Our Board
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Tracy Gyllenhammer
FOUNDER | BOARD MEMBER
Tracy Gyllenhammer is the Founder of R.I.S.E. Northwest.
She brings over 25 years of leadership, strategic planning, business growth, marketing, and sales experience to the Board, as she was privileged to personally own and operate an income tax service franchise in Spokane for 21 years.
Determined to use her personal experience of loss, and of mothering five children who lost a parent at a young age, she carries a deep passion for supporting grieving children.
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Craig Shaber
PRESIDENT
Craig Shaber is a Research Fellow and Ingot Technology Manager at Wagstaff, holding a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Idaho.
He has worked for over 25 years in research, designing, and testing equipment and processes for all aluminum alloys. He has run multiple successful ingot tooling development projects and run Technical Service. He is now applying some of those skills to Team RISE.
More importantly, he is a father of three, with four grandchildren and experience working in various religious and non-religious nonprofits. Craig loves using his skills to help kids succeed.
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Jay Filer
VICE PRESIDENT
Jay is the co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of an energy finance and development company both here in the Pacific Inland Northwest as well as Hawaii.
He brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial leadership and business strategy.
R.I.S.E. Northwest strikes close to home: he lost his father at a young age and wasn’t afforded any of the support that R.I.S.E. is now providing children and families in need. He is excited and encouraged to help bring these essential services to the community.
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Kathy Plowman, SHRM-CP
TREASURER
Kathy is a dedicated Human Resources Recruitment Coordinator at Spokane County. She attended Eastern Washington University where she studied Recreation Management, is a Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP), and holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion also from EWU.
Kathy brings not only her professional expertise in human resources, management, recruitment, and finance but also a deeply personal connection to the organization’s mission. Having lost her own father, she understands the profound impact of parental loss on a child’s life. Kathy is driven by a desire to honor her father’s memory and turn her own loss into meaningful action.
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Dana McCullough, MBA
SECRETARY
Born and raised in Spokane, Dana L. McCullough graduated in 1997 from the Washington State University Honors Program, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Gonzaga University.
With a long tenure in business and finance having worked at Wellington Management Company, LLP, Microsoft, and ICM Asset Management, Inc. she is experienced in strategy development, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and Treasury management.
She currently serves as Treasury Manager for Gonzaga University.
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Alex Hayes
BOARD MEMBER
Alex Hays is a longtime volunteer and dedicated board member with Team RISE.
Born and raised in Eastern Washington, he earned his degree from Eastern Washington University. Over several years, he has supported grieving youth through both Team RISE and Camp COPE, helping create safe, welcoming spaces where participants feel empowered to express themselves. Known for his steady presence and uplifting energy, Alex is committed to making every gathering fun, supportive, and meaningful.
Now serving on the Board, he is proud to help guide the organization’s direction and ensure its mission continues to grow.
Our Staff
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Vanessa Wheat
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Vanessa Wheat learned the importance of empathy at a young age after losing her father. A dedicated mother of three, she has made it her life’s work to support those navigating grief. She is a certified Grief Coach through the Dora Carpenter Institute of Professional Grief Coaching and a Grief Educator through David Kessler.
As the Executive Director of R.I.S.E. Northwest, Vanessa is committed to advocating for grieving children, teens, and young adults. She launched the organization’s first teen dedicated grief group, creating a vital space for young people to find connection and healing. Her mission is to raise awareness of R.I.S.E. Northwest’s work and inspire others by sharing her journey.
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Karly Monteith
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Karly is an Eastern Washington University Child Life Master’s graduate. She works as a Certified Child Life Specialist in Oregon, providing psychosocial support for children and their families in the hospital setting. Karly works throughout the hospital but specifically works with children of adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit, aiding children’s coping and understanding of death and illness.
Through her work, Karly is familiar with the impact that illness and death can have on children and families. Courses like Grief and Loss and Pediatric Palliative Care have helped her understand how children cope with loss. With an extensive knowledge of child development, Karly knows how youth of all ages understand and see the world.
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Daphne Kirkpatrick, MS, MBA
WEB DESIGNER
Daphne is dedicated to advancing the mission of R.I.S.E. Northwest by designing and managing the organization’s website, ensuring accessible and effective communication.
She holds master’s degrees in Computer Science (University of Piraeus, Greece) and Business Administration (University of the Aegean, Greece).
With experience as Administrative Director at R.I.S.E. Northwest and Business & Communications Manager at the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Daphne brings expertise in nonprofit management, online marketing, and graphic design. She is committed to using her skills to expand the organization’s reach, ensuring that children in need receive vital support while providing timely information to parents, caregivers, and affected families.