Staff & Board

TSNW Staff

Jennefer Boyer, MPH

Executive Director

Jennefer has been with Team Survivor since 2019. Her background is in public health, with 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She received her Master of Public Health degree from NYU’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her work with nonprofit organizations, such as the World Health Organization, has taken her on a journey of living and working abroad in countries including France, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Haiti, Kenya and DR Congo. While working as the Special Assistant to the President at Catholic Medical Mission Board, a world-wide nonprofit organization based in New York City, she was responsible for the creation and management of the Global Strategic Plan and the Execution Plan.

When children (now ages 9-12) became the center of her life, Jennefer settled in the Seattle area and became a consultant for smaller nonprofit organizations and served on various nonprofit boards. In recognition of her volunteer efforts in adoption work, she was presented with a Congressional Award in Washington, DC. She speaks English and French and enjoys swimming, running and reading nonfiction, but her passion for TSNW is what ignites her enthusiasm most of all.

Beatriz Palacio

Operations Manager

Beatriz joined Team Survivor in June 2019. She has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. In her career, she has done office management work for companies like HSBC, Citi Group and Colonial Life. With her experience implementing information technology solutions, her expertise has been put straight to use at TSNW. Beatriz is an organizer and loves planning events like galas and retreats. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and a good listener, ready to help wherever needed with a smile. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with her family, including her 10-year-old daughter.

Rachel DeMeester, MPH

Program Director

Rachel has a master’s degree in Public Health from Brown University and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is passionate about practical strategies to help people lead healthier lives—like the programs at TSNW. She loves that TSNW is dedicated to building community and removing barriers to exercising when women really need the support. Both individual- and system-level behavior changes are vital, and Rachel has extensive experience in both. Past positions in fitness include personal trainer, water aerobics instructor, and physical therapy aide. In healthcare, she has helped many organizations implement quality programs with a special focus on equity, including improving tobacco cessation training and outreach, implementing medical records, reducing racial disparities in care, and examining how payers can pay for care differently to improve clinical outcomes.

Rachel speaks English and Spanish and enjoys modern dance, running, swimming, and lifting weights. As an adult she was always active but has a better appreciation after children of the mental and physical barriers and benefits to working out. She is delighted to be part of the TSNW team to learn from members and support their connection and health.

jessica ivins

communications Manager

Jessica is thrilled to be joining Team Survivor Northwest after spending the last 13 years working in journalism. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast, and began her career as a television news producer for the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City. Jessica has since worked as an editor, web content manager, freelance writer and social media director. She has a passion for storytelling and finds purpose and empowerment in learning from the experiences of others.

Jessica is humbled and thrilled to help Team Survivor’s extraordinary members share their unique and inspiring stories with both the TSNW community, as well as the broader community at large. She knows firsthand the healing power that fitness can provide, and has leaned on daily runs to help manage anxiety and stress. She feels passionately about connecting with one’s body to find empowerment and strength.

In her spare time, Jessica loves running, hiking, traveling, cooking, and listening to true crime podcasts. She’s happiest when she’s with her husband and three children on the water.

Shanna Case

marketing Manager

Shanna is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience shepherding complex projects from strategic planning to detailed execution and data-driven optimization.  Her corporate experience includes DDB Worldwide, Microsoft, and Eddie Bauer.  Alongside her career, she’s been an active member of a number of non-profit organizations supporting children and animal welfare.  She’s thrilled to join TSNW and bring her marketing experience together with her passion for the non-profit world toward a cause very close to her heart.  A cancer survivor herself, Shanna feels great kinship with the members of TSNW.  Exercise and spending time in nature were an empowering part of her own healing.  When she first learned of TSNW, she knew it was a place she desired to actively support and one that would become a part of her own continued growth.

Krysta Strasbaugh

Member & Volunteer Coordinator

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Krysta loves coffee, nature and just about anything cozy. She is passionate about human connection and believes we are better together!
In recent years Krysta has focused much of her time on local causes, working alongside fellow parents to improve racial equity in schools and with community leaders toward antiracism in city government. She became a mother through transracial international adoption and advocated for ethical adoption practices while living overseas. Previously, Krysta earned her degree in American Sign Language/English interpretation from Western Oregon University and provided interpreting services in the greater Seattle area.
Krysta is inspired by the hope women find as TSNW members and is excited about supporting the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to increase access and belonging. She can’t wait to meet YOU – ideally out for a beautiful, crisp walk with a warm thermos in hand.
Hallie Arnott

program coordinator intern

Hallie is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is double majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Medical Anthropology with a minor in Education. Following graduation in May 2024, she plans to participate in Teach For America for two years and then receive her master’s degree in Public Health following the program. Hallie spend her summer 2023 TSNW internship serving as a Program Coordinator – working under our Program Director doing member communication, program monitoring, clinic outreach, and helping with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, among other duties.

With a keen interest in fitness, Hallie is a runner and a dancer at UNC Chapel Hill. She just completed her 3rd half marathon and is planning to do a full one in the fall. She also dances for Blank Canvas Dance Company; a student-led dance company at the university. Hallie loves to read, hike, and anything to do with shopping. She is extremely excited to be a part of the TSNW team this summer and learn what it truly means to be a part of this wonderful community.

TSNW Board

helen lally - President

Helen hails from New York and was brought out to Seattle by a local insurance company in the mid-90’s. She joined TSNW in October 2019 after finishing her breast cancer treatment. Her first exposure to TSNW was the Fitness Retreat and she has enthusiastically embraced the organization since!

According to Helen, the best thing about having cancer was finding TSNW. When she was diagnosed, she said that she would come out stronger and help others with this disease. Her involvement in TSNW allows her to achieve those goals.

Helen is the owner of an insurance consulting company and is excited to bring her professional business skills to the board and help perpetuate the organization to continue reaching the survivor community. 

Helen is an avid golfer and enjoys most sports. She loves to garden and brings all those goodies into the house where she cooks and cans. She and her wife Laura live in Edmonds with their border terrier (Lizzie Frances) and long-haired calico (Marin).

Lisa Black - Vice President

Lisa Black is a 12-year cancer survivor. She retired from Intel in 2016 after 17 years working as an engineering manager, program manager and senior operations manager. Prior to that she worked for various software companies delivering commercial software. Lisa has a BA in Anthropology from Wellesley College and a Masters degree from Seattle University in Software Engineering. Since retiring, Lisa has immersed herself in the non profit world, currently serving on two boards that connect to her passions. She considers it a privilege to be able to work for her favorite causes. Lisa joined TSNW as a member in 2010, served as President from 2019 to 2022, has served as a volunteer for the Fall Gala for several years, Dragon Boat Captain for two years and is now delighted to be able to continue to support TSNW as Vice President. She believes that joining TSNW is the silver lining in the dark cloud of cancer. She has no children and currently resides in Maple Valley with her husband Bob Sterzinger and their two cats.

Jan fitzpatrick - Treasurer

Jan lives with her husband, Jim, on Capitol Hill where they raised their two sons. They enjoy many outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, and snow activities – whatever gets them outside! During Jan’s cancer treatment and recovery, she was extremely grateful for Team Survivor Northwest. The positive upbeat camaraderie with focus on fitness was exactly what she needed. Now she is paying it back by helping Team Survivor as a board member.

Jan’s education includes a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, along with certifications in computer systems, project management, and business analysis. She spent over 30 years at REI, mostly in IT project management. Volunteer work includes helping The Mountaineers and Hanford Challenge, a watchdog organization dedicated to the safe cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site. In her spare time she enjoys participating in Team Survivor activities and connecting with Team Survivor members.

Jaimie Reavis - secretary
Jaimie Reavis is a transplant to the Pacific NW from Arizona, where she grew up riding her bike, hiking, and swimming. She moved to Seattle to attend graduate school for urban planning at the University of Washington. As an urban planner since 2005, she has a passion for active transportation – walking and bicycling – and encouraging development of healthy communities. During breast cancer treatment she gained a better understanding of what kinds of activities feed her soul – getting outside and exploring, experiencing new things, appreciating everyday moments of wonder. In Team Survivor Northwest she has found a community of supportive and amazing women and a venue to build physical and emotional strength.
Abbe Jacobson, MPA

Abbe Jacobson is a 19-year cancer survivor committed to fitness and an active lifestyle. Prior to joining the TSNW Board, Abbe worked for two years as the organization’s Outreach Manager. Abbe has worked as a Health Coach for more than a decade and recently obtained national board certification through the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches. She owns and operates her own coaching business, providing virtual health coaching nationwide.

Abbe has spent most of her adult life encouraging women to prioritize their health and she is passionate about TSNW’s mission of providing free fitness to women cancer survivors. Abbe holds a BA in Political Science from Kenyon College (OH) and an MPA in Public Policy and Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (NY). Abbe is the proud Mom of two young adults, Sam and Ellie, and savors time with her husband, Curtis, and their dog, Charlie.

Jo Gartenberg

Jo has been a Team Survivor member for several years. She grew up outside of Boston MA, has lived in Philly, DC, Redmond, London and now resides in Bellevue. Jo’s background is customer driven focused. She has worked for several Associations in Membership and has volunteered at her children’s schools, parent councils and non-profit organizations. She is currently working part time in a non-technical capacity for a regional computer IT-company.

In Dec. 2017, Jo was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, discovered by a routine mammogram. Wanting to continue an active lifestyle, Jo looked to TSNW Active Women/Healthy Women classes during chemo for a positive place to stay fit, strong and supported. In January 2019, she signed up to climb Mt. Adams at TSNW’s annual retreat, joined forces with the Midweek Hiking group to train, and summited Mt. Adams in July.

Jo and her husband recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and have three boys ages 24, 21, and 19. In addition to participating in TSNW fitness classes, Jo loves to play tennis, hike with her dogs, and travel with her family. “Being active has been a vital component- both physically and mentally – to my recovery. TSNW has been a silver lining in my journey and I feel passionate about giving back and encouraging others.”

Patricia Gow

We are thrilled to welcome Patricia Gow to our TSNW Board! Currently head of R&D Business Operations at Amgen, a publicly-held, global biotechnology company, Patricia oversees and drives business operational excellence with a focus in finance & supplier management within the Research & Development organization.  
 
Prior to Amgen, she held scientific, project management, business development and marketing leadership roles at two other organizations and has over 25 years of volunteer and fundraising experience. Patricia holds a Music Degree in Piano Performance from University of Toronto, BSc, MSc from McGill University and completed Amgen’s Executive Women’s Leadership program at UCLA – Anderson’s School of Management.  
 
Patricia joined TSNW over a year ago and is excited to be joining the board.  Her passions outside of work and volunteering include her family (husband and two children – one in college and the other a senior in high school), her adorable Australian mini labradoodle (Biscuit), cooking, reading and traveling.

cami k. keyes

Cami comes from a long career in public relations and marketing for both non-profit and for-profit organizations. She specializes in marketing strategies to increase awareness and build momentum. She also has a lot of experience in copywriting, fundraising and event planning. In her role as a Team Survivor Northwest board member, she plans to use all of her knowledge to work with staff and fellow board members in supporting the goals and strategic initiatives of the organization

Now partially retired, Cami joined TSNW a few years ago while overcoming a 6-year battle with lymphoma that included two stem cell transplants. She is now in remission and is a cancer thriver in large part due to the programs available through Team Survivor. She still struggles with many side effects from her treatments and was so happy to find classes that allow her to move and get stronger in a comfortable, encouraging environment. Always a believer that it’s important to give back where you can, Cami has enthusiastically volunteered for TSNW since she first joined, including helping to plan and promote the annual Gala.

Born and raised in Northern California, Cami earned her degree in public relations and marketing from California State University, Chico, where her son also recently graduated from. She has lived all over the country but has called the Seattle area home since 1997. When she is not volunteering somewhere, she enjoys birdwatching, gardening, cooking, travelling, long hot baths and spending time with her son who lives on Capitol Hill. Of course, she also loves exercising in almost all forms.

Advisory Board

  • Julie Gralow MD
  • Kristine Rinn MD
  • Ann McTiernan MD PhD
  • Denise Bundow, ARNP
  • Sandi Johnson MSW
  • Hannah Linden MD
  • Kristi Harrington MD PhD
  • Mary Heffernan ARNP
  • Janice Connolly MD FHM
  • Kim Dammann RN
  • Patricia Dawson MD
  • Lexi Harlow PT
  • Katie Fitzmaurice
  • Ginger Hultin MS RD LDN

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