing connection with her community to the Board of Directors in support of its mission and continued impact.