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Captain Michael Mouat, Board Member
Hemet Police Department
What part of our work are you most passionate about and why?I’m most passionate about assisting individuals in our community who are experiencing traumatic events. Having personally suffered the loss of a family member, I deeply understand the confusion and emotional weight that can follow a tragedy. I often reflect on how impactful it would have been to have TIP volunteers there to help guide my family through that experience. That empathy fuels my passion for TIP’s mission.
How does your background help you support our mission? Over the years, I’ve witnessed how powerful it is for families to have emotional support during a crisis. When TIP is there for people in their darkest moments, it can bring peace, clarity, and a sense of hope. My experience in law enforcement reinforces the importance of what TIP provides, and I’m committed to supporting and expanding that mission wherever I can.
What would you say to someone considering donating or getting involved? I would tell them that there is no greater gift than showing up for someone in their time of need. Whether you choose to volunteer or donate, your support directly impacts lives and helps bring comfort, stability, and compassion to people facing some of the worst moments imaginable. TIP makes a real difference—and so can you.
Who or what has inspired you most during your time on the board? I’m continually inspired by our volunteers—their dedication, empathy, and willingness to serve complete strangers during times of crisis is nothing short of heroic. I’m also moved each year at the TIP Awards Dinner, where we honor the selfless actions of both our volunteers and first responders. It’s a powerful reminder of the good that exists in our community. I’m continually inspired by our volunteers—their dedication, empathy, and willingness to serve complete strangers during times of crisis is nothing short of heroic. I’m also moved each year at the TIP Awards Dinner, where we honor the selfless actions of both our volunteers and first responders. It’s a powerful reminder of the good that exists in our community.
Captain Heriberto “Eddie” Gutierrez, Board Member
Meniffee Police Department
What inspired you to join the board of this nonprofit? My boss was a board member, and he spoke highly of the group’s mission. I also saw TIP volunteers at several calls for service in the field. I was impressed with their work and caring attitude, so I wanted to support the group as a board member.
What advice would you give to new board members to join our team? I would tell them to remember to address the human element in everything you do.
How do you explain TIP’s mission to someone new? I tell people that TIP’s mission is to help people get through the toughest of times. I tell them that TIP has a wonderful group of volunteers that care about their fellow human beings, and they have a desire to help during people’s darkest times.
What would you say to someone considering donating or getting involved? I would tell them that being a TIP volunteer is one of the noble things they can do for people. If they want the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, this is it.
How do you engage your network to support our cause? I speak highly about TIP to members of my department and my circle of friends. I share success stories and encourage them to follow TIP on social media.
Matthew “Money” Smith, Treasurer
Trust Home Inspections
What inspired you to join the board of this nonprofit? I have volunteered for 7 years for TIP and am a national trainer. When I decided to no longer volunteer, I still wanted to participate and give back to the organization.
Can you share a personal story that connects you to our mission? I have volunteered for 7 years and have been a national trainer for TIP for 4 years I believe. Doing this work has provided me with a lot of skills that I have used in my personal life as well.
What part of our work are you most passionate about and why? Being with someone in their first couple hours of a loss can be so impactful for several reasons, one they are not alone, two they have someone there to sit with just them, not someone trying to do multiple things, three the work that TIP does and helping the client talk through a plan and next steps sets them up for a more successful next couple days then someone who has to guess about what to do next.
In your view, what has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of the TIP? Growing our volunteer base to now include Coachella Valley has been impressive to watch. We now serve both ends of our County and hope to serve the North end more in the years to come.
How do you hope to see our impact grow in the next 5 years? I hope to have services available in all Riverside County.
Magda Stewart, CEO
TIP Riverside County
What part of our work are you most passionate about and why? Getting folks to learn about the work that TIP does and expanding TIP’s service area. I feel TIP services should be everywhere and available to everyone. There’s nothing more comforting when someone is experiencing a Traumatic Event than to have a caring calm presence there to guide you through the first few hours which are usually very chaotic. TIP volunteers are the calm in the storm; they not only provide the much-needed emotional support but also know what steps survivors need to take the first few hours and are there to guide them.
How do you hope to see our impact grow in the next 5 years? It would be a dream come true to see TIP of Riverside County provide services to all cities in the county. This also means expanding our volunteer base to be able to support the increase in call volume. I would love to see our call volume increase to almost 200 calls per month and our volunteer base to about 125 to 150.
What unique perspective or skills do you bring to the board? Being with TIP for 20 years has given me the skills needed to be able to share our mission. The most important take away from all my years of service is that every call we go on and every client we see are new and unique. While the circumstances of the event may be similar to others, the needs at the moment can be very different from call to call and client to client. Our work does not only make a difference in the lives of those we are called out to we serve but also changes us. TIP work is life changing, it is the most meaningful volunteer work I have ever done.
Cyndi Lemke, Board Chair
Legacy Bank
What part of our work are you most passionate about and why? Supporting first responders is deeply personal to me, my son is a firefighter, and I’ve seen firsthand the courage, sacrifice, and resilience it takes to serve and protect a community. That connection gives me a special appreciation for the work we do that directly impacts the safety, well-being, and support of those who put their lives on the line every day. I’m passionate about helping create programs and partnerships that not only honor their service but also strengthen the resources they and their families can depend on.
How do you hope to see our impact grow in the next 5 years? In the next five years, I hope to see our reach expand so that our support is felt in every corner of our community — not just by first responders, but by the families, businesses, and organizations that surround them. I envision deeper COLLABOARATIONS with LOCAL LEADERS, more AWARENESS of our mission, and measurable results in the lives we touch. I’d love to see us become the “go-to” resource and trusted partner in Southwest Riverside County when it comes to strengthening resilience, building community connections, and creating sustainable support systems.
What unique perspective or skills do you bring to the board? My roots in Southwest Riverside County run deep, I’ve built lasting relationships with community leaders, business owners, and organizations across the region. I bring the ability to connect the right people and resources to make ideas happen. Professionally, my experience in business development, real estate, community engagement, and organizational leadership allows me to see both the big picture and the practical steps needed to get there. Personally, my family’s connection to first responders gives me both empathy and urgency — I’m committed to making sure our work isn’t just meaningful on paper, but impactful in the lives of those we serve.
Jennifer Lee
Director of Emergency Department
Bio coming soon.