How long have you worked in development, and what brought you to this field?
I made the official move into full-time donor relations about three years ago.  I have a background in banking and finance, and literally felt a 'calling' to take my professional skills and abilities into the non-profit sector almost 10 years ago.  This new adventure began with completing a degree in Organizational Management from Whitworth University, which led to a position with an international humanitarian organization as the Director of Volunteers and Human Resources.  I have always adhered to the motto that "volunteers are donors" and "donors are volunteers" and used the same strategies in volunteer management as fund raising professionals use in donor management.  Two organizations later, volunteer management led to donor relations which led to my current position as Executive Director at Christ Clinic and Christ Kitchen.

What do you want INDC members to know about Christ Clinic and Christ Kitchen?
First, next spring Christ Clinic will celebrate 20 years of providing quality medical care to over 60,000 uninsured patients in Spokane!  Most of our patients are juggling 2-3 part-time positions and are in desperate need of consistent, affordable healthcare to keep their families healthy.  Our staff and volunteer providers communicate the love of God day in and day out as they tend to our patients' physical, emotional and spiritual cries for help and hope.

Next, Christ Kitchen (started by one of Christ Clinic's volunteer counselors) is a haven of hope and community for women who seek to break the chains of bondage formed from years of living in poverty.  Our women experience the love of Christ through discipleship, job training, and support as they gather weekly for Bible study, product production and fellowship arond a hearty lunchtime meal.  These services are built on a self-sustaining model where the staff prepare and sell gourmet dried-food baskets, offer a take-out deli delivery service and run a small eat-in cafe.  Visit our online store at www.christkitchen.org, or stop by any day except Sundays.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
No two days are alike and I thrive on offering an opportunity to draw on a greater purpose by investing in the lives of others in need.  I love working with a staff who literally labor for the greater good.  Although that path is often laden with overwhelming odds, they forge ahead knowing it's the little things in life that make a big difference!

What is your focus this year at Christ Clinic and Christ Kitchen?
The same as every year since inception, offering the love and hope of Christ through discipleship, primary health care and job skill training in an atmosphere of relationship and community.

How is INDC helping your work as a nonprofit professional? 
INDC has provided key networking and educational opportunities in our profession in an atmosphere of collaboration and genuine support.  Fundraising is not easy and it's empowering to share in the struggles and triumphs of fellow colleagues.

Check out past profiles: