Our Team

Jennifer M. Tersigni

MA¸CFRE, Founder and Lead Counsel

Certified Fund-Raising Executive. Certified Interim Executive. Lifecycles Capacity Consultant.

Jennifer M. Tersigni is the founder and CEO of Raise the Bar Consulting, specializing in comprehensive fundraising, organizational alignment, transitional leadership, and interim executive solutions. The proud holder of an unanticipated 25-year fundraising career, Jennifer has helped hundreds of clients, successfully completed scores of capital, endowment, and annual fundraising campaigns, and raised hundreds of millions of dollars in her career.

Jennifer enjoys collaborating with leaders to transform organizations, develop new initiatives, build sustainable funding, and make a meaningful impact in the world. Jennifer’s introduction to fundraising began in the Office of the Social Secretary at The White House, where she planned and implemented political and social events for the President and First Lady of the United States. Jennifer is an adjunct instructor at Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Nonprofit Innovation, a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), a Lifecycle Capacity Consultant, and a graduate of The Third Sector Interim Executives Academy. A first-generation college graduate and holder of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Arizona, Jennifer held public office, served as a university regent, represented Southern Arizona as a Rotary Fellow in Thailand, was recognized as a 40 Under 40 leader, and has lived and traveled throughout fifty countries (and counting!). She brings cross-cultural experiences to her work and always looks forward to life’s next great adventure.

Diana Sheldon

Diana Sheldon’s career spans 30 years of experience which includes working for three national organizations: American Cancer Society, Association of Multi-Ethnic Americans, and
Ronald McDonald House Charities. Diana’s range of experience includes Board
recruitment, finance, capital studies and campaigns, hiring Executive staff and succession planning sessions.
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In 2016 Diana launched her non-profit consulting firm with a focus on Interim Executive
Director work. Diana has facilitated successful leadership transitions for National and
Local organizations across the southwest. While also serving on the following boards: St. Luke’s Home, Children’s Clinic, Sister Jose Women’s Center, YWCA, Eastside Neighbors Volunteer Program.

Diana received her BS degree in Business Management, University of Phoenix,
graduate of the Kellogg Business School of Management Executive Education
Program, Chicago, Ill.

Marta Schoenle, PhD

Marta is an experienced grant writer and research scientist based in Ithaca, NY, with strong ties to Tucson, AZ. With over 10 years of experience working in academic research labs at the University of Arizona and Cornell University, she has contributed to addressing complex biological questions related to human health. Marta’s expertise spans writing successful grant proposals for both federally funded research programs and nonprofit organizations in Southern Arizona.

Holding a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a BS in Chemistry from Buffalo State University, Marta combines a robust scientific background with a passion for supporting research and community initiatives through strategic grant writing.

Marta Schoenle, PhD

Marta is an experienced grant writer and research scientist based in Ithaca, NY, with strong ties to Tucson, AZ. With over 10 years of experience working in academic research labs at the University of Arizona and Cornell University, she has contributed to addressing complex biological questions related to human health. Marta’s expertise spans writing successful grant proposals for both federally funded research programs and nonprofit organizations in Southern Arizona.

Holding a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a BS in Chemistry from Buffalo State University, Marta combines a robust scientific background with a passion for supporting research and community initiatives through strategic grant writing.

Kewona Mitchner

Kewona Mitchner is a dedicated fundraising professional, grant writer, philanthropist, and leader with significant experience creating and implementing integrated and strategic development plans to achieve a balanced and diverse stream of contributed revenue. 

Kewona has worked with a wide range of school districts and community organizations in Michigan, Texas, Ohio, California, and Georgia. Her experience has created a broad skill-set applicable to any situation, and her collaborative abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, and passion make her a valuable part of any team.

Kewona has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years and is passionate about creating change. She thrives to provide resources for nonprofits and takes pride in providing boots-on-the-ground work helping poverty-stricken areas, individuals experiencing homelessness, disaster relief, as well as youth and community development.  She presently serves as the Development Director for a private higher education institution. 

Kewona has accomplished much in her career, including a $2,500,000 multi-year federal grant for youth development and educational support, helping over 3000 families in Houston, Texas with food, shelter, and resources during Hurricane Harvey, and receiving several accolades over the years for the hard work and dedication she has provided assisting non-profits and those in need. She enjoys work with youth development, community development, behavioral health, mental health, healthcare, substance abuse, disaster relief, and veterans’ assistance. She also looks forward to broadening her portfolio to assist more non-profit sectors.

Oliver Kammeyer

Oliver Kammeyer, a Tucson native, has a long history of applying his skills as a
development professional and thought leader to give back to his hometown and home state of Arizona. He is inspired by his roots and dedicated to helping those communities flourish.

Oliver received his BA from the University of Arizona and his MFA from Emerson
College, Boston, MA.

Stephanie Papaefthemiou

Stephanie Papaefthemiou has worked in various aspects of fundraising, development, and grants for over 15 years, with experience as a grant manager and writer. She has enjoyed working with nonprofits across many sectors, especially arts and culture, education, and human services, helping organizations become “grant ready” and working in tandem to highlight and develop their unique assets.

She enjoys travel, reading, visiting museums, and exploring beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

Stephanie received her MA in History of Art from University College London and is a member of the Grant Professionals Association.

Dana Sullivan

Dana Sullivan has been working in education for over 22 years. She brings deep experience in the field of education and leadership. Dana is especially passionate about cultivating and implementing engaging curriculum, creating space in and out of the classroom that allows teachers to thrive, and supporting students in their drive to succeed.

Dana’s work in education has taken her from the classroom to administration and back. Starting out in the classroom Dana was able to learn the ins and outs of classroom teaching. Training and coaching teachers allowed Dana the opportunity to shift her sights from students to teachers. Being an administrator brought further growth in learning and leadership. Consulting between numerous schools brought the opportunity to align programs and ensure that staff received proper training and professional development. Her many years of experience make her an asset to any program.

Dana earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Regis University and holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from National University. She is Montessori trained in Primary (3-6), Lower Elementary (6-9), and Upper Elementary (9-12).

Dana lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband and three sons.

Tiffany Ash

Tiffany Ash is passionate about high quality and meaningful educational experiences for
learners of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. For over twenty years, she has designed and delivered innovative and inspired educational programming for learners pre-k through postsecondary level in a wide variety of settings. Through her graduate studies and continued professional development, Tiffany continues to hone her skills as an educational leader, teacher training, and academic advisor. She is also passionate about outdoor and environmental education, as well as the Montessori philosophy and practice. In designing and directing educational programming, Tiffany emphasizes success through collaboration, team building and highly effective communication. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis on Environmental Learning, as well as Montessori teaching credentials for all elementary levels and including pre-k. Tiffany is also fluent in Spanish and enjoys every opportunity to connect in this way.

Rochelle Kilmer

Shelly Kilmer is a proven education leader with over twenty-five years’ experience. She demonstrates knowledge, compassion, and transformational thinking.  As a consultant and educator, she uses data driven information and strategies to mold and develop site-based leadership. She possesses extensive knowledge in exceptional student services and educational leadership. She has worked in education programs from pre-k through post-secondary. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children. She mentors and develops school leaders in her current endeavors.

Shelly is passionate about advocacy for exceptional children and their programming. She has a thorough understanding of grant writing, compliance, and servicing Title I Programs. Her collaborative team building skills are exceptional.

Caprice Lengle

Caprice Lengle is a 25-year team-oriented fundraising and organizational development professional. Her passion for the nonprofit sector and her strategic, creative and holistic
approach to maximizing resources for any nonprofit organization she engages in is what drives her to perform.

Having worked in all areas of fund development, and a five-year stint as a small business entrepreneur, her greatest strengths include partnering with leadership to create and execute development plans, effective private grant writing and major gift donor engagement.

Described by others as a thoughtful, caring fundraiser, Caprice holds an MA degree in Philanthropy & Development from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.

William Medina

William Medina is a seasoned grant writer and researcher with over 13 years of experience, securing funding for organizations across the U.S. and Latin America. He specializes in serving BIPOC and low-income individuals in areas such as mental health, racial justice, social services, advocacy, and environmental justice.

William has a proven track record with foundations, private companies, and government entities, utilizing search engines like Foundation Directory, Instrumentl, and Grants.gov.

Formerly the executive director of a nonprofit in Nicaragua and a nonprofit board member, William excels in strategic planning, donor engagement, and fundraising. With a degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy, along with his native Spanish proficiency, he effectively communicates with diverse communities and stakeholders.

William is dedicated to fostering positive change, bringing meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to managing multiple projects efficiently.