Board of Directors

Jim Shanks

PRESIDENT

Finance and Growth & Development

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 previously served as Board Chairman from 2018-2019.

Shannon Watkins

vice president

Growth & Development, Chair

Shannon is married with 3 adult daughters, 1 son-in-law, and two four-legged, very loud pups. She enjoys rock climbing/hiking, OrangeTheory, wine tasting, relaxing on the beach, and singing in the car (when NO one can hear). Shannon is a highly trained Realtor/Broker of a large team in the South Metro Atlanta area who is passionate about her clients. Shannon was 28 years old when she became a believer and shares the love of Christ in all aspects of her life. This comes through to her clients and those she serves through the genuine care she has for their financial well-being and not just after the sale. It also is evident in the ministries she serves through the financial support and time she gives.

Sally Bostwick

TREASURER

Finance, Chair

Sally and her husband, Joe, reside in Jackson, Georgia. They have 2 children, 8 grandchildren, and enjoy life on Jackson Lake surrounded by family and friends! Sally worked in the financial industry for 40 years, retiring from Truist Bank in 2021. She has graciously volunteered to put her financial expertise to work for Rachel's Gift as our Treasurer and we are so grateful!

Joyce Simpson

Secretary

Finance and Growth & Development

Joyce is a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is originally from the show me state of Missouri, but was transplanted to Georgia 28 years ago by way of her husband, Jim's job. Joyce and Jim were high school sweethearts and have been married for 58 years. She is very active in her church and in her spare time loves to read, sew and especially make quilts.

Heidi Boutwell

Finance

Heidi was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but moved to Georgia at a young age where she met her husband, Brent, of 20 years. Before his passing, he served on the Rachel’s Gift Board, and they both volunteered in various ways. God blessed them with two incredible children, Caroline and Caleb. Heidi currently lives in Jackson, Georgia with her two fur babies and she calls Rock Springs her church home. Heidi is the owner/operator of Correctional Resource Group and her education and professional background is in business administration.

Jessica Woodall

Fundraising & Marketing, Chair

Jessica and her husband of 28 years reside in Jackson, GA. William and Jessica have raised 3 children and have entered the wonderful world of grandparenting! Jessica is a former preschool teacher at the Sharon School where she lovingly taught for many years. She has been involved in one way or another with Rachel's Gift since its inception and is a valued member of the Rachel's Gift family!

Michael Bateman

Fundraising & Marketing

Michael lives in Jackson, GA with his wife Elesha who is a Rachel's GIft Board Alumni. They have two children, Max and Ella.

Kristen Chapman

Fundraising & Marketing

My name is Kristen Chapman. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and the youngest of three siblings. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a health and wellness degree. I have worked in various roles in the education and health and wellness field. I committed my life to helping others become a better version of themselves through healthy exercise/diet and lifestyle decisions. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Joe Chapman. We have four children. McKenzie, 19, is a student at UGA. Macie, 17, is a junior at Creekside Christian Academy. Mabrie, 11, is in 6th grade and also attends Creekside. Our fourth daughter, Mullaina Grace, is our Angel baby who watches over us all and awaits on our arrival in heaven.

When I am not busy “mothering”, I work in various capacities at Chapman Group Realty, a brokerage my husband started in January of 2017. I am so honored to be able to work and help carry out the vision of Rachel’s Gift. It provides me the opportunity to be of service to families in situations such as mine many years ago after the the loss of my daughter. It is my mission for no mother, father, or family member to ever feel alone after the loss of their child.

Carla Shoemaker

Fundraising & Marketing

Carla was born and raised in the south Atlanta area, has been married for 16 years, and has 3 children. She has been an active member of Eagles Landing Baptist Church for over 20 years. Carla is passionate about helping others and has volunteered for Rachel's Gift for several years at fundraising events.

Laura Lance

Growth & Development

Laura and Brandon Lance came to Atlanta from Ohio to Atlanta through their partnership with a medical missions ministry that relocated to McDonough in 2021. Laura has a background in clinical counseling and health and wellness.The couple are parent’s to Evelyn (8) and a little one they look forward to holding in heaven.

Tracey Prince

Growth & Development

Tracey is a Georgia native married to her high-school sweetheart, Ronnie and mother to their son, Jarred.. They currently reside in Forsyth, Georgia and love spending time together with family and friends. Tracey has a strong background in training, safety, and project management and is the owner and designer of Cross Country Digital Design. Tracey and her husband attend and serve at Southpoint Fellowship in Locust Grove. 1 Peter 4:10 - “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

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