Meet our Team

Founder, President

Occupational Therapist 

Dr. Courtney McIntyre, OTD, OTR/L is a distinguished occupational therapist and the visionary founder of RiseWell Foundation. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Courtney has dedicated her career to advancing the field of occupational therapy, specializing in neurodiversity and sensory integration.

Courtney holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Creighton University, where she developed a strong foundation in culturally relevant care and evidence-based practice. Her extensive research in sensory integration has contributed to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches that are both effective and inclusive.

As the owner of GroWild Boutique Playroom and Optimal Therapy Works Therapy Clinic, Courtney has created spaces that foster growth, development, and well-being for individuals of all ages. Her commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care has made her a trusted and respected figure in the community.

Courtney’s passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals is deeply personal. As a mother of two neurodiverse children, she brings a unique perspective and empathy to her work, advocating for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in all aspects of life.

In addition to her clinical practice, Courtney is a dedicated researcher and educator, continually seeking to expand her knowledge and share her expertise with others. Her work has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families, helping them to achieve their fullest potential.

Courtney’s dedication to her profession and her community is evident in every aspect of her work. Her leadership, compassion, and expertise make her a true pioneer in the field of occupational therapy.

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Avery Dukes (she/her) is a dedicated Community Impact Director at the American Heart Association of Oregon, a role they have excelled in since May 2022. With over two years of experience in this position, Avery has been instrumental in driving community health initiatives, fostering partnerships, and leading impactful programs aimed at improving cardiovascular health across Oregon.

Prior to their current role, Avery served as the Director of Volunteer Operations at Water Drop LA from July 2020 to February 2022. During this time, they managed volunteer activities, coordinated large-scale events, and ensured the smooth operation of volunteer programs in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

Avery’s professional journey also includes a stint as a Corporate Communications Intern at Triumph Group in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, where they worked part-time from May 2019 to August 2019. In this role, Avery collaborated with HR and Quality departments to enhance communication processes, developed a recognition program for employees, and contributed to the production of a company app.

Avery holds a Bachelor of Arts in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management from the University of Southern California, where she captained the USC equestrian team. 

Her academic background has equipped them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the non-profit sector.

In addition to their professional roles, Avery is actively involved in volunteer work. They have been a board member at Playworks since January 2023, contributing to the organization’s mission of promoting play and physical activity in schools. 

Avery also volunteers with The Birthday Party Project, bringing joy to children and adults in homeless and domestic violence shelters by organizing birthday celebrations.

Secretary

Kirstina Courtney is a passionate autism advocate and a dedicated professional in the mortgage industry. As a Licensed Remote Mortgage Loan Processor with over 23 years of experience, Kirstina has been instrumental in helping countless individuals navigate the complexities of home financing. 

Kirstina is a fierce advocate for her two neurodiverse children and has lobbied successfully at the Alaska State Legislature for Medicaid expansion, ensuring greater access to essential healthcare services for families across the state. Her efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of many, demonstrating her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community.

In her professional career, Kirstina has held various roles, including positions at Residential Mortgage, LLC, and Alaska USA Mortgage Company. Her extensive experience in the mortgage industry, combined with her dedication to client service, has made her a trusted and respected figure in her field.

Kirstina’s commitment to her profession, her advocacy for neurodiverse individuals, and her role in the Risewell Foundation make her a valuable asset to both her community and the broader field of healthcare and finance.

Treasurer 

Director of Outreach & Community Relations  

Kye Yang Lass, PMP (She/Her) is a dynamic and dedicated Director of Operations at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, based in Camas, Washington. With extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, financial oversight, and cross-functional team leadership, Kye has successfully optimized operational effectiveness, managed large budgets, and driven successful program outcomes.

Kye’s expertise spans change management, compliance, and talent development. She holds several certifications, including PMP (Project Management Professional), ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners), Lean Six Sigma, and a Mini MBA in Marketing. Her proficiency in utilizing innovative tools to streamline processes and enhance market responsiveness has been a key asset in her roles. Multilingual and committed to professional growth, Kye is also deeply involved in community service and mentoring.

Kye’s commitment to operational excellence, her advocacy for inclusive services, and her extensive experience make her a valuable asset to Hewlett Packard Enterprise and the broader community. Her dedication to improving processes and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in every aspect of her work.

Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion 

Leesa Kingsley (She/Her) is the Market Manager at Main Street Health, bringing extensive experience in nursing and healthcare management to her role. She has held key positions such as Case Manager at PRO-Spectus and Supervisor at Centene Corporation, where she led teams and managed complex patient care operations. Leesa’s clinical background includes working as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Broadlawns Medical Center, where she provided critical care in high-stress environments.

Leesa holds a Bachelor of Science in Avian Science from the University of California, Davis, and an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing from Mercy College of Health Sciences. She is a licensed Registered Nurse with the Iowa Board of Nursing.

In addition to her professional achievements, Leesa is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly in the realm of healthcare. She actively works to improve access to gender-affirming healthcare in Iowa, collaborating with local organizations and participating in policy discussions to ensure that all individuals receive the medical care they need. Her efforts focus on breaking down barriers to healthcare access, promoting inclusive and affirming services, and raising awareness about the importance of equitable healthcare for all.

Leesa’s dedication to patient access and health, combined with her advocacy for inclusive services, makes her a valuable asset to the healthcare community. Her commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that all patients receive the care they deserve is evident in every aspect of her work.