Built for belonging. Backed by science.
We're a nonprofit on a mission to make every student and educator feel seen, valued, and connected, one thank you at a time.
Our MIssion & vision
Every student deserves to feel seen.
GiveThx creates positive relationships and inclusive school communities where all students feel safe, valued, and connected.
We envision a world where all schools are safe, equitable, and inclusive– where every student has the emotional, social, and academic skills to thrive.
We envision a world where all schools are safe, equitable, and inclusive– where every student has the emotional, social, and academic skills to thrive.
"GiveThx makes me feel seen and appreciated by my peers. I look forward to using it and getting a chance to share my gratitude."
Where It All Started
In 2017, Mike Fauteux was a high school math teacher in Oakland watching his students struggle — not just with academics, but with showing up, connecting, and feeling like they mattered. So he asked them three simple questions: What do you need to feel safe? What do you need to feel like you belong? What do you need to succeed?
Their answers changed everything. What started as a Google Sheets experiment in one classroom quickly became something bigger. When co-founder Amara Humphry sat down with a 9th grader named Maria, she heard something that stopped her in her tracks: "I just didn't realize some of these people even knew who I was. I feel like they see me and that they actually appreciate the things I do."
That was the moment they knew GiveThx had to grow beyond one classroom.
Their answers changed everything. What started as a Google Sheets experiment in one classroom quickly became something bigger. When co-founder Amara Humphry sat down with a 9th grader named Maria, she heard something that stopped her in her tracks: "I just didn't realize some of these people even knew who I was. I feel like they see me and that they actually appreciate the things I do."
That was the moment they knew GiveThx had to grow beyond one classroom.
Meet the GiveThx Team
Michael Fauteux
Chief Impact Officer, Co-founder
Amara Humphry
CEO, Co-founder
Javier Pérez
Head of Engineering, Co-founder
Christopher Pérez Blanco
Software Engineer
Michael McCaffrey
Director of Program
HILLary rowse
School Success Manager
Jon Hume
Head of Growth
Board & Advisors
AMY FILSINGER
Board Member
Shoshana Wineburg
Board Member
DR. Gary Yee
Board Member
Donovan Taylor Hall
Advisor
Dr. Louise Waters
Advisor
Dr. GiaComo Bono
Advisor