Our team.
Joy Dickinson, President and Executive Consultant: Joy guides nonprofits to solve organizational problems, plan for the future, and improve their financial sustainability. With decades of experience, Joy’s consulting work has helped nonprofits to expand services for vulnerable populations, build new buildings, develop staff capacity, improve donor relations, maneuver executive transitions, increase grant revenue, merge, explore new service models, set strategic goals, and more. Joy’s work is founded in her belief that better nonprofits make a better world. Joy has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily serving health and human services related organizations. Joy has her bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Sacramento State University.
Jackie Groah, Associate Consultant: Jackie’s 15+ years of leadership level experience in the nonprofit sector spans grant strategy and writing, fundraising events, donor development and stewardship. Prior to consulting, Jackie held leadership roles at the National Psoriasis Foundation, March of Dimes and Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. During her time at the National Psoriasis Foundation, Jackie launched the National Psoriasis Seal of Recognition. In its first year, it raised $30,000. Today, that program raises $500,000 annually funds research and patient education programming throughout the US. Jackie has her bachelor’s degree in Communications from San Diego State University.
Heather Hughes, Associate Consultant:
Heather Hughes has over 20 years of experience working for large international relief development organizations, including World Vision, World Relief, and Food for the Hungry. Heather’s passion for empowering children to reach their full potential has been a driving force throughout her career. Her experience with non-profit programs began by serving with World Relief as an education coordinator in a refugee camp in Asia. She then joined World Vision as Country Program Manager and later Senior Program Quality Advisor, supporting field offices in Asia, Latin America, and Africa by ensuring that quality programming led to child well-being results. Heather also served as Food for the Hungry’s Grant Proposal Development Manager for its international programs. These experiences have equipped Heather with best practices and proven skills in development strategic planning, program design and impact measurement, grant project management, and reporting. She holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Vanguard University and a Master of Public Health from Loma Linda University.
Tani Sandler, Associate Consultant: Tani spent nearly two decades as a grant writer and development professional with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research and policy institute. She is committed to helping nonprofit organizations craft compelling, persuasive narratives that drive funder interest and investment and illustrate impact on the communities and people served. Tani holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.
Danielle Schneider, Associate Consultant:
Danielle’s professional experience in the nonprofit sector spans two decades. She brings experience as a development professional, Executive Director, and Board Chair/Board Member to her work. She believes this combination of experiences gives her a broad-based perspective in nonprofit operations and management. She has been responsible for reaching fundraising goals, establishing organizational direction, implementing opportunities for growth, managing volunteers, and mission advancement. Danielle is passionate about this work because she believes in the power of philanthropy to change lives.
Danielle holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and Business Administration from Oregon State University and has completed the Willamette Valley Development Officer’s Executive Leadership program.
Bethany Walmsley, Associate Consultant: Bethany holds over 13 years of experience as a nonprofit executive director and development professional. She specializes in grant writing and prospecting, development planning, and designing fundraising programs so donors can personally connect to your cause. Bethany is passionate about helping nonprofits raise the funds they need so they can advance their mission, support their community, and improve the lives of those they serve. Prior to leading nonprofits, Bethany spent nearly 20 years working for healthcare organizations and partnering with clinical staff to strengthen patient safety and improve the quality of patient care.
Payton Cummings, Project Manager and Grant Writer: After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Corban University, Payton became the Event Director Assistant and Brand Ambassador for Bolt Marketing Group. It is through this that she discovered her skills and passion for event coordination, which ultimately led to her becoming the Development Coordinator for Capital Futbol Club. During her time with Capital Futbol Club she also assumed the duties of grant writing. Payton joined Dickinson Consultants in 2022 and is excited at having the opportunity to make a difference through supporting local nonprofits.
Cheryl Davis, Executive Assistant:
Cheryl spent 18 years at a design firm supporting the office as a Purchasing Coordinator. Most recently she worked in Education. Chery has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University.