Meet Our Founders

Founder

Brynn Johnson

Brynn Johnson is the mother of our remembered Rowyn and three other children. Wyatt, Mynrow, and the newest member of the family Wildyr. Brynn has a strong passion for keeping Rowyn's legacy alive through Raise for Rowyn by assisting families in their time of need. She has spent many years as a hair stylist and thrives on creative projects and connection. Her other passions include traveling to the sunshine, hiking, exploring new places, fitness, and spending time with family.

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Founder

Cassie Miller

Cassie is a mother of two, Easton 13 and Logan 10, and a devoted wife to her husband Aaron of thirteen years. Although Cassie stepped away from the Raise for Rowyn Executive Board in 2017, it has never left her heart and mind. She continues to support fundraisers, attend events and volunteer. She works full-time for Disability Determination Services, as a Disability Hearings Officer. While it seems much of her time is spent attending sporting events for her kids and shuffling them around, she also volunteers as team mom for football, and is a board member for youth little league. When time allows, she enjoys spa days, shopping, cooking, vacationing with her family, Mariners baseball and Seahawks football.

Meet Our Staff

Executive Director

Fionna Velazquez

Fionna (Fi) was appointed as Executive Director of Raise for Rowyn in late 2022, bringing with her dedication to the organization's mission. She is deeply committed to fostering empathy, compassion, and support for individuals navigating grief, ensuring Raise for Rowyn remains a beacon of hope for those in need.

Beyond her role at Raise for Rowyn, Fi serves as President of the Lewis County Young Professionals and Vice Chair of the Spring Youth Fair, actively engaging with the community to foster connections and drive positive change. A native of the Pacific Northwest and resident of Lewis County, Fi finds joy in embarking on adventures with her 8-year-old son Brighton and exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Administrative Assistant

Elizabeth Hill

Meet Elizabeth Hill. Liz is a 29 year old professional photographer who finds inspiration in the great outdoors. With a passion for hiking and exploring, you'll often find the perfect shot amidst nature's beauty. Beyond photography, she is deeply involved in multiple non-profits, driven by a commitment to making a positive impact. Currently, she is thrilled to be a part of the Raise for Rowyn team and can't wait to see where her spirit for community will take her in this organization.

Program Assistant

Elicia Estrada

Elicia joined the team during the summer of 2024. Elicia is passionate about assisting our families. As an angel sibling herself, she works hard at Raise for Rowyn to continue to add meaning and intent to our multiple emotional support programs. She is also a mother to two boys, Bentley and Korben. She enjoys coaching their soccer and basketball teams.

2025 Intern

Elisabella Terlaje

Elisabella Terlaje joined Raise for Rowyn as the 2025 Intern in January. Originally from Saipan, she relocated to Washington with her husband, Justin, and they now reside in Tenino with their two children, Justin Reid (6) and Evaniabelle Justine (5). As a family, they love exploring the beauty of Washington through hiking and camping.

Elisabella is currently a student at Washington State University, pursuing a degree in Human Development, and is set to graduate in May 2025. Passionate about supporting families and children, she plans to pursue a career in child support services after graduation.

We are thrilled to have Elisabella as part of the Raise for Rowyn team!

Board Director Application

Meet Our Board

President

Angela Longnecker

Meet our board president, Angela Longnecker

"Angela was born and raised in Tumwater, Washington. Angela and her family owns and operates J & I Power Equipment in Olympia & Yelm. Angela & Ryan have four beautiful daughters and an adorable toddler son. In 2015 she joined the RFR grant funding committee. In August 2016 her family suffered the loss of her 19 year-old cousin, Stacia. Raise for Rowyn returned Angela’s longtime generosity by assisting her own family. In 2017, Angela joined Raise for Rowyn’s procurement committee and Advisory Board in honor of Stacia and her family. In 2018, she was honored to join the Executive board. She has served as the treasure, the Vice President and her newest role includes the President. In Angela’s spare time she loves traveling and spending time with her family. She is an active member at her church, Capital Christian Center. She also sits on the Solid Rock Foundation board as well as the City of Yelm Police Advisory Board."

We're honored to have you Angela, thank you for supporting our mission

Vice President

Kyle Markstrom

Kyle is a proud Centralia native, where he lives with his wife Kara and daughter Natalie, born in 2022. Kyle brings a wealth of community spirit and firsthand experience to the board of Raise for Rowyn. His journey with the organization began in 2019, following the loss of his son Noah, then 6 years old, after a brave fight against brain cancer. Kyle and Kara found solace and support through Raise for Rowyn during this difficult time, prompting them to give back and honor Noah's memory by becoming actively involved with the organization.

Through the Noah Jon Markstrom Foundation, the Markstrom family also honors Noah’s memory by providing grants and scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in pediatric medicine. In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Kyle is very involved in his community, serving as a Port Commissioner for the Port of Centralia. He also volunteers on various committees and fundraising endeavors.

Kyle is deeply devoted to his family and finds joy in spending quality time with them, often camping, clam digging, or hanging out at the racetrack.

Secretary

Marcia Deck

Marcia joined the board for Raise for Rowyn in August of 2022 and currently serves as the board Secretary. She lives in Olympia with her husband Josh and her two sons, Parker and Brayden. Marcia enjoys spending time with family and friends, teaching yoga, traveling, being active and spending time outdoors. She feels honored to be a part of an organization that provides both financial and emotional support to families during such a tragic time. Marcia thoroughly enjoys being a part of Raise for Rowyn and looks forward to growing with the organization and giving back to the community.

Treasurer

Ashley VanZuyt

Ashley VanZuyt is currently serving as the Treasurer for Raise for Rowyn. She got involved with the organization in 2017, and later joined the Executive Board in 2020. Ashley met Brynn shortly after the organization was formed, and she knew she wanted to be involved. Ashley is a Commercial Loan Officer at Timberland Bank in Lacey. Ashley is married to her husband Josh and has two bonus kids, Ryan and Railey, and a baby girl on the way. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and attending concerts.

Executive Board Member

Angie Bennett

Angie and her husband Dennis are empty nesters and loving being grandparents to two beautiful granddaughters and expecting a grandson in the summer of 2024. They also have five grandchildren that live out of state and wish they could spend more time with them. Angie enjoys spending time with her chickens, going for rides in her side by side, and reading. Raise for Rowyn has always held a special place in her heart as a beautiful tribute to a vibrant young life. The mission of the board joins together all her passions of supporting our youth, mental health awareness, and community support. The thought and the energy that go into continuing the work that this organization is able to do is unmatched. Angie is honored to be a part of this organization.

ExecutiveBoard Member

Tiffany Marone

Tiffany has been on the Raise for Rowyn board since April 2023. She was instantly drawn to Raise for Rowyn’s mission, as she feels very strongly about helping families who have suffered the most terrible loss and believes money should never be a factor for these families. She finds being on the board very rewarding as she is able to work with an organization who helps so many families who’ve experienced loss. Tiffany currently resides in Lacey and has three adult children and two granddaughters. Her son Justin and his wife Ashley have a daughter named Sutton, her son James and his wife Cheryl have a daughter named Emmy and her daughter Maddie is married to Toni. When Tiffany is not working as a funeral director, she enjoys reading, playing golf and tennis and treating herself to manicures. She looks forward to continuing to grow with the Raise for Rowyn board and helping out many more families.

Executive Board Member

Richard DeBolt

Richard DeBolt joined the Raise for Rowyn board in August 2023. He and his wife Amy have two children, Sophie and Austin. Austin is married to Tess and Sophie is married to Erik and they have baby Iona. In his free time Richard enjoys cooking and boating, treating himself to rum and cokes, Mexican food and Sourdough Willies pizza. He joined the Raise for Rowyn board because he believes the organization serves a great deal of families that are in need and it’s critical to have someone who cares for them during their tragic time. He looks forward to being able to move the organization forward professionally and organizationally.

Board Member

Jaime Browning

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

Jody Hill

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

Candace Kerrigan

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

Mike Brooks

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

Holly Jacobus

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

Valentin Fyrst

Valentin Fyrst joined the Board in September 2024 after regularly volunteering with Raise for Rowyn since the middle of 2023. Valentin lives in Yelm where he is an active community member, receiving the Best of Nisqually Valley Volunteer Award 4 times in the last 5 years (2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024) for his work with Yelm Love Guy, as well as his far reaching community involvement. Valentin works for Gemini Legal, a Sacramento-based company providing Workers Compensation and Civil Support Services. Valentin and Nadine enjoy traveling, country living, and try to keep a close connection to nature. Valentin plays piano and enjoys composing music in his spare time. He also has a witty sense of humor.

Board Member

Steve Rowe

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

Daniel Compton

More Info Coming Soon!

Board Member

This Could be You!

Raise for Rowyn is expanding our Board of Directors. This large Board of Directors will meet every other month while our Executive Board will remain meeting on a monthly basis. Interested in being a part of what we do ? Throw your hat in the ring.