meet our staff
Jaimie Valentini-
Founding Executive Director
I’ve dedicated my life to creating meaningful connections.
I’m a seasoned special needs public servant with over 12 years of experience. I’m passionate about helping families impacted by disability and making individuals feel more included.
Elementary Education and Special Education Certified
I graduated from Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL with a Special Education and an Elementary Education Certification. For 12 years, I spent my time in various classrooms, teaching children and teens with various abilities.
At Rising Lights Project, I combine my love for serving families impacted by disability with my passion for gardening. I’m the author of a book for parents of children with disabilities. I have always loved supporting families and individuals with disabilities in my community! Several years ago, I became very interested in organic gardening and feeding my family healthy homegrown foods. I received my certificate in Permaculture Design from the Resiliency Institute in Naperville, IL, in 2020 and am thrilled to have found my dream job at Rising Lights where I am able to use my gardening knowledge to run our garden-focused programs for adults with disabilities.
Amy Mason
Founding Partner & Director of Growth & Impact
Jess is a 2023 graduate of Aurora University with a degree in Recreational Therapy and Human-Animal Science. During her time at AU, she was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, President of a student club, Treasurer for Sigma Delta Gamma sorority, and worked multiple jobs across campus. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has always felt a calling to serve those around her. Jessica’s passion and source of inspiration was ignited by her Aunt Sara who was born with Spina Bifida. Now being in her career, she feels like the work she is doing is in honor of her Aunt’s legacy. In her free time, she enjoys reading and taking long walks to Chick Fil A.
Jessica Trevino, CTRS
Co- Director of Programming
Tessa Manek
Community Outreach & Events Coordinator
Tessa is a mother of twin boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. With a strong commitment to supporting the special needs community, she has served on the board of the Rising Lights Project for two years before transitioning into a staff position. Tessa holds a degree in English from the University of Iowa and has spent the majority of her career in Human Resources. Her passion lies in connecting with and advocating for caregivers of individuals with special needs. In her free time, Tessa enjoys family activities, boating, and reading. She deeply values the relationships she has cultivated within the Rising Lights Project and the Rising Moms group.
Meredith Pihl
Program Assistant
Meredith is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has a passion for supporting, engaging and learning from individuals with varying abilities and neurodiversity. As a mom and substitute teacher, she found herself gravitating to special education classrooms and wanting to connect more. Her Auntie Colleen was born with cognitive and physical disabilities, which guided Meredith to be committed to inclusivity. She feels a strong connection to the mission of the Rising Lights Project.In her free time, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband, two teen daughters and dog. She loves to decorate cakes and go running (even though she's not fast!)
In Memory Of
Dale Marie Gurney
When we were brainstorming names for the charity we wanted the name to reflect our mission, but also nod to those who’ve inspired us. One of the biggest inspirations in Jaimie’s life was her mom, Dale Marie Metoyer Gurney. It was Dale’s love for people and her devotion to helping and serving people that was a launchpad for Jaimie’s love for serving the special needs community. In fact, Dale had a part-time job a few years ago shadowing adults with special needs while they worked.
Rising Lights Project is a nonprofit that encompasses Dale’s children - Jaimie as the Executive Director, Katie as a board member, and Michael designed this website.
If you would like to honor Dale’s life, the family is requesting donations be made in Dale’s name to help launch this 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.