Lost & Found fills gap left by co-founder's retirement

Photo provided by Lost & Found Grief Center

Iman Williams Christians is the nonprofit's new chief clinical officer.

Lost & Found Grief Center announced a hire that fills an operational gap left vacant by the retirement last year of the nonprofit’s co-founder.

Iman Williams Christians was named chief clinical officer for the Springfield nonprofit, according to a news release issued this week. Christians' LinkedIn profile indicates she started at Lost & Found in February.

Reached via email, Christians said she was hired to fill Karen Scott's position. Scott, who co-founded Lost & Found 20 years ago with Askinosie Chocolate owner Shawn Askinosie, retired from the nonprofit in June.

As chief clinical officer, Christians oversees the vision and direction of programs including grief support groups, counseling, training and education, and new program development, according to the release.

"She is a quality person who is not only a wonderful colleague but someone who will work hard to support the vast number of bereaved individuals throughout southwest Missouri with her thoughtful approach," said Emily Givens, Lost & Found's executive director, in the release. "I’m beyond thrilled to have her join our team and am excited for the community to get to know her.”

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Christians brings experience as clinic director of two Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic locations in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Killeen, Texas.

Christians was hired after a national search process, according to the release.

"I grew up in a family where mental health was embraced. I understand how important it is for those services to be accessible and affordable, which is why I am so drawn to the grief support services that Lost & Found offers to the community," Christians said in the release.

Lost & Found has a roughly $500,000 operating budget, according to past reporting.