Meet Our Team
Our work is made possible by people who believe in celebrating individuals, supporting families, and creating opportunities.
Our staff
The people who help bring Rising Kites programs and community to life.
Danielle
Executive Director
Sarah
Program Director
Courtney
Coffee Shop Manager
Greg
Desi
Zach
Nyzayah
Emily
Jacob
Ella
Gabe
Matt
Ricky
Val
Lauryn
Leyana
Assistant Manager
Board of Directors
Meet the people who help guide our mission and support our long-term vision.
Matt & Danielle Grandholm
Danielle and Matt started Rising Kites in 2021 after they experienced an at-birth diagnosis of Down syndrome when their daughter, Sammie, was born. Danielle oversees everything that goes on with Rising Kites from bag distribution to flower growing to medical facility and donor communications to all things social media. Matt oversees finances and helps alongside Danielle to make big picture decisions. In their free time they love to spend time with their family on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Emily Schipper
Emily Schipper is a family physician at Trinity Health Medical Group in Jenison. She is mother to two beautiful boys, Henry & Ari. She connected with Rising Kites initially as a physician and soon after as a mom when she received Henry's Down syndrome diagnosis in utero. She and her family love camping, road trips, food (both the cooking and the eating) and Jesus.
E.B. Sonheim
E.B. is the Director of Marketing at Feyen Zylstra (FZ), a national electrical contractor committed to having a positive impact in the lives of people. At FZ, she crafts and communicates FZ's story to employees, customers, and the broader community. Beyond her role at FZ and board involvement at Rising Kites, E.B. serves as the chair of the David D. Hunting YMCA board and is a mentor with the Calvin University Women's Business Network. E.B. is a busy mom, raising two young boys with her husband Joe. As a family they enjoy long walks, community events, and time outside with their Grand Rapids neighbors.
Julie Strating
Julie is the Co-Founder of Changemaker Studio, a boutique placemaking firm in southwest Michigan. With a diverse background in interior design and film and television, she has found her passion in community building through placemaking. Her work in arts, culture, and community-driven projects has earned her recognition as a Rising Leader by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a special tribute from the Governor of Michigan, a Community Excellence Award from the Michigan Municipal League, and a design award from the American Institute of Architects. She specializes in grant writing and collaborating with communities to create meaningful, enriching, and universally designed spaces.
Arielle Vergunst
Arielle's connection with Rising Kites began when she received a RK resource bag from the hospital where her daughter Zarah was born. She was familiar with working with persons with disabilities as a respite provider, but as a caregiver, connecting with Danielle and the RK community was new and beautiful. Arielle has a M.Ed in Counseling Psychology from University of Toronto, and previously worked as a caseworker with women who struggled with addictions, mental health issues, and homelessness. Since moving to Kalamazoo, she enjoys raising her four kids alongside her husband, running a small business, and continuing to be involved in the local disability community.
Bob Harrison
Bob Harrison served as president of Lake Michigan College from 2009 to 2017 after holding several leadership roles at the college beginning in 1999, including dean positions and executive dean of the Bertrand Crossing Campus in Niles. Before joining LMC, he spent 30 years in health care leadership, serving as chief operating officer of Lakeland Regional Health System and president/CEO of Pawating Hospital in Niles. He earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, an MBA from Temple University, and a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. Bob has also been deeply involved in community service. In 2007, he received the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award for his significant contributions to the community. He has served on numerous local nonprofit and civic boards, including the United Way of Southwest Michigan, Berrien Community Foundation, Hospice at Home, and the Pokagon Tribal Health Advisory Board, where he serves as chairperson.
Be part of our mission
There are many ways to help us celebrate individuals, support families, and create opportunities.
Get involved →