Our Team
David Halvorson | President & Founder
Windy Willow Foundation is a changemaker for the crisis within our communities surrounding mental health. Our organization was created to break down access barriers, fill “gray-area” gaps within the system, and to be a voice for those who need us. We’ve invented a modern brand that represents advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention; all the while, fostering community through our events. The reason I started Windy Willow is summed up by Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Anna Swartz | Vice President
When asked why she decided to become a member of the Windy Willow Foundation board she said "Windy Willow is a brand with a purpose and mission that I love. I was so excited when asked to join a team that will make a difference. Mental health affects each and every one of us in different ways, and I want to do my part in bringing awareness to the struggles of mental health and sharing the benefits of wellness. I want everyone to know that they are loved, they have purpose, and they have a community of people that offer understanding and support."
Marisa Randazzo | Secretary
When asked why being a part of Windy Willow is important to her, she responded: “After being presented with the vision of Windy Willow Foundation and given the opportunity to join the board, I couldn’t resist the chance to be part of something bigger than myself, helping to build it from the ground up, and the learning experience that would naturally be involved. Ultimately, it’s the idea of maximizing the impact of what this organization can do for others by providing resources, shedding light to common yet often unaddressed struggles mentally and emotionally in one’s life, and pressing forward on the path to wellness for all.”
Dave Halvorson | Treasurer
When asked why being part of Windy Willow is important to him, Dave said: “We are all called to serve our communities in different ways, and I'm happy to be a part of the Windy Willow Foundation team. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe mental health issues are not getting a proper level of attention. The pandemic is having a profound and untold impact on society, especially with young adults and teens. I’d like to be part of an organization that wants to help those dealing with that impact.”
Katie Boss | Business Development Director
When I first heard about Windy Willow, I felt deeply this was something I needed to be a part of. When asked “why” I wanted to join this foundation, that answer was simple. My “why” is special and treasured to me, but unfortunately my story is not unlike many others “why” when they hear the call to help spread resources and awareness centered around mental health. Mental health awareness has been a big part of my life, transcending even more so into activism in recent years. A tragic event in my own life has brought my passion to help to the forefront of my goals in life, and I truly believe that Windy Willow can touch so many people’s lives with a positive and hopeful light.
Joshua Velasquez | Strategic Partnerships
I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Windy Willow provides a unique opportunity to be involved with a community focused on mental health. Health is wealth, and taking care of one's well being is paramount. As someone who understands mental distress, I chose to use my enthusiasm, along with my compassionate nature, to assist my fellow humans. We're all in this together, and with continued education, encouragement, and treatment, we can create a more inclusive and accepting landscape. I believe the surrounding community and the Windy Willow Foundation can support so many beautiful success stories. One day at a time, with grace and empathy.
McKaela Myers | PR Director
Bringing awareness to the importance of mental health is something I have long been passionate about. Mental illness is not uncommon, and if we are not personally affected, we certainly know someone who is. When learning about Windy Willow and the foundation's mission, I knew I had to get involved in some way or another. I'm thrilled to be a part of an organization bringing awareness to mental health and providing necessary resources. It's a blessing to be able to make a difference and serve in an area that I am extremely passionate about. Let reading this be a reminder that there is power in kindness - you never know who might need it, and we can all benefit from it.
Alex Trombley | Outreach Director
I joined Windy Willow to be able to work with a foundation that puts its efforts into a community to bring awareness to mental health and give the tools to help those through their battles. And for someone who has had their fair share of mental health battles, understanding how I am a work in progress, I hope with my experiences I can support others in their journey.
Kevin Henderson | Strategic Partnerships
I decided to join the board of Windy Willow because they are great team, full of energy, and I wanted to find a conduit to give back. I’ve seen personally the havoc that the pandemic and current world events have caused in families. Children and adolescents are constantly anxious and struggling to find a path that works for them, parents struggle to find a way to help… My aim at Windy Willow is to make a difference, if even a small impact in the lives of the people that really need help. We need to destigmatize the preconceptions around mental health and help the people that are afraid to ask. Even if I can make a small dent in this issue I will count myself successful.
Matt Stoel | Nonprofit Director
I became involved with Windy Willow because mental health matters. As a full time school social worker and part-time mental health therapist, I have seen the struggles that children, adolescents, and young adults face on a daily basis. Personally, I have experienced the amazing benefits and growth that only mental health support can provide. Far too often, those needing the most support do not receive it. Windy Willow has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others who are striving for mental health parity while working to help mend and supplement our mental health care system in Michigan.