“I was a psychology teacher for 27 years, and it was the best job ever,” said Kathy Snyder. “But in 2020 I had the opportunity to retire and do broader positive psychology work in the community. It felt right to make the move and I still have the best job ever!”

That spark of discovery motivated a new chapter—one rooted in science, service, and a deep passion for human flourishing. Kathy helped launch the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition—a growing grassroots movement supporting individuals, workplaces, and the broader community through the evidence-based principles of positive psychology.

The initiative started in 2018 with six-month trainings for community leaders focused on helping people not only thrive during good times, but also “struggle well” during the hard ones. By 2020, momentum was growing fast. Nearly 100 local residents had already been trained, and requests were pouring in for more.

That’s when Kathy made the leap.

She retired from the classroom and stepped into full-time leadership of the Coalition. “We saw people wanting to bring these tools into their families, their jobs, and their neighborhoods,” she said. “But they needed support—and that’s what the Coalition became.”

Today, the Coalition boasts over 300 members and continues to partner with local employers, educators, and nonprofits to build more connected and resilient spaces across Midland.

It also launched Welcome2Midland, a community onboarding initiative designed to help newcomers—and longtime locals entering new life phases—feel at home. From welcome kits to trained ambassadors who offer personalized support and neighborhood introductions, the program reflects the Coalition’s core values: belonging, connection, and compassion.

“Whether you’re new to town or just entering a new chapter, we want people to feel like they belong here,” Kathy said. “Midland has always had a caring spirit—this program is just a way to extend that invitation more intentionally.”

Kathy also credits the Coalition's success to the community’s backing. “I had an entire village of support,” she reflected, referencing the initial funders, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and volunteers who rallied behind the vision for community wellbeing. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve done professionally. But we made it happen—and I’m so grateful. We might not be here without that support.”

As she finishes her doctorate in community leadership—with her dissertation focused on documenting Midland’s wellbeing journey—Kathy sees the Coalition’s story as just getting started.

“There’s something really special happening here,” she said. “And if we keep listening, collaborating, and showing up for each other, there’s no limit to the kind of community we can become.”