• Resilience is Strength and Endurance

    R.I.S.E. Northwest:

    Resilience is Strength and Endurance
    A space for grieving and healing

  • When a child loses a parent, it can have a profound impact on their life.

  • The death of a parent is one of the most traumatic events that can occur in childhood.

  • Unlike adults, children often don’t have the life experiences to cope with grief.

  • One out of every 20 children age 15 and younger will suffer the loss of one or both parents.

About us

R.I.S.E. Northwest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in August 2021, in order to support grieving children in the Inland Northwest.

Resources and services for children who have lost one or both parents are virtually non-existent in our area.

We aim to change that.

Our Mission

As a nonprofit organization, we pledge to provide free services through mentoring and peer groups that will allow children to navigate life with resilience and strength after experiencing the death of a parent.

 

Meet the Team

  • Portrait of Christine Guzzardo, Ph.D., President, in black and white.

    Christine Guzzardo, Ph.D.

    PRESIDENT

  • Portrait of Tracy Gyllenhammer, Founder and Vice President, in black and white.

    Tracy Gyllenhammer

    FOUNDER | VICE PRESIDENT

  • Portrait of Marlis Spawn, MBA, Treasurer, in black and white.

    Marlis Spawn, MBA

    TREASURER

  • Portrait of Dana McCullough, Secretary, in black and white.

    Dana McCullough

    SECRETARY

  • Portrait of Jay Filer, Volunteer Committee Chair, in black and white

    Jay Filer

    VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE CHAIR

  • Portrait of Valerie Shayman Southerland, Ph.D., President, in black and white.

    Valerie Shayman Southerland, Ph.D.

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Portrait of Craig Shaber, Board Member, in black and white.

    Craig Shaber

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Portrait of Dafni Kirkpatrick, Administrative Director, in black and white.

    Dafni Kirkpatrick, MSc, MBA

    ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

  • Black-and-white portrait of Program Director Karly Monteith.

    Karly Monteith

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

We rely on you to help children in need.

Support R.I.S.E. Northwest today.

We are grateful to our Community Partners:

  • Logo of Art Salvage Spokane