Meet Rise Up Roses

PRESIDENT & CEO

Over 11 years of experience as a yoga teacher and personal trainer. Angela is a mother of two girls and brings a wealth of experience from her research work as a clinical trial reporting manager at Massey Cancer Center. She has worked in 3 school districts and developed policies and procedures for Rise Up Roses and related programming.  Angela has experience collaborating and working with families from diverse backgrounds to accommodate individual needs. Additionally, she is a DreamBuilder life coach from Brave Thinking Institute and has helped hundreds of caregivers and kids live more meaningful and enriched lives.

TREASURER

An attorney and a published author. Kiara graduated from UVA School of Law in 2015 and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 2011 with a major in political science, specifically focusing on politics in the media. As a consultant, she advises with our contracts and legal matters for Rise Up Roses.

SECRETARY

Jamie is a dedicated volunteer and is deeply committed to our mission of equipping both children and caregivers with effective mindfulness tools. Her passion lies in building a strong community around Rise Up Roses, ensuring that everyone can access vital emotional regulation resources. In her various leadership roles, she takes great pride in sharing her expertise and cultivating a safe, supportive community that empowers all its members.

Tara is a 200-hour certified Yoga Alliance teacher, passionate about bringing mindfulness and movement to children of all ages. After spending 10 years living and learning abroad with her family, she recently returned to the U.S. and is excited to create a vibrant, supportive community. As a dedicated mom, she understands the importance of nurturing both the body and mind and is committed to helping kids develop a lifelong practice and love of learning. Tara brings her extensive experience to contribute to curriculum development and instructional practices at Rise Up Roses.

Jane is a dedicated mother of three, a former elementary school teacher, a girl on the run coach, and a passionate fitness instructor. With a love for both teaching and wellness, she is thrilled to be able to channel her energy into the Rise Up Roses movement empowering youth to believe in themselves and tackle obstacles one breath at a time. Jane combines her expertise in education and fitness to inspire others, both in the classroom and beyond, promoting healthy lifestyles and self-growth. She is a youth fitness advocate who is passionate about teaching emotional regulation. She brings her experience and passion to Rise Up Roses, to strengthen and develop instructional practices.

Taylor is a Richmond-based entrepreneur, yoga instructor, and Master Loctician, blending natural hair care with wellness practices at her salon, Sol Locs and Serenity. Formerly an early childhood educator, Taylor is committed to creating spaces for healing and self-expression through services like yoga, reiki, and Auricular Acupuncture. As Special Events Chair for the MBL Bridge Board, she organizes events to connect youth with resources and support their entrepreneurial goals. Her mission is to foster empowerment, wellness, and community connection. She is an experienced yoga teacher and focuses on trauma work and utilizing yoga as a healing tool.

Michelle is an Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at Old Dominion University. She has a PhD in Special Education, an MS in Occupational Therapy, and Certificates in Autism and in Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) 

Michelle has worked for 34+ years in the community and schools with children with and at risk for disabilities to promote health and well-being through meaningful occupation. She researches and educates families, caregivers, and teachers about the important impact emotional regulation has on engaged play, learning, and creativity. Michelle provides additional insight into child development and emotional regulation.

Amber is a curriculum writer and facilitator at CodeVA. She creates K-12 computer science curricula focused on artificial intelligence, identity exploration using social emotional standards, and computer science integration with all contents. Additionally, she provides professional development for teachers across the state of Virginia and presents at local, regional, and national conferences. She previously taught mathematics and computer science, where she developed and managed computer science programs, secured grants, and built partnerships to support student learning. Amber is a Teach for America alumna and holds an M.S. in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University.