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.
the executive director
Beth Moore, Executive Director
Beth is practically an East Cobb native, moving here from NY when she was four. She lives in the same neighborhood she grew up in, with her husband of almost 19 years, 3 sons- 13/15/18, and 1 dog. In her spare time, she volunteers at her sons’ schools/athletic teams, church group, plays tennis and loves to read while drinking coffee.
Beth came to RISE recently, after being a customer from the very beginning. Beth has known Nicole for years, and loves how RISE has continued to grow and bloom to help those with developmental disabilities. RISE is a hidden gem in the East Cobb/Woodstock area and Beth wants to share it with the world.
Beth’s go to order is the English Breakfast tea with Veggie Egg Bites, but also LOVES the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownie. With it being gluten free, it is practically healthy, so why not!?!?!
What does she love most about working at RISE?
“RISE is a great place to get great food from a staff that truly loves being there and working to help each other. Our BaRISEtas are such special people and really care about each customer and work hard to do their best. I always leave with a smile on my face and a full belly and cannot believe how blessed I am to work at RISE.”
ms. smiles
Kristin Treanor, Team Lead
Kristin has been in Georgia most of her life and currently resides in Woodstock with her husband and 5 kids. She loves Jesus, traveling with her family, going out with her husband and playing games with her competitive crew! Whenever she has free time, she’s planning her next travel adventure!
Her favorite thing to order at RISE is a double shot of Espresso with some Veggie Egg Bites. OR the seasonal Raspberry Ooey Gooey Cake. Yum!
Her favorite thing about working at RISE is the joy that the BaRISEtas bring. “I love each of them so much, each shift brings something new and fun. They are such hard workers and so individually amazing and they light up my days. I’m blessed to be part of the RISE family.”
(RISE is blessed to have Kristin too!)
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."
Efficiency Queen
Cam Hawkins, 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.
RISE board
Jason Acree, Board Chair
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
Jason Acree, Board Chair
Jason has been the Board Chair since August 2023.
His goal: To be a champion for providing employment and job skills training for young adults with developmental disabilities.
Wendy Cocke, Secretary
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
Jason Acree, Board Chair
Author of "Making Flex Work" and “Reimagine Your Work” | Inspirational Speaker | Professor of the Practice | Program & Project Management and Continuous Improvement Expert
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
Michelle Hutchinson, Member
Jay has been the treasurer for the RISE board since November of 2023. He is an Experienced Equities professional with extensive experience in equity and listed real estate securities investments, market intelligence and fundamental analysis.
Michelle Hutchinson, Member
Michelle Hutchinson, Member
Michelle Hutchinson, Member
Multimedia Marketing Executive : Delivering strategic results in brand recognition, customer procurement, and recruitment - through broadcast and streaming TV advertisements and every kind of digital marketing,
Carissa Turner, Member
Michelle Hutchinson, Member
Carissa Turner, Member
Carissa Turner is our volunteer coordinator and volunteers at events and in the store. She is an experienced Director of Operations with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry.
Sponsor a BaRISEta from home
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