Stephanie has served as Development Director since August 2022, where she continues to nurture the meaningful relationships she has built with residents, families, and alums during her many years of service. Her development work spans targeted fundraising campaigns, special projects, events, scholarships, and more. Guided by a relationship‑based approach, Stephanie focuses on building trust, fostering authentic connection, and engaging supporters in a shared vision for recovery and transformation. She is also the proud host of CooperRiis’ monthly Family Education Sessions, a role that deepens her engagement with families and strengthens the support network surrounding each resident.
Stephanie joined CooperRiis in 2010, drawn to the mission through a deeply personal family experience that sparked her commitment to supporting individuals and families on their healing journeys. Over the past decade, she has served in a variety of roles across the organization, contributing to both the Asheville Community Program and CooperRiis at Asheville. As Managing Director, she supported the launch of the CooperRiis short‑term, Clinically Intensive Program and helped shape a culture grounded in whole‑person recovery.
“Families, residents, and staff form a single circle here at CooperRiis, each offering a steady light that helps guide the way forward. In every conversation, we shape a small harbor of belonging, a place where people can arrive with their stories and find themselves supported into a new beginning.”
Stephanie earned her Degree in International Studies and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Originally from Minnesota, she treasures memories of canoeing in the Boundary Waters, even though she doesn’t miss the long winters.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time at the lake with her family, reading, meditating, and cooking.