the founder
Nicole, Founder
Nicole started RISE coffee & tea in 2020 for those like her daughter, Bekah, who has Down Syndrome. She wanted to create a safe work environment for adults with special needs and to give them a platform to shine their light. By 2023, RISE turned into a nonprofit coffee shop and Nicole took on the role of Executive Director. She also started a day program called bloom work & play, located next to RISE. When she is not working on fundraising and sharing about RISE in the community, she is found training or practicing nutrition therapy at her wellness studio next door called SHINE. Nicole enjoys spending her time learning about new holistic health methods, playing with her two puppies, or watching Rom-com movies or Love on the Spectrum.
Nicole's go to order at RISE is an Americano with Veggie Egg Bites or a Cheesy Sausage Muffin.
the manager
Gil, General Manager
After a thirty plus year career in the transportation industry, Gil is transitioning to RISE as the General Manager. Gil brings his passion for people, decades of leadership experience, and driven focus, as he looks to make a positive impact at RISE.
When Gil is not working he enjoys spending time with family, reading, and sports.
Gil's go to order at RISE is Shine Strong coffee, with half and half and a splash of salted caramel, a long with a sausage muffin.
What does he love most about working at RISE?
" I thoroughly enjoy working with the BaRISEtas. The passion, positive attitude, dedication, pride in their work, and loving nature are BaRISEta qualities that I admire. Additionally, the customer interaction with the BaRISEta's is truly special."
the executive director
Kaleigh Newby, Interim Executive Director
Kaleigh has an MA in Counseling and has always had a heart for the special needs community. Her sister Lydia, has been involved in SHINE and in bloom work & play and now she gets to work some shifts and events with Kaleigh. Kaleigh loves to travel, read, play video games, and learn deeply about the people she cares about. You can often find her, her husband Jonathan, and dog, Brekker, out on an adventure.
Kaleigh's go to order at RISE is a Ginger Peach iced tea with a pump of raspberry along with Veggie Egg Bites and a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake.
What does she love most about working at RISE?
“I love working at RISE because of the incredible atmosphere! Our baRISEta's and team leads are always having the best time, and it's a wonderful place where you feel part of a community. I also love to see my sister get to shine in a way that we never thought possible!"
mrs. bubbly personality
Jennifer Railey, Team Lead & Baker
Jennifer is a third generation Marietta native where she currently lives with her husband of almost 29 years, 4 kids, and 3 dogs. On her days off she spends her time homeschooling her son (youngest) and hanging with the fam. Jennifer loves going to the pool and going for walks out in the hot summer sun. She loves creating yummy meals for her family as well.
Jennifer came to Rise in January of 2024 initially hired to help with baking needs. She has since learned the team lead responsibilities. Many of her days are spent wearing both hats keeping her moving and grooving. Her favorite thing to bake at Rise are the gluten free chocolate chip cookies, but she loves to eat the Brookie.
Jennifer's go to order at RISE is a toss up between the Nitro Cold Brew with coconut and mocha or the iced hibiscus cucumber tea with coconut.
What does she love most about working at RISE?
"RISE coffee & tea holds a special place in my heart as each one of these BaRISEtas brings such joy to my days and a smile to my heart!! I love being a small part of this wonderful place."
mr. funny guy
Kevin Wilson, Team Lead
Kevin Wilson descends from a lineage of influential figures whose remarkable achievements have shaped history. His great-grandfather, Sir Reginald Wilson, was a celebrated explorer who mapped uncharted territories in the Arctic, while his grandmother, Eleanor Wilson, was a pioneering physicist whose groundbreaking research paved the way for modern quantum mechanics. Kevin’s father, Charles Wilson, is a renowned diplomat, known for brokering peace in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
Despite his illustrious heritage, Kevin's life has been anything but ordinary. At the age of seven, during an expedition with his parents in the Congo, Kevin became separated from the group and was declared lost in the dense jungle. For 19 harrowing months, he survived against all odds, relying on his wits and resourcefulness. Kevin learned to forage for food, navigate by the stars, and even befriended a local tribe who taught him the secrets of the rainforest. His dramatic rescue became international news, and his story of survival captivated audiences worldwide.
This experience, rather than deterring him, only fueled Kevin's thirst for adventure and his commitment to making a difference. He has since traveled to over 50 countries, climbing some of the world’s highest peaks, and undertaking challenging expeditions to remote corners of the globe. An intrepid explorer at heart, Kevin also devotes his time to humanitarian efforts, drawing on his unique life experiences to bring about meaningful change.
In the professional realm, Kevin is known for his fearless approach to problem-solving and his visionary leadership. His ability to thrive in unpredictable situations and inspire those around him reflects the tenacity and spirit of his legendary family. As a key member of our team, Kevin brings not just his experience and skills, but a sense of adventure and determination that few can match.
Kevin's go to order at RISE is an oatmilk latte, Blueberry Coffee Cake, and 2 Bacon Wrapped Eggs!
What does he loves most about working at RISE?
star baker
Ann Worthington, Baker
Ann was looking for good coffee after moving to Marietta in July 2020. On Rte 92 near Sandy Plains in Roswell, she saw a tiny sign that said “Coffee” with an arrow that pointed to RISE- she met Nicole, and found what she was looking for, and lots more! By August, she joined the Mug Club. A year later, she joined the staff. She became a Team Lead and gravitated toward Baking.
Ann’s go-to order at RISE is any coffee on tap with an espresso shot and some steamed half ‘n half along with a Sausage Muffin, a Bacon Wrapped Egg and a Veggie Egg Bite.
What does she love most about working at RISE?
"What I love most is each unique and amazing BaRiSEta. I love sharing tasks, laughter and hugs with my special friends and their families, and the RISE staff makes my life richer and filled with love and service, which is the secret recipe for happiness."
cleaning rockstar
Raegan Railey, Team Lead
Raegan is a psychology major and therefore loves learning about and helping people. She enjoys reading and being in nature. Raegan also appreciates a nice clean environment, so you will probably see her cleaning at all times.
Raegan's go to order at Rise is an iced ginger peach tea with raspberry syrup and lemonade
What does she love most about working at RISE?
"The community, I always feel welcome and adored when I work. The customers are amazing and the BaRISEtas are even more so. My favorite part of the day is when I get to see the BaRISEtas thrive in whatever they’re doing. The sense of accomplishment and joy they share is contagious."
RISE champion
April DeWard
April is one of Nicole's children and helped open RISE in Roswell. April was interested in assisting people with disabilities from a young age, especially since two of their siblings have special needs. They are very creative and enjoy painting, thrifting, listening to true crime podcasts, and all things fashion.
April is also the lead teacher at bloom work & play, a day program for people with special needs that is held next door to RISE.
April's go to order at RISE is a Roswell Rise coffee with almond milk and vanilla along with Veggie Egg Bites.
What do they love most about working at RISE?
“I love working at RISE because of our amazing team!! We get to problem solve together and teach the world how awesome the special needs community is. If you want a supportive, joy filled day, you want to be at RISE!”
