actually
it is a big deal
There's something unique that drew us together to do what we do. The Beacon of Light team, collectively, has many talents, aspirations and passions, but one mission unites us: to see young people thrive!
We pool our strengths and spur each other on to do great work on behalf of the students in our community, who deserve a clear and bold message of truth and wisdom. We believe we offer a life-changing message, and we can't wait to expand beyond our local community.
A message from our board chair
FRAN TRACY
Founder
Fran started Beacon of Light in 1998 after being the director of a crisis pregnancy center in Huntington Beach, CA. After seeing tremendous pain caused in young people's lives as the result of STIs and unplanned pregnancies, she decided to do something in the prevention area. She bulked-up her knowledge about sexual health by attending medical conferences across the country. Then she hit the schools! Fran began speaking to students at just 1 high school in Huntington Beach. Now, Beacon of Light reaches students with "The Talk" in 17 high schools and continues to grow.
AMBER AUGER
Executive Director
Amber started her career in medical sales with a startup company at the age of 19. Over a ten year span, she helped grow the company from 4 to 200 employees and saw revenue increase to over $15 million a year. In 2014, Amber found her passion for helping teens and young women in crisis. Starting as a volunteer and teen coach at local nonprofits, she quickly moved into permanent positions, honoring her expertise in fundraising, marketing, donor relations, community outreach, recovery, education, and prevention programs. She joined Fran in the spring of 2016 with a laser-focused mission, a love for young people, and a keen eye for the prevention side of crisis pregnancy.
Amber is currently residing in Huntington Beach with her husband and their two beautiful teen daughters. As the current, Executive Director she is poised to lead Beacon through its next major expansion, as the leading provider of balanced sexual health and integrity education programs, parent and teen support services, industry research, and teacher training.
We are proud to announce our 6 speakers have been trained and added to the Beacon of Light team!!!
EDUCATORS
our board members
CHRIS STALLER
Chairman of the Board
Christian Staller became our Board Chairman this past December, 2019. As a professional management consultant, strategist and C-Level Executive for over 25 years, Chris brings a balanced, thoughtful and strategic leadership style to our board.
Chris was a founding member of what is today Horizon Pregnancy Clinic going back to 2005. In that capacity he has served as an active board member, advisory board member, volunteer and donor to this wonderful organization. He has also served on a variety of athletic boards and smaller organizations. His specialties include business planning, organization, mission and vision development, as well as board advisory, by-laws, and financial management.
Chris and his wife, Elizabeth, who is also a Beacon of Light Educator, have been residing in Huntington Beach since 1996. Both of their children attended Edison High School, Vanguard University and Orange Coast Community College. When not working or serving, Chris can be found in the field training both of his black labradors.
Ann Owen is the longest-serving Board member of Beacon of Light, having joined over 15 years ago and serving as a corporate officer, currently as President, She has been a financial supporter from its inception in 1998.
As a volunteer Ann has served in her children’s schools, as Girl Scout leader, summer art teacher, summer camp staff (Dean of Women 10 years) for community children, and camp staff (Dean of Women 5 years) for children in foster care.
For the past 10 years Ann has been a partner of Impact Giving, a women’s collective giving group, and served on the Board as Grants Chair, overseeing the grant-making/awarding process.
Ann is a proud graduate of Orange Coast College and Laguna College of Art and Design with a BFA in Painting. Her son and daughter are also artists, graduating from Rhode Island School of Design with degrees in Glass and Sculpture, respectively.
As a 4th generation Californian, Ann loves this beautiful state and is blessed to see her 5th and 6th generation Californians prosper and grow here. She is dedicated to preserving what makes this place so special and believes everyone can be empowered to make a difference with their own unique gifts and talents.
ANN OWEN
BOARD PRESIDENT
GRETCHEN LEVESQUE
Gretchen Levesque is an active member in her community having served in a variety of leadership roles including School Site Council, Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Board, PTA, YMCA, local church committees/support groups, and non-profits. Her professional training is in graphic design which has allowed her opportunities within many of these groups to help enhance their overall impact.
Gretchen and her husband reside in Anaheim, with their three daughters, two of whom attend Biola University. She has a passion for helping others thrive, and for equipping them with intentional ways to make a difference with their lives–starting with her own home and community. Alongside her work as a volunteer, Gretchen is a freelance designer, relationship educator, gardener, and home styling enthusiast.
BOARD MEMBER
Deborah Rowe
BOARD MEMBER
Deborah is our newest Board Member effective October 2021 and holds a teaching degree from Dallas Baptist University. For over 30 years, Deborah has utilized her gifts teaching and training teachers worldwide. She has had the privilege of serving at Child Evangelism Fellowship, the world's largest children's ministry, in a variety of roles: summer administration coordinator, planning and participating in various mission trips, serving on the local chapter board and currently resides on the state board. In addition, she worked as the Kids Director for her local church, overseeing 15 church programs, across 5 states, impacting over 3,000 children.
Deborah was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. Currently, she and her husband, along with their two children, split their family time between Bellevue, Washington and Huntington Beach, California. She is most excited to join Beacon of Light to help raise funds through grant writing and being a supporter in any way possible.