Meet the Team

Erika Van Bibb is an experienced Executive Director and social impact strategist with over 20 years in organizational development and equitable leadership.

She has led international NGOs and nonprofits, including co-founding an accredited educational organization in Asia and consulting for Bainbridge-based nonprofits, focusing on program design, fundraising, and compliance. Erika’s work spans creating inclusive, community-driven programs, mentoring teams, and building partnerships that support vulnerable populations and advance social and environmental justice. Her expertise in curriculum development and holistic program design reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals and fostering meaningful engagement. Erika brings a compassionate, strategic approach to improving the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Jonah is originally from the Midwest but moved to the PNW in 2022, first spending time in Seattle before calling Bainbridge Island home. Before joining Stephens House the majority of his professional career has been in healthcare connecting with diverse populations from many different backgrounds. Needing a change of pace after the pandemic, Jonah pivoted to working in technology with a specific interest of making it more accessible and functional for all levels of ability.

While not at Stephens House you can usually find Jonah observing wildlife, connecting to nature trails on urban hikes, or passing the time 100% completing video games.

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Penny is a native of Oregon, although she lived on the East Coast for ten years, earning her Masters in Education in Philadelphia before returning to the PNW and Bainbridge Island in 2004. Her professional career has included a number of teaching positions, including outdoor education, early childhood education, physical education teacher and coach, and more recently, special education teacher. Earning her Special Education endorsement at Seattle University, Penny taught K-8 as a Resource Teacher in the Bremerton School District and then served as a mentor to new teachers in the field before joining Stephens House. 

Penny enjoys being active outdoors, including running, cycling, hiking, and paddle boarding in Puget Sound. 

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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.