Our Youngest Employee

 April DeWard is 21 years old and Nicole’s oldest daughter. She presently attends online classes at West Georgia University studying psychology and sociology. April wanted to work at RISE because she is interested in helping people with disabilities, especially since two of her siblings have special needs. She also wants to help children with special needs, are adopted, or are in foster care. April’s favorite drink is espresso. She is very creative and enjoys painting art, hiking, traveling, listening to true crime podcasts, and trying new restaurants. April enjoys getting to know her fellow employees and the customers.

Rita Tyler has been working at RISE for about 6 months. She enjoys working with the BaRISEtas;     their happy, pleasant and kind personalities. Rita enjoys Bekah's Brew with a little cream. She enjoys reading, (mysteries are her favorite) gardening with both plants and vegetables, and going for walks. Rita's favorite movie is Good Will Hunting, and favorite song is The Dance by Garth Brooks.  

 Gavin has worked here since it opened last year in March. He is 17, attends King’s Academy, and is in 11th grade. Gavin enjoys acting in the school drama club and is in an upcoming musical. Aside from school, Gavin likes to go hiking and hang out with his friends. His favorite song is Wauka Wauka by Shakira and his favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. Gavin’s dream job is to be in the film industry as a director, or he would also like to become a teacher. He appreciates the friendly, patient, caring, family atmosphere here at RISE. The hibiscus cucumber tea is his favorite drink.  

Karen Stephan is also a nurse practitioner and LOVES coffee! She admires Nicole’s decision to hire individuals with disabilities to work at RISE. Her dreams involve moving north. When she retires, she wants to work in a coffee shop, as well as run a bed and breakfast. Karen and her husband have already bought the house, and are just waiting for their two daughters to graduate from college. Once the girls have graduated, off they go! Karen feels that working at RISE is good training for when her dreams come true. She loves how coffee warms up her soul. Karen likes to bake desserts and to watch chick flicks. Her favorite drink is iced coffee with coconut milk; the coconut milk gives it just enough sweetness. Karen’s favorite movie of all time is Sweet Home Alabama. Karen’s favorite song is “God Only Knows” by King and Country.

Jaclyn is a junior in high school, and is 16 years old. She was interested in working as a Buddy because she loves working with kids with special needs, and has always been interested in helping others, especially children. One of her big goals is to become an occupational therapist because she feels that she can use her own learning differences to help others to succeed. She hopes to go to either a private or public college. Jaclyn likes how coffee energizes her, especially in the morning. As far as hobbies, she has been figure skating since she was 3 years old. She also helps with special needs hockey. Figure skating and working with individuals with disabilities are her two hobbies.

Jaclyn enjoys her job because she sees a lot of examples of people appreciating those with special needs. Jaclyn’s favorite drink is frozen hot chocolate. Her favorite movie is The Breakfast Club, with  Her favorite song is “Come Together” by The Beatles. 

Anna is 34 years old and loves partnering with the baRisetas; just whatever they are going to do-doing it together. She learned about RISE from Nicole at a Tres Dias weekend. Anna's go-to drink at RISE is any kind of cappuccino and the chocolate doughnuts are at the top of her list for munching! For fun, Anna spends time with her dog, Dottie, a boxer mix, and loves to travel. She also is a new home owner and loves being outside doing yard work. Anna's favorite movie is The Sound of Music; a lover of Julie Andrews. Anna actually got to go to a question and answer time to see Julie Andrews in person last year, similar to a book tour. Being a music person, Anna has a hard time choosing her favorite song, but Keep It Simple, by Matoma was the song she listened to the most last year.