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
Casey, General Manager
Casey Hall graduated college with a hotel & restaurant management degree and then continued on to get her culinary arts degree at Johnston and Wales. She has a lot of experience working in restaurants and catering. Casey has a lot of nonprofit experience. She is a gem to us at RISE.
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.”
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."
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."
RISE board
Jason Acree, Board Chair
Michelle Hutchinson, Secretary
Michelle Hutchinson, Secretary
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.
Michelle Hutchinson, Secretary
Michelle Hutchinson, Secretary
Michelle Hutchinson, Secretary
Michelle's passion for supporting individuals with special needs began at age seven, inspired by her father's work at the Department of Developmental Services. She’s also worked as a substitute teacher in special education and has a special bond with her cousin Drew, who has autism.
"What I cherish most is the privilege of supporting such an extraordinary nonprofit. The services RISE provides to the community and the BaRISEtas are truly remarkable."
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
Michelle Hutchinson, Secretary
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
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.
Rick Fossum, Member
Carissa Turner, Member
Jay Carlington, Treasurer
Rick supports RISE with all creative work, including our logo and branded items. He says:
"Throughout my career, I’ve led creative teams, collaborated with national brands, and worked alongside talented designers, strategists, and consultants. But what stands out in every experience is the people. While I continue to work on exciting projects, the people are always the best part.
RISE is a wonderful organization that empowers adults with special needs through employment, skill-building, and a supportive community, helping them grow more independent as they age."
Carissa Turner, Member
Carissa Turner, 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.
Mike Ostrowski, Member
Carissa Turner, Member
Carissa Turner, Member
For the last 30+ years, Mike has been helping clients tackle key business problems leveraging technology. Since his mid 20's, Mike has been a church based youth leader. Additionally, he has spent 10 year coaching youth basketball. "I knew that I wanted to invest more of my time for good causes. As I was pondering my next steps, I was independently approached by two Rise board members. I went to Rise to check things out and I was amazed and fell in love with Rise and more importantly the special needs people that work there. I hope to leverage my skills and passion to make a difference."
Sponsor a BaRISEta from home
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