An innovative approach to mental health support is making a real difference for student‑athletes and their families.
Be Better; is a Holland nonprofit founded four years ago by Steve and Jill Miskelley following the heartbreaking loss of their son, Ian. The University of Michigan swimmer died by suicide after struggling with mental illness. The program has become a lifeline for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of a fragmented mental health system.
“We’re hearing from student‑athletes that our work is literally saving lives. They tell me every day that without the support and the deep‑dive assessments we provide, things could have turned out very differently,” says Steve Miskelley.
The organization is hosting a gala fundraiser on Friday to raise $75,000 to expand its service.
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Courtesy Be Better;Ian Miskelley swam for the University of Michigan. He also struggled with depression and ultimately died by suicide.
The Miskelleys have turned their journey of grief and transformation into a service to counteract the disconnect often found in traditional mental health care. The problem is that siloed communication and lack of coordinated care can leave families feeling isolated and hopeless.
In response, the organization offers free consultations, advocacy, referrals, and personalized care plans.
‘Ian’s TEAM’
Its approach is encapsulated in what Miskelley calls “Ian’s TEAM,” an acronym for triage, educate, advocate, and manage. This model begins with a comprehensive assessment. Clients receive clear, actionable plans, rather than spending multiple sessions simply unpacking their issues.
This targeted method has already had a measurable impact. Since its inception, Be Better; has helped over 300 families in West Michigan.
“I’ve had student‑athletes tell me that because of our deep‑dive assessments, they were able to get the right help at the right time, help that traditional therapy sessions might have missed because insurance only covers six to eight visits,” Miskelley says.
In a system where brief, generic sessions often fall short, the organization’s detailed, personalized care is a game changer.
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Courtesy Be Better;Since its inception, Be Better; has helped over 300 families in West Michigan.
“Student‑athletes are incredibly strong physically, but that strength doesn’t protect them from mental health issues,” says Miskelley. “Our model is designed to ensure that no one feels alone or unsupported.”
A steady base of donors and the development of a small endowment have provided the nonprofit with the financial stability necessary to plan for the future.
“We’re not living hand‑to‑mouth anymore. I’ve got two years’ worth of expenses covered, which means we can finally start thinking about the future, expanding our services, adding another therapist, maybe even getting a bigger office to serve more people,” Miskelley says.
This financial progress not only secures current operations but also enables strategic planning to meet the growing demand for mental health support.
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Courtesy Be Better;At its annual gala, nonprofit Be Better; will celebrate four years of saving student‑athletes’ lives with innovative, personalized mental health care solutions.
Gala will help expand reach
The Miskelleys will host the second annual Beyond Better; Gala at Warehouse 6 Events in Holland. The event, which aims to raise $75,000, is a crucial step toward extending the nonprofit’s lifesaving services.
“Our student‑athletes are telling us they want more. They need additional resources, more capacity and better access to mental health professionals. This fundraiser will help us do just that,” Miskelley says.
Beyond its immediate services, Be Better; is fostering new partnerships with local health care providers, counseling centers, and schools. Miskelley says that as community leaders see the success of the organization’s model, they are increasingly eager to collaborate.
“When community leaders see that our model is working, they’re eager to help us extend our reach,” adds Miskelley.
The gala will feature silent and live auctions along with first‑hand accounts from community members. Among the speakers will be Dallas Fisher, a Hope College swimmer and longtime client who has transformed his near‑despair into a role as a mentor for younger athletes.
“Dallas is living proof that with the right support, you can turn things around,” Miskelley says. His journey is a powerful reminder that effective mental health care isn’t solely about intervening during a crisis; it’s about empowering individuals to build sustainable, healthier futures.”
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Courtesy Be Better;Be Better; Invitational athletes pose during the event.
Miskelley says Be Better; focuses on not only providing essential mental health services but also expanding into new areas.
“We have the opportunity to redefine how mental health care is delivered, especially for student‑athletes who often feel pressure to be perfect,” he says.
“Every time I hear that our work has given someone a second chance, it reinforces why we do this. It motivates us to keep expanding our programs and to reach even more people in need,”
For more information about Be Better; and its upcoming gala, visit
bebetterholland.org/ or call 616-460‑2416.