• 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 want 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 Tracy Gyllenhammer, Founder, in black and white.

    Tracy Gyllenhammer

    FOUNDER

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

    Christine Guzzardo, Ph.D.

    PRESIDENT

  • Portrait of Jay Filer, Vice President, in black and white

    Jay Filer

    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, MBA

    SECRETARY

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

    Craig Shaber

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Black and white portrait of Vanessa Wheat, Executive Director.

    Vanessa Wheat

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Black-and-white portrait of Child Life Specialist Karly Monteith.

    Karly Monteith

    DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

  • Portrait of Daphne Kirkpatrick, Web Designer, in black and white.

    Daphne Kirkpatrick, MS, MBA

    WEB DESIGNER

We are grateful to our Community Partners & Sponsors:

  • Logo of Art Salvage Spokane