Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of compassionate, trauma-informed survivors, pioneers in the field, and knowledgeable allies and community members. While our mission is personal, our services are universal. Contact us at hello@survivors-rise.com for more information as we continue to grow.
About Kate
Dr. Kate Chisholm is the founder of Survivors RISE. Her vision for this nonprofit stemmed from her extensive work as a doctoral student at the University of Arizona where her dissertation examined survivors' experiences with the legal system, survivors' perceptions of restorative justice, and her personal favorite, innovative and alternative healing mechanisms for survivors. As a burgeoning leader in this field, she has presented and hosted workshops on her groundbreaking work at the National Sexual Assault Conference and American Public Health Association National Conference. Her work is published in The International Journal of Restorative Justice, Violence Against Women, and has been republished by NIH. Having worked as a victim advocate and sexual assault coordinator in both the legal system and nonprofit sector, Kate has a keen eye for gaps in services and thoroughly enjoys finding creative ways to fill them. As a survivor (and survivor of institutional betrayal), Kate is committed to this work and respects and values the many differing pathways survivors take forward. In her free time, you'll likely find her marathon training, hiking, traveling abroad, dancing bachata, or volunteering for RAINN's online hotline.
About Heidi
Heidi Koffman is a board member of Survivors Rise. As a survivor of sexual violence, she is passionate about supporting other survivors and their loved ones. With a background in criminal justice and an MBA with a marketing emphasis, she brings both professional expertise and personal dedication to advocacy work. She has experience as a business owner and a deep commitment to raising awareness and providing resources for survivors. As a dedicated advocate, she believes in the power of community and holistic healing, aligning closely with Survivors RISE’s mission.
About Amanda
Amanda Durocher is a board member of Survivors RISE. As a survivor of sexual violence, Amanda is passionate about supporting other survivors and their loved ones. Amanda brings years of experience working with survivors through her business New View Advice, a safe space and podcast to assist people on the healing journey. Her platform includes counseling survivors and offering resources for healing from sexual violence. As a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual violence, Amanda is passionate about Survivors RISE’s mission to provide community and resources to survivors of sexual assault. Amanda’s hobbies include writing, singing, and playing piano. Amanda graduated with honors from Boston University.
About Chelsea
Chelsea Young serves as a board member for Survivors RISE. Chelsea has been invested in advocacy work and allyship throughout her personal and professional life and is passionate about supporting the mission and work done at Survivors RISE. Professionally, Chelsea is an educator and a technology consultant with an MBA in management and a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership. Chelsea has worked in higher education for over 15 years and teaches in business and organizational leadership programs online. She also works as a consultant at a technology firm, implementing talent development and learning programs. She loves to travel and spend time with family and friends in her free time.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Racer is a passionate small business owner and artist dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in her community. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, showcasing her commitment to both the arts and effective leadership. With expertise in compliance and governance, she is also a certified CIPP-US and GRCP professional, ensuring that organizations operate within legal frameworks while promoting ethical practices. As a board member for Survivors RISE and the Madison Education Foundation, as well as a member of the Sheaborhood Business Alliance, she actively contributes to initiatives that drive social change and support local causes.
About Athena
As an early literacy specialist, Athena brings a unique perspective to the board. Her work with students facing academic challenges has fostered deep empathy for those facing various hardships. Athena is deeply aware of the need for safe community spaces for survivors of sexual assault. Community connections play a vital role in healing by providing support, validation, and a sense of belonging, helping individuals feel less isolated and more empowered on their journey to recovery. She supports the mission of Survivors RISE, advocating for individualized healing programs and a community where survivors feel safe, supported, and empowered.