Meet the Team

​Annalisa spent much of her childhood overseas before returning to Louisiana, eventually making Bainbridge Island her home in 2018. She has a deep connection to Stephens House. After seeing how the organization transformed her cousin’s life by surrounding him with joy and a caring community, she became passionate about supporting its mission.  Professionally, Annalisa brings expertise in inclusive education and student well-being as a former special education teacher and Director of Student Services focused on special education and social-emotional learning. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her kids, hiking and cooking.

Alejandra Gutierrez Nuno (Alex (She/They)) has lived in Washington for the majority of her life going to WSU. Once there she got her B.A. Criminal Justice and Criminology and B.A. in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Comparative Ethnic Studies. She worked for Friends of Youth as a Youth Counselor, and then Easterseals WorkForce Development assisting with Individual Employment and Community Inclusion. After this she worked as a Paraeducator in the Central Kitsap School District, and then as a 1:1 Support Specialist at Catalyst. During all these changes every October for the past 6 years she has worked as a Scare Actor at My Haunted Forest in Vaughn WA. During her free time she collects hobbies (crochet, sewing, origami, jewelry, and more) and enjoys reading and listening to true crime, medical mysteries, and horror.

Maria Rosenberg-Kjelds brings a global perspective and a background in project management to the Stephens House team. Originally from Denmark, Maria holds a Master’s degree in Development and International Studies. Her diverse career spans leading expeditions across seven continents—including Mt. Kilimanjaro—to managing large-scale cultural heritage and marine environment projects in Europe. Now settled on Bainbridge Island, Maria enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family, her two Golden Retrievers (Skipper and Bodhi), and horseback riding.

A long-time Kitsap County resident, Jackie brings extensive experience in leadership, marketing, community outreach, and holistic health. As a certified yoga instructor, Health and Wellness Coach, and former fitness center owner, she is passionate about helping others thrive through fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle education.

Jackie’s career includes over a decade of compassionate caregiving for individuals with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, brain injuries, and age-related needs, as well as work as a Client Care Coordinator for a youth therapist and a local property manager. Raised alongside a sister with cerebral palsy, Jackie developed a lifelong dedication to inclusion and IDD advocacy, serving as a volunteer lead for Capernaum Kitsap. Guided by her belief that "the only way to build community is to be in community," she is dedicated to ensuring everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Outside of work, Jackie loves running, hiking, paddle boarding, live music and time with her three grown daughters, family, and friends.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kendra recently relocated to the Olympic Peninsula with her partner, where she continues to be inspired by the area's natural beauty. She holds a history degree from the University of Minnesota and brings a strong background in nonprofit operations, program coordination, and senior care.

Kendra excels at connecting with diverse communities and is passionate about creating inclusive, people-centered spaces where everyone can participate in meaningful activities. She considers her time at Stephen's House a true joy and is grateful to be part of such a wonderful team.

Bio coming soon.

Lori, her husband Josh, and their extended family have lived on Bainbridge Island for the past 16 years.  After moving from the east coast, they chose Bainbridge as their home due to its sense of community.  In addition, they felt it would be a great place to raise their family and a welcoming environment for Lori’s brother-in-law, Chris, who has Down’s Syndrome.

Lori has worked for Nordstrom for the past 27 years.  She is currently a Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Nordstrom.  She joined the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation Board in 2021 to help keep their mission alive after seeing firsthand how vital the program is for adults with disabilities, like her brother-in-law Chris, a member.

Risha is a native to the Pacific Northwest, with a bachelors degree in Business Administration and 20 years of experience in merchandise and financial planning in the retail industry. She is currently a Vice President of Financial Planning and recently supported an organization wide transition from retail accounting to cost accounting.

Risha joined the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation board to connect her financial acumen to the mission and opportunities provided by the Stephens House.

Bio coming soon.

Ronald is proud to be a new addition to BISNF Board of Directors. Ronald is an attorney whose career spans serving as a chief prosecuting attorney, in house counsel for Seattle Public Schools, of counsel at the Seattle law firm Preg O'Donnell and Gillett, and beginning in April, he has served as associate superintendent of human resources and legal services for the Bainbridge Island School District. Ronald has dedicated a large portion of his career to civil rights and inclusionary practices and cares deeply about the the valuable work and mission of BISNF. Ronald lives in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle with his husband Marvin and dogs Marty and Mia. They plan to move to Bainbridge Island sometime in the near future.