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Lori Beth Blaney PRESIDENT |
Lori Beth resides in McDonough with her husband, Sam, and their two sons, Jake and Shane. Sharon Baptist is their church home. She founded Rachel's Gift in 2008 after an automobile wreck caused the death of her daughter, Rachel, with whom she was in her 8th month of pregnancy. Her passion is to assist other mothers through this often "silent grief" and to empower hospital staff to become more confident and comfortable caring for these patients during their time of crisis. She is most thankful for all of the others who have come alongside her to advocate and assist in many ways with this mission. Contact Lori Beth |
Elizabeth Baker VICE PRESIDENT |
Elizabeth is a metro Atlanta native. She became involved with Rachel's Gift as office administrator in 2017. She has an Associate of Science in Business Administration. Elizabeth is proud to help spread the mission of Rachel's Gift. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her dogs, fun with her niece, being outside, and reading a good book. Contact Elizabeth |
Shirley Rainer TREASURER |
Shirley and her husband, Fred, reside in McDonough, Georgia. Fred is also an active volunteer for Rachel's Gift. They are devoted members of Bethany Baptist Church. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. In their spare time they enjoy fishing, camping and fun outdoors. |
Jim Shanks SECRETARY |
Jim has a business degree from Florida State University and has been a successful entrepreneur for most of his career. He has two sons and four wonderful grandchildren. He became Board Chairman in January 2018. |
Naima Williams EDUCATION & FACILITIES |
Dr. Naima Williams is a school and professional counselor who has volunteered with Rachel’s Gift as a support group counselor for the last eight years. She currently facilitates our monthly support group in Fayetteville, GA. Naima and her husband, Adrian, have three children, Nyambi, Ajani, and their angel baby Adrienne. Naima is grateful for the opportunity to serve families as they walk toward healing. |
Rob Gauvin FUNDRAISING |
Rob is the father of two sons and stepdad of three girls. He loves the outdoors and enjoys running, hiking to waterfall destinations, and riding his motorcycle. Rob has spent the last few years working and mentoring kids. Recently, he has been driven to pursue his GED. Rob has a servant's heart and is known as "the dude for stuff," as he is always ready to lend a helping hand in whatever needs done no matter how big or small! "The Prince of Peace has blessed me beyond imagination and I am honored to give back by being a part of Rachel's Gift." |
Shona Jonson EDUCATION & FACILITIES GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT |
Shona and her husband, David, own NEWSole Running in McDonough, Georgia. She has a passion for helping those who have experienced loss and those who help the grieving. The Jonson's know first hand the brokenness of losing a child and the blessing others can be in this difficult time. |
Malissa Mack GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT |
Malissa and her husband reside in Atlanta. She has years of experience in strategic marketing and branding, and has been moved by the Rachel's Gift mission. In 2016, the Macks experienced the importance of Rachel's Gift first hand, and Malissa is passionate about supporting families suffering loss, because it was such an important part of her healing process. In her spare time, she designs and makes jewelry and dabbles in interior design. |
Mike Russell FINANCE EDUCATION & FACILITIES |
Mike is a retired school teacher and administrator. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He is a Deacon and a member of the Trustees at Bethany Baptist Church in McDonough. Mike serves in many other areas as well, and continues to mentor children in the public school system. We are honored to have him serving on our Board of Directors. Mike's wife, Luretha, is a retired nurse from WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital in Griffin. They have 3 adult children. Mike quotes Galations 6:2 as the reason for his servant attitude: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." |
Christy Bivins FUNDRAISING |
Bio coming soon. |
Kathryn McSpadden gROWTH & development |
Bio coming soon. |