Our Team
The People Who Make It Happen
Our team brings compassion, experience, and lived understanding to every program we offer. We don't just serve families, many of us are healing families too.
Leadership Team
The leaders who founded the National Family Alignment Initiative.
Dr. Saundra W. Rhode, PsyD, D.CL h.c.
Psychotherapist | Founder & CEO
Dr. Rhode is a steadfast proponent of the belief that genuine transformation begins by addressing the pressing and present needs of those she serves.
Meet Dr. Saundra Rhode
Dr. Saundra Rhode is a Doctor of Psychology, accomplished psychotherapist, certified mediator, nonprofit leader, and passionate advocate for family restoration. For more than 40 years, she has dedicated her life to helping individuals, families, and communities heal, grow, and thrive.
For over fifteen years, Dr. Rhode led Raise the Curtain (RTC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development. During that time, she founded and directed several sub-programs that impacted hundreds of young people, teaching them essential life principles such as integrity, trust, self-discipline, and responsible decision-making.
In addition to her work in psychotherapy and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Rhode served alongside her husband, Dr. James Rhode, as Co-Pastor for more than two decades. Through pastoral counseling, leadership development, community outreach, and family ministry, she helped guide individuals and families toward healing, purpose, and personal growth.
In 2018, Dr. Rhode founded the NextGen Empowerment Method, Inc., which is now evolving into the National Family Alignment Initiative (NFAI). This innovative, faith-centered, trauma-informed family wellness model was created to address a critical gap in traditional social services - a movement to strengthen women, develop emotionally intelligent men, stabilize youth, and restore healthy family systems by addressing the root causes of generational trauma.
Her influence extends beyond the United States. As an international facilitator with the World Academy for the Future of Women (WAFW), Dr. Rhode has worked with university women in India, Mexicali, and Kenya, equipping emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions in their communities and around the world.
Today, Dr. Rhode continues to serve as a catalyst for transformation, bringing together psychology, faith, leadership development, conflict resolution, and family wellness to create lasting change. Her vision is clear: restored families, strengthened communities, and empowered generations prepared to lead with purpose, hope, and resilience. Speaking of resilience, Dr. Rhode life story has been documented in a powerful film that chronicles her journey of overcoming adversity and turning life’s challenges into a purposeful mission. The documentary film can be viewed at www.resiliencehasaface.com.
Meet Dr. James Rhode
Dr. James Rhode is a mentor, workforce development leader, entrepreneur, retired pastor, and skilled trades professional whose life's work has been dedicated to developing strong men, strengthening families, and creating pathways to economic empowerment.
Professionally, Dr. James completed the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) and retired as a Licensed Elevator Foreman after a distinguished career in the elevator industry. He continues to serve as a Journeyman and trainer, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
As a key leader within the National Family Alignment Initiative, Dr. James contributes to his expertise through counseling, mentoring, workforce development, and leadership training. He is especially passionate about helping young men develop the character, discipline, work ethic, and practical skills necessary to become successful providers, entrepreneurs, leaders, husbands, and fathers.
Dr. James Rhode, D.CL h.c.
Co-Founder
Dr. Rhode is a steadfast proponent of the belief that genuine transformation begins by addressing the pressing and present needs of those she serves.
Whenever possible, he creates opportunities for young men to gain hands-on experience, employment, and professional growth through real-world training and mentorship.
For more than 20 years, Dr. James served as Pastor, providing spiritual leadership, vision, counseling, and guidance to individuals, families, and the broader community. Alongside him, his wife, Dr. Saundra Rhode, served as Co-Pastor, partnering in ministry, family support, leadership development, and community outreach.
Today, Dr. James continues to inspire and empower future generations by combining faith, mentorship, workforce development, leadership training, and practical life skills to help individuals discover their potential and build meaningful lives. His experience, wisdom, and commitment remain an essential part of the NFAI's mission to restore families, strengthen communities, and create lasting generational impact.
Join Our Team
Passionate about family healing?
We're always looking for dedicated volunteers, facilitators, and staff who share our heart for families. If that's you, we'd love to connect.
