Willow Center Board of Directors
June 2016
Moving the Mission forward....
Last December, the Willow Center received a grant from the National Alliance for Grieving Children to support the Board in a Strategic Planning process. Out of that work has come a plan to invite potential Board Members to learn about the organization and determine if this would be a good place for you to dedicate your time. I am reaching out to you because you have been identified as an individual who has given of his/her time, treasures and talents to serve our beautiful and diverse community. You have also been identified as someone with a heart for our mission....
The Willow Center provides peer support groups for children and teens grieving a death of someone close to them and extends supportive services, grief resources and education to families, care givers and the community free of charge.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best to you!
Kristin Schmidt, Executive Director
208.791.7192
Gretta Jarolimek, LMSW, ACHP-SW, Board Chair
Committees: Executive & Program
Gretta, born and raised in Northern Idaho, has a lifelong connection to the local community and a strong interest in raising awareness and enhancing accessibility around end-of-life and grief related services. Gretta has worked in the non-profit arena for over 18 years having provided medical, social, and legal advocacy and counseling services to individuals, families and community groups. Currently, Gretta is the Director of Continuum of Care at St Joseph Regional Medical Center, a service line that includes Hospice, Palliative Care, Social Services and Care Transitions Nursing. Gretta is the Willow Center Board Chair and a member of the Executive and Program Committees. Having seen the powerful impact that the Willow Center has in our community, Gretta is dedicated to lending her skills to the cause. Gretta is a mother, a champion of wholehearted living and an unapologetic optimist.
Lisa Hechtner. Vice Chair
Committees: Executive & Public Relations
Angela Cromer, Board Secretary
Committees: Executive & Fundraising
Angela Blewett, Past Board Chair
I was approached 6 years ago to consider being on the Board for the Willow Center. I had never been on a Board before and was a bit apprehensive about the time commitment, if I would be a good fit to be on a Board, and wondering what skill sets I would have that would benefit the Board. For me volunteering has been a big part of my life since having kids. I have always volunteered in some way that supports kids. From coaching many different sports that my kids participated in, organizing fund raising events for kids, and also many school activities. Therefore, when I learned more about the Willow Center I knew this would be a good fit for me to once again support kids.
I recently told a friend that if everyone in our community could listen to the kids that come to Willow Center that they would be hooked as much as I have been! The services that we provide is so very important and needed in our community and the kids that participate are a testament to this.
My fulltime job is a Director at Regence which I have been an employee of for 27 years. Along with a great team, I oversee 224 employees that handle a variety of insurance functions across 4 states.
Along with my family we enjoy most anything outdoors primarily around camping and snowmobiling.
Gina Rinehart, Fundraising Committee Chair
Committees: Executive & Fundraising Chair
Gina is a VP, Business Relationship Manager at Banner Bank. She was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho. Gina started her banking career in 1981, and has held multiple positions. Gina attended the University of Idaho and graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School in 2003.
Community involvement is very important to Gina. She joined the Willow Center, Inc., for grieving children board in 2009, and served as Board Chair from 2012-2014. She is currently the Fundraising Committee Chair. Gina completed a three year term on the Lewis-Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce, serving on finance committee and various fundraising events. She has been an award recipient through the Chamber multiple times, including Board Member of the Year award in 2012, Volunteer of the Year 2011, Ambassador of the Year three consecutive years 2009 – 2011. Gina serves on the Lewis Clark State College Business Advisory Council, and is active on NAIA World Series committee.
Gina loves to travel, and enjoys the outdoors, spending much of her free time camping, 4-wheeling, boating and playing golf with Chris. She has a step-daughter, Courtney, son-in-law Donny; two dogs including a Golden Retriever named Ginger, and Buddy the Rat Terrier.
Andrea Braden
Committee: Public Relations
Angie Baldus
Angela Baldus earned her Master in Education in Educational Leadership and Bachelor in Science in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho. She has more than a decade of experience in elementary education—both teaching and administration—and is currently the principal of Highland Elementary in Clarkston, Washington. Angela has a passion for supporting children and has been a member and officer of the Nezperce Service League, Clearwater Youth Alliance Board member and PEO member. Through her work with students and families, she was able to witness the positive impact the Willow Center had on the Valley. Angela began serving the Willow Center Board of Directors in the Spring of 2015 and is a member of the Fundraiser Committee. She has volunteered at Camp Erin in the kitchen and clinical team as well as many of the fundraising events.