Who We Are:
Our Team

Courtney is the program manager for two programs at Roots & Wings: early learning and safety & justice. She is honored to partner alongside organizations who are impacting the lives of childrenfamilies and communities. Prior to joining Roots & WingsCourtney worked in the nonprofit sector and state governmentfocusing on issues related to early childhood and family supportyouth developmentpublic policy and advocacy. When she’s not workingyou can find Courtney exploring her local farmer’s marketreading and baking cookies with her husband and young child.

David wears two hats for Roots & Wings: communications advisor and gun violence prevention program manager. He is also the founder and president of Brotherton Strategiesa consulting firm working at the intersection of communications and social change. David is a storytellermedia producerand philanthropy practitioner who has advised dozens of foundations over his career including the Kendeda Fundthe Packard Foundationand Marguerite Casey Foundation. In his non-work hoursyou’ll find David caring for his 91-year-old parents and hosting a weekly Americana music show on Ellensburg Community Radio.

Jamie serves as Roots & Wings’ program director in addition to managing the foundation’s Basic Needs Program. Inspired by her origin storyshe believes humanity should be at the heart of every decision. Before joining the Foundationshe managed projects and programs delivering equitable services to underserved populations in healthcareshelter and housingand other human services. When she is away from her deskshe’s most likely adventuring with her dogPenny.

An administration professional energized by serving othersJanelle supports the Foundation’s operations. Prior to Roots & WingsJanelle managed non-profits and restaurants in the greater Seattle area. She is an advocate for social justice and is wholeheartedly invested in the philanthropic endeavors of the foundation. Outside of workJanelle loves spending time with her family and friendsplaying soccer and roller skating!

As managing directorLeah supports Roots & Wings’ strategy and operationsbringing deep experience in philanthropy and global development to her role. Before joining Roots & WingsLeah was a senior program officer at the Gates Foundationleading investments that strengthen the transition from high school to postsecondary pathways. Her earlier work includes serving as Managing Director at Synergos Advisorywhere she led a global social impact practice supporting foundationsphilanthropic familiesand corporations across Sub‑Saharan Africaand South and Southeast Asia. She also served as President of the Kraft Foods Group Foundationshaping the company’s philanthropic vision with a focus on food access and nutrition. When she’s not at her deskLeah enjoys traveling with her husband and son.

Nicole works with the Roots & Wings health partners. She brings a passion for service and learning. She began her career as a program officer for Federally Qualified Health Centers in the Western Pacific and worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 20 years in a variety of policy and programmatic positions. In her spare timeNicole enjoys living in the Pacific Northwest — all its beauty and all its rain — where she uses the weather as an excuse to try new recipes (and hopes that her husband will like themtoo).

As Executive DirectorShana oversees all aspects of the foundation. She has the joy of working with a fabulous team in support of hundreds of vitally important nonprofit partners. A nonprofit professional passionate about early childhoodShana has worked with the Peace CorpsAmeriCorps and early literacy programs. Prior to launching Roots & WingsShana ran the Magic Pebble Foundation. Shana enjoys living in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two young childrenand plays ultimate frisbee year-round.

Sophia supports the Roots & Wings Programs team as grants managerdriven by her dedication to equity and community impact. Most recentlyshe has been actively engaged in supporting nonprofit organizationsincluding supporting grantmaking on the Impact and Learning team at Seattle Foundation and program management at African Community Housing and Development. Outside of workSophia finds joy in cooking for her loved ones and diving into her reading list.

Tammy brings a strong commitment to non-profits as a consultant with Roots & Wings. She has worked with public and private foundations as well as operating non-profits for the past 20 years. Tammy started her career as a public accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers; moved to the private sector as controller for Shurgard Capital Group and then to Alaska Airlines as Director of General Accounting.

Yvette works with Roots & Wings hospital partners with a focus on young children and their families in the prenatal to three-year-old period.  She is passionate about helping children have the best start in lifesupported by their families and communities. Yvette started out as a pediatric nurseand has spent most of her career in global healthspecifically in strategysystems changeprimary health careand maternal child health.  She loves to cook and eat delicious (but not fussy) foodand travel with her partner and two mostly-delightful children.