News – Joya

Krista Caro

A native of Spokane, Krista has worked in the local nonprofit community for more than 15 years. Joining the team at Joya is a dream come true after seeing first-hand the benefits therapy at Joya provided her niece and the impact that early intervention has on the lives of children in the Spokane area. Attending both Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University cemented Krista’s love of philanthropy and volunteerism and she’s served on boards for several organizations and is a Sustaining member of the Junior League of Spokane. Krista loves spending time at Priest Lake with her son and dog, traveling and golfing.

Teresa Conway

Teresa joined the Joya Child & Family Development Team in 2018. Prior to that she worked for 12 years in the Eastern Washington University office of Marketing & Communications. Teresa was introduced to Joya when she first moved to Spokane in 2002, during their annual Penny Drive. She never imagined that years later she would need their exceptional services for her own son. Teresa and her family feel blessed that their son was able to attend Joya’s life-changing program for his first three years of life. It has had a profound effect on his development, and empowered her family to seek the best life and care for their son.

Tammy Sweeney

After moving from Los Angeles to attend Gonzaga University, Tammy enjoyed volunteering as a way to get familiar with her new surroundings. Inspired by many people she met and organizations she learned about along the way, her various experiences ultimately led her to seek a career in the nonprofit sector. Knowing how important it is for community support and fundraising, Tammy enjoys gaining relationships with community partners. She also finds it extremely rewarding being a part of life-changing work, as she watches children overcome life’s obstacles and grow into their full potential during their time at Joya. Tammy stays busy as a mom to one year old twin boys! When time allows, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest

Rebecca Cooper

Rebecca was born and raised in Washington State. She lives at home with her sister, and her two cats Maizy and Oscar. In her spare time, Rebecca loves to go on vacation, her favorite spots are Las Vegas and Alaska. Rebecca is also passionate about volunteering, which she does twice a week at the local VA. Rebecca is also on the Blue Dolphins Special Olympics swim team, where she earned two gold medals and two silver medals. Rebecca loves working at Joya, and is excited to help out kids and their families.

Steve White

Steve White grew up in Spokane with a sister and two brothers. He’s married to Karla and has two children and three grandchildren. When Steve isn’t busy making sure the children’s center building is in top condition for our children and families, he enjoys backpacking and traveling with Karla. Steve is a gifted woodworker and creates and donates beautiful one-of-a-kind tables for the Spring Gala Auction. His favorite thing about working at Joya Child & Family Development is seeing the adorable children every day. Steve says he can never complain about anything when he sees our children and the impact that Joya has in their lives.

Donna Riggers

I was born and raised in Spokane, been working with children since 2010 from nannying to volunteering at Joya, Sacred Heart, and Shriners, to working at a daycare. Since I was young, I have always known I wanted to work with children. When I started volunteering at Joya I got to explore and experience a different setting with kids, and it made me love Joya and the kids and family you get to work with. I love working with infants and toddlers. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Children’s Studies at Eastern Washington University, and a Master‘s Degree in Child Life at Texas Woman’s University. During my free time, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and cooking. I also love to spend time with my family and friends. I also love to travel.

Linh Duong

Jennifer Baker

A native of Spokane, Jennifer joined the Joya Child & Development team in 2017. She plays a pivotal role helping families by providing a path through the confusion of health insurance for our clients. She also takes great pride in being the go-to for any health insurance questions that arise from Joya parents and staff. Jennifer is remarkable, making sure that every aspect of the billing is done thoroughly and correct so as to not put any unnecessary financial burdens on families. Jennifer says it’s so fulfilling to ease those burdens. Jennifer is married and mom to an 8-year-old son. He loves his Taekwondo and the family’s two rescue dogs.

Lois Robertson

Lois was born and raised in central Illinois. She moved to Spokane with her husband in 1984. Lois became familiar with Joya Child & Family Development 32 years ago when her daughter was born and required services here. Later, her son was a peer model in a toddler class. When her son was in school full time, the position of classroom assistant opened and she has been here ever since. In 2020, Lois transitioned into her new position of facilities coordinator. When not at the school, Lois is teaching piano or accompanying for the Northwest Opera or Spokane Children’s Theater.

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