meet our staff
Jaimie Valentini-
Founding Executive Director
I’ve dedicated my life to creating meaningful connections.
I’m a seasoned special needs public servant with over 12 years of experience. I’m passionate about helping families impacted by disability and making individuals feel more included.
Elementary Education and Special Education Certified
I graduated from Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL with a Special Education and an Elementary Education Certification. For 12 years, I spent my time in various classrooms, teaching children and teens with various abilities.
Amy Mason
Founding Partner & Director of Growth & Impact
At Rising Lights Project, I combine my love for serving families impacted by disability with my passion for gardening.
I’m the author of a book for parents of children with disabilities. I have always loved supporting families and individuals with disabilities in my community!
Several years ago, I became very interested in organic gardening and feeding my family healthy homegrown foods. I received my certificate in Permaculture Design from the Resiliency Institute in Naperville, IL, in 2020 and am thrilled to have found my dream job at Rising Lights where I am able to use my gardening knowledge to run our garden-focused programs for adults with disabilities.
Jessica Trevino, CTRS
Co- Director of Programming
Jess is a 2023 graduate of Aurora University with a degree in Recreational Therapy and Human-Animal Science. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has always felt a calling to serve those around her. Jessica’s passion started at a young age because of her aunt Sara who was born with Spina Bifida. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, musicals, and reading. Her hometown is Montgomery, IL and currently lives there with her husband and two daughters-Brooklyn and Sophia.
Nola Noring-
Student Intern & Planning Assistant
In Memory Of
Dale Marie Gurney
When we were brainstorming names for the charity we wanted the name to reflect our mission, but also nod to those who’ve inspired us. One of the biggest inspirations in Jaimie’s life was her mom, Dale Marie Metoyer Gurney. It was Dale’s love for people and her devotion to helping and serving people that was a launchpad for Jaimie’s love for serving the special needs community. In fact, Dale had a part-time job a few years ago shadowing adults with special needs while they worked.
Rising Lights Project is a nonprofit that encompasses Dale’s children - Jaimie as the Executive Director, Katie as a board member, and Michael designed this website.
If you would like to honor Dale’s life, the family is requesting donations be made in Dale’s name to help launch this 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.