Change Starts With You

Empowering Couples - Strengthening Families - Transforming Communities

About Us

Couples Alliance Leadership Mission (CALM) is a 501(C)(3) charitable organization committed to building solid partnerships and sustainable communities. We believe that leadership starts at home and spreads outward. Humans are inherently relational. Individuals, families, and communities flourish when people are in alliance with one another.

Why couples matter? Investing in couples as leaders is not just about supporting relationships. It’s about unlocking their full potential as agents of change at home and in the world.

Inspired by Leadership North Carolina, CALM was founded out of a deep commitment to uplifting communities through the support of couples. Through education, research, and support, we are EMPOWERING couples, STRENGTHENING families, and TRANSFORMING communities. Our impactful programs address the following areas, tailored for couples.

Leading Together
Health & Wellbeing
Education
Economic Development & Economic Security
Government & Social Policy
Environmental Sustainability

At CALM, we believe in the power of partnership and engagement as essential drivers of lasting social impact, one couple at a time.

Mission
"To empower couples to become catalysts for positive change, as effective leaders in their homes and extending into their communities, through transformative education, research, and support."

Vision
Healthier families and more connected, engaging communities, fueled by competent couples who lead across various societal systems.

Our Values

OUR PROGRAM

SYNERGY

Synergy is our core program. This dynamic program empowers couples to lead their families and communities through shared leadership, intentional collaboration, and systems thinking. Together, participants explore how to navigate today’s challenges, from our education & healthcare systems to social change and environmental sustainability, all while co-creating a more just, resilient, and sustainable future. All couples, including parents, non-parents, and co-parents are welcomed.

Designed for couples at any stage of thier relationship, this program offers the skills, reflection, and support to lead with clarity, care, and courage. Together, couples will explore and strengthen their understanding of leadership in six essential focus areas.

Leading Together: Leadership is Partnership
Health & Wellbeing
Education
Economic Development & Economic Security
Government & Social Policy
Environmental Sustainability

Program goals

Reframe leadership as cooperative, community-rooted, and justice-centered
Strengthen participants’ ability to collaborate across differences and sectors
Support participants in launching co-led sustainability projects or campaigns

CALM electives are available to couples who would like more training in a specific focus area after graduating from our Synergy program. Calm offers programs without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

CALM-Vitality: Improving health and well-being (4wks)

This elective focuses on cultivating energy, resilience, and holistic well-being—enabling individuals to lead vibrant, balanced, and fulfilling lives. Core content of this program aligns with physical, mental, emotional, and social health and well-being. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

CALM-Financial- Fundamentals of financial security (4 Wks)

This elective is designed to create financially empowered individuals and communities who have the knowledge, tools, and access needed to achieve long-term financial well-being and security. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

CALM-Gov: Civic leadership for social justice (4wks)

This elective cultivates inclusive, informed, and courageous civic leaders who advance social justice by building collective power, challenging systemic inequities, and transforming public institutions. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

CALM-ED: Equity-Centered Educational Leadership (4wks)

This elective is for individuals committed to supporting inclusive, anti-racist, and equity-driven learning environments. This program equips participants with the tools, mindset, and strategies to lead transformational change in schools, districts, and communities. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

CALM-PLANET: Environmental Sustainability

This elective is for those interested in learning more environmental sustainability. This program addresses how we produce and consume resources, manage waste, protect natural ecosystems, and mitigate climate change to ensure a healthy planet for current and future generations. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

CALM-GENTS: Guiding & Emerging Noblemen Toward Success

This elective is a holistic leadership program that empowers men to become present, purposeful, and community-minded leaders—in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. It challenges traditional ideas of masculinity by promoting emotional intelligence, accountability, connection, and service. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

CALM-GEMS: Generating Excellence in Mindful Sisterhood

This elective is designed to elevate the leadership capacity, agency, and voice of women within the broader CALM framework. Recognizing that women often carry a disproportionate share of emotional labor, caregiving, and community organizing, this program provides dedicated space to nurture their personal leadership journeys—while reinforcing shared leadership within their partnerships and communities. (Leadership is Partnership or Leadership is ME is required prior to joining this program)

Couples Enrichment Course (6 Wks)

This 6-week virtual course offers an engaging overview of the concepts, behaviors, and skills that support couples in building a harmonious and lasting relationship.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for fitting me in to your Mental Health First Aid class on Sunday morning. I truly enjoyed the class and appreciated having someone of your expertise to lead it. Thank you for giving of your time to us. I completed the rest of the course requirements and actually had a nurse come to my office upset this week to share with me the anxiety she has been feeling at work that makes her nauseous beforehand at the thought of coming in to the hospital. I didn't expect ALGEE to come into play so soon but felt that the timing of taking your course was a sign. Thank you again for your dedication.
Healthcare Leadership

Thanks, Dr. Ellis for training me in Adult MHFA. I passed the final exam and got my certificate! Everyone enjoyed your class and style of teaching! A guy in my group indicated that he had taken a class like it before which put him to sleep but not this one! Lol!
Pastor

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for leading the Mental Health First Aid class. Your instruction was not only informative and engaging, but also incredibly impactful. It was especially meaningful to see another person of color in the psychology field. Your presence and leadership are inspiring, and I truly appreciate the knowledge and perspective you brought to the training. Thank you as well for your many years of service in this field. The work you do makes a real difference, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you.
University Student

I wanted to sincerely thank you for your response and generosity. It's clear that you have a natural propensity to help others, in addition to your deep knowledge of the subject; it made for a truly enriching experience.
Student entering Physician Assistant school

Empowering Relationships - Strengthening Families - Transforming Communities

Latasha Ellis, PhD, LCSW, LISW-CP

Regional Mental Health Director-Marathon Health (President/Chair)

Chakana Fowler, MBA, MS

Vice President & Senior Relationships Manager-Bank of America (Secretary)

Ed Hunt

Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator- UNC Pembroke

Shaun-Pierre Gregoire, MD, DipABLM

Family Medicine Physician - Marathon Health

Shannon Brinkley, BSW

Social Worker- New Hanover County DSS

David Roundtree Sr., LCSW, LISW-CP

Mental Health Provider - Marathon Health

Jeremy Moseley, MPH

Area Vice President of Community & Faith Health - Advocate Health

Dawn Russel, BA

Development Officer for Parent Giving-University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Ken Szymanski

Retired Housing and Land Use professional

Kelly Taylor

Associate Director- Leadership North Carolina

Mona Ismail, MD

Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Katie Sidner, MS

Director of Workforce & Partnerships - UNC Systems Office

Christine Reed Davis, Ed.D.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs - University of North Carolina-Wilmington

At Couples Alliance Leadership Mission (CALM), we are dedicated to strengthening relationships and building resilient communities. Through education, research, and support, we empower couples, especially in underserved populations to become leaders in their homes and communities. Our mission is to enhance social outcomes and improve quality of life, one couple at a time.

Your generous support helps us expand access to vital services, enabling couples to thrive and inspire change where it’s needed most.

$100

13420 Reese Boulevard West, Huntersville, North Carolina, United States