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 Renton, Washington, Holli has called Washington home for over 23 years. She received her B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Western Washington University. Holli is currently a Marketing Coordinator at Expeditors International, where she has enjoyed deepening her marketing knowledge and skill base. Holli is proud to bring her marketing experience to Joy Thru Tears as she helps give the foundation a strong digital presence to deliver its message.
Licensed to practice in California in 2007 and in Washington in 2008, Scott Hildebrand set out to become a trusted name in the community for real estate, business and construction legal services. Hildebrand began his legal career providing counsel for five years to the Master Builders Association. Hildebrand continued to gain knowledge as a past chair of the American Bar Association Committee on Multifamily Housing, and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property Probate & Trust Section.
Linda was born in Seattle, WA and has lived in many places, including New Mexico, California, Florida, and the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. But she always returned to Seattle. Linda is retired but has 30 years of experience with non-profits and foundations in administrative support, procurement, and event coordination and planning. She is excited to share these skills to promote the vision and mission of Joy Thru Tears Foundation. Linda enjoys reading, crocheting, knitting, and water-color pencil painting, plus time with her family, especially her five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
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 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.
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 5 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.