the general manager
Casey, General Manager
Queen of calm in the chaos.
With 20+ years of juggling events, clients, and calendars (with flair), Casey is the go-to gal for turning a to-do list into a ta-da moment. From managing high-end financial events in Honolulu to organizing PTA fundraisers that raised $15K+ a pop, she brings the same energy, polish, and passion to every room she walks into.
She’s part marketing maven, part office guru, and part hospitality pro—thanks to a background in culinary arts and a knack for knowing exactly what people need before they ask. Whether she’s building buzz on social media, making CRM systems sing, or charming clients into lifelong loyalty, Casey makes it all look effortless.
Also? Award-winning volunteer, top-producing sales rep, and still somehow always the most organized person in the room.
Efficiency Queen
Liz Caiello, Team Lead
With over 20 years of making chaos look like a well-run machine, Liz brings heart, hustle, and a whole lot of know-how to every role she takes on. From running a school cafeteria like a five-star kitchen (hello, 60,000+ meals and perfect health scores!) to leading massive marketing programs for telecom giants, Liz knows how to get things done—with a smile and a spreadsheet.
She's worn many hats: team leader, systems builder, marketing guru, and even head lunch lady (the fun kind). Whether she’s streamlining operations, designing training programs, or building partnerships, Liz thrives on helping teams work smarter—not harder.
Add in a degree in Business with a side of Spanish, years of community volunteering, and a deep love for people and process—and you’ve got someone who’s as reliable as she is resourceful.
Ms. Friendly
Cam Hawkins, Team Lead
Cam had worked at Whole Foods as a Cake Decorator and Barista and fell in love with making the coffee and talking with the customers. She ended up finding out about RISE and felt like she’d fit right in as someone with ASD Level 1 and SPD. She started working in October 2024 and has loved working here ever since.
Cam’s go to coffee order is an iced decaf brown sugar cinnamon and caramel latte with 2% milk with a RISE Krispie Treat or a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake.
What does she love most about working at RISE?
“I love how the community that we have here is very kind, supportive, and extremely welcoming. I’ve enjoyed working with the RISE staff immensely and have come to really appreciate the warmth that the people bring to the store.”
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.
