To help and inspire people who are coping with grief, illness and loss by:
Amy Jahn brings a unique perspective to the Foundation as she has a 37-year-old son with Down Syndrome. She has been an advocate for people with disabilities for decades at both state and local levels. Amy co-founded Down Syndrome Community, a nonprofit support group for parents throughout the Northwest. She has recently retired from the Auburn Valley YMCA after managing Community Outreach, Member Enrichment and Event Planning. Amy has a degree in Business Finance and prior to her son’s birth, worked for the Bank of America in lending and Business Outreach.
Born in San Leandro, California, Rick has been in Washington State since 1977. He achieved his Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration at Argosy University in Seattle. In his 30+ years as an educator, Rick’s career includes roles as a Developmental Preschool Teacher, Elementary Special Education Teacher, Elementary School Principal, and currently serves as a school district Director of Special Education, as well as a University Clinical Supervisor. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Harbor Connections, a children’s advocacy center in Grays Harbor, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Driftwood Players Theatre. Rick enjoys reading, music, sporting events, live theater and has been an Actor and Director in many theatrical plays. He is the father of 4 amazing adult children and 6 precious grandkids. He is a lifelong learner who supports children and adults in developing resiliency while they build their own positive relationships within families and community. He marvels at the synergy created when people work together to serve children and families. Dr. Bates’ is honored to serve the Joy Thru Tears Foundation as a Board Member.
Travis, a Puget Sound native, is a corporate lawyer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Travis is deeply committed to his community. In addition to serving on the Pierce County Library Foundation Board, he dedicates substantial time each year to help local nonprofits. This includes revising corporate governance documents, drafting applications for exemption from federal and state taxes, and other related services. When not practicing law, Travis loves spending time with his wife and four amazing children.
“Angie has been an independent home care provider since 2001. Caring for her grandmother at a young age Angie understands the value of people receiving care in their own homes. Her purpose is to support her clients in areas of personal, physical, emotional, and social ways that can help them maintain dignity and independence. As a dog walker, Angie enjoys her time with her 4 footed furry clients. She volunteers at Camp promise as a counselor and at various MDA events.”
Luke is a talented multimedia specialist with over a decade of professional experience creating impactful content. He spent seven years in the U.S. Navy as an award-winning multimedia specialist and three years creating healthcare-related videos for active U.S. Military, veterans, and their families as a government contracted videographer.
Luke founded Moyer Production Co., specializing in content creation, photography, video production and graphic design services. He is always seeking to push creative boundaries.
He is a loving husband and a proud father to their precious daughter Maxine. They share their home with two furry companions. He is honored to serve on this board.
Angie has been an independent home care provider since 2001. Caring for her grandmother at a young age, Angie understands the value of people receiving care in their own homes. Her purpose is to support her clients in area of personal, physical, emotional, and social ways that can help them maintain dignity and independence. As a dog walker, Angie enjoys her time with her 4 footed furry clients. She volunteers at Camp Promise as a counselor and at various MDA events.
Born in Ottawa, Canada, Louise has been a native of Washington State for the past 37 years. She attended business college and the University of Ottawa, and her experience in the business world is extensive. Over the past 28 years she has built a very successful direct sales organization while raising her children Joshua and Leah.
She is founder and President of this non-profit organization and is currently writing a book called “The Gift of Great Sorrow”. This is a memoir of her journey raising her two children who were diagnosed with a terminal progressive illness at the age of six. Louise has many passions including volunteering for Make A Wish Foundation and the local food bank and she loves to travel around the world to understand and experience cultural diversity. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, entertaining, cooking, swimming, and has hiked several Caminos in Europe.
Born in North Hollywood, California, April graduated from North Park University in Chicago with a B.A. in English and a Psychology minor. She has lived in the Seattle area since 1978. April has been employed at the City of Renton for 20 years. She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, a position she has held since September 2005. She volunteers at her local church and feels called to help people as they encounter loss and grief. April is confident that her interpersonal, research and analytical skills will be an asset to Joy Thru Tears Foundation and their mission. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, scrapbooking and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter.
Born in Renton, Washington, Jonathan grew up locally and graduated from Kentlake High School in 2019. He has worked in both the public and private accounting setting and is currently a Staff Accountant at Rauch Industries, Inc. Jonathan is confident that his attention to detail, organization, and knowledge gained from being in the field will be a strong asset to the Foundation. In his spare time, He is a licensed soccer referee and coaches for a local high school. Jonathan is looking forward to reaching as many lives as possible through the Foundation’s message.
