Meet Our National Team of Grant Professionals
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Kim Joyce, GPC
Kim Joyce, GPC (Grant Professional Certified), a native of Phoenix, began her career in education and has been involved with the nonprofit sector as a grant professional, fundraising professional, and volunteer for over 20 years. In 2010, Kim founded her grant writing firm, Kim Joyce & Associates, that provides services in the areas of grant writing, prospect research, grant writing training, grant office assessments, donor cultivation coaching, and nonprofit capacity building.
Kim’s clients have included nonprofits providing services in the areas of health and human services, education, at-risk youth, homelessness, healthcare, the arts, charter schools, and faith-based organizations, as well as institutes of higher education, school districts, tribes, and units of local government. Her firm, one of the largest in Arizona, is comprised of highly skilled employees and subcontractors from across the nation and has assisted clients in receiving grant awards of more than $345 million.
Two distinctions set Kim apart from her peers in the industry: she is one of only 21 GPCs in the state of Arizona, and she is one of only 32 GPA Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainers in the world. Kim earned her GPC certification through the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) and is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Continuing Education Approved Provider.
Kim is a proud member of GPA – Arizona Founding Chapter, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), and also serves as a Board Member of the GPCI. She enjoys giving back to the community, both personally, and professionally. Kim previously served as the Board Secretary of the GPA – Arizona Founding Chapter and on various local foundation and government review panels, such as Valley of the Sun United Way, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, and the City of Phoenix CDBG grant review panel.
Kim Joyce, GPC
Kimberly Rogers, GPC
Kimberly Rogers, GPC, has a diverse background and over 20 years of grant writing experience at the local, county, state, and federal level. With a passion for public health, she has held numerous positions in the public health, behavioral health, and social service fields, giving her the opportunity to improve her programmatic and grants management skills in the governmental and nonprofit sectors. She received her GPC grant credential in 2017, was a presenter at the 2018 Grant Professional Association Annual Conference, and currently serves on the Grant Professional Certification Institute Board of Directors. As a former Vice President of Grants for a national behavioral health organization, Kimberly is well rounded in her understanding of grant management and fiscal accountability at the federal, state, and local levels. Her grant portfolio includes primary and behavioral health care proposals, as well as innovative grants focusing on special populations or issues, including veterans' services, youth development, LGBTQ+ programs, as well as social justice, corrections, and the southern border crisis. Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from American Military University.
Kimberly Rogers, GPC
D’Laun Oubre
D’Laun Oubre, MBA brings to Kim Joyce & Associates 10 years of experience in post-award grants management, compliance, and auditing. Over the course of her career, D’Laun has successfully managed $30 million in federal, state, and local grants. She is an active member of the National Grants Management Association.
D’Laun earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University and A&M College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Formerly a resident of Los Angeles, California, D’Laun moved back to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina to assist with relief efforts. She now resides in St. James Parish, Louisiana, a river parish suburb southwest of New Orleans, LA.
Her hobbies include baking southern-inspired desserts and traveling.
D’Laun Oubre, MBA
St. James Parish, LA
Terry Driscoll, MPA
Terry Driscoll, MPA has experience securing funding from a wide spectrum of sources, including corporate and private foundations, state and local governments, and federal grant programs. Successful federal grants he has secured include HOME and CDBG grant programs, SAMHSA, the Economic Development Association, and the Department of Labor. Throughout his career, he has obtained support for a diverse array of programs, such as workforce development, youth education, low-income housing construction, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, immigration, substance abuse treatment, parenting education, homelessness prevention/transitional housing, financial literacy, and small business technical assistance and funding. Terry is highly motivated by, and indeed thrives on, diving into new subject matter and fields.
Terry's past work history also includes nearly a decade of compliance and quality work in the private sector, as well as nonprofit program evaluation and strategic planning experience. Terry's work history has provided him a rich knowledge of the Arizona nonprofit, business, and funding landscape, as well as a skillset that enables him to envision social service programs holistically: from securing funding, through implementation, evaluation, compliance, and reporting.
Terry is a two-time Arizona State Sun Devil, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with an International Relations certificate, and a Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration.
Terry Driscoll, MPA, GPC
Scottsdale, AZ
Harmony Nelson
Harmony is an experienced nonprofit executive, having worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs, United Way, and multiple government and collegiate organizations in Arizona, California, and Missouri. She brings expertise in program development and management, grant writing, and management information systems. Harmony has bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and English Literature. Her non-profit experience has focused on foster care, workforce development, veterans, children’s literacy, and homelessness.
Harmony Nelson, GPC
Scottsdale, AZ
Grace Davis
Grace joined Kim Joyce & Associates in 2024 as a Senior Grants Specialist. She has
cultivated a diverse grants background from working with nonprofits, museums, hospitals, and local and state government agencies in Texas, Wyoming, and Nevada. Her mission of uplifting communities through nonprofit work stems from her love of teaching. Through grant writing in the federal government and nonprofit sectors, she has supported the creation of educational programs and the enhancement of youth-oriented programming. Grace received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master of Arts in Art and Design Education from Rhode Island School of Design. Her interest in the Arts has been a catalyst for providing nonprofits with tailored grant narratives to advance their communities and beyond.
Grace Davis, GPC
Reno, NV
Barbara Polston
Barbara Polston brings 24 years of proposal writing experience and joins Kim Joyce & Associates as a Senior Grants Specialist. Despite achieving success with her first grant proposal, Barbara Polston never set out to be a grant professional. A talent for writing and a passion to improve the world led her to a successful career in proposal and contract writing. She has won millions of dollars through foundation, corporation, and government grants and contracts for human services agencies. Now, semi-retired, Barbara is happy to be part of the Kim Joyce & Associates team and contribute to client success. She earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from San Francisco Theological Seminary and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management through the Nonprofit Management Institute of Arizona State University. When not writing proposals, Barbara can be found in her quilt studio or working on a series of children's books.
Barbara Polston
Tucson, AZ
David Halaney, Ph.D.
After completing his bachelor's degree in biology at Trinity University in 2011, David Halaney began his career in biomedical and mechanical engineering research as a laboratory manager and research assistant at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s School of Medicine. During his 4 years in this role, David discovered his passion for grant research, grant writing, and managing funded projects which could improve human health and lives. David continued to develop his grant writing, grant reporting, and project management experience over the next 8 years during his master's and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Riverside, and his postdoctoral studies at Texas A&M University. During this time, David held dual academic and staff appointments, acting as laboratory and project manager while writing successful proposals to local, state, and federal agencies on a variety of biomedical and engineering research topics. In 2023, David made the decision to pursue his passion of grant writing full time, as a Senior Grants Specialist with Kim Joyce & Associates. His other passions include music and the guitar, as well as being in nature and around animals.
David Halaney, Ph.D., GPC
Alto Pass, IL
Lily Cormier
Lily Cormier, GPC
Jupiter, FL
Rachel Gates
Rachel Gates, CHC, has a background in healthcare and foundation grant administration, compliance management, marketing, project development, risk mitigation, and proposal writing. She has experience managing several complex federal and state grant programs and has a proven track record of executing comprehensive grant strategies.
Rachel has successfully obtained significant healthcare grants from federal, state, and philanthropic sources. Her effective partnerships with federal agencies such as the USDA, HHS/HRSA, DHS, and FEMA have played a crucial role in securing these grants. Her expertise in managing the entire grant lifecycle ensures that the grants have a maximum impact and comply with regulatory standards.
Throughout her career, she has developed and executed strategic marketing plans that have driven significant growth and brand recognition. Her experience in economic development initiatives has bolstered hospital admissions and stimulated local businesses, driving economic growth through innovative healthcare initiatives.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband, two boys, and dogs. Rachel holds a BA in Communications from the University of Denver and is Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) through the Healthcare Compliance Association (HCCA).
Rachel Gates, GPC
Meeker, CO
Maureen Stabile, GPC
Maureen Stabile, GPC has worked as a grant professional since 2004. She transitioned to nonprofit development after a first career in higher education. Her experience includes grant seeking and grants management in the foundation, corporate and government realms. Maureen spent several years on the development teams for local organizations devoted to adult literacy and homeless services. She went on to serve in grants supervisor and grant director positions at public school districts known for their creative programming. Maureen joined KJA in 2024.
Maureen earned the Grant Professional Certified credential in 2017. She is a thought leader who has presented at the GrantSummit national conference and has written strategy papers for Grant Professionals Association publications. Maureen is a past president of the GPA Chicago Area chapter and a former board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute.
Maureen holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in literature as well as graduate certificates in nonprofit management and public administration. She is based in suburban Chicago.
Maureen Stabile, GPC
Chicago, IL
Sean O’Brien
Sean O’Brien has a background in the nonprofit sector in grants management, database administration, and nonprofit operations. Before joining Kim Joyce & Associates, Sean served as the grant writer for a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth workforce development in Cleveland, OH. During his time there, Sean worked to streamline grant processes and generate new corporate and foundation prospects.
In addition to his work as a grant writer, Sean is a certified Salesforce Administrator and believes data is a crucial element in conveying an organization’s impact and narrative. Sean also serves on the Associate Board of America SCORES Cleveland, a nonprofit focused on empowering young people to succeed through soccer and writing, and the Advancement Committee of Incarnate Word Academy, an Independent Catholic School in Northeast Ohio.
Sean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from Mount St. Mary’s University. Beyond his professional commitments, Sean and his wife, Nicole, reside on Cleveland's west side, where they share their home with their dog, Max.
Sean O’Brien, GPC
Lizbeth Gonzalez
Lizbeth Gonzalez, MAS, is a public health professional and federal grant writer with more than a decade of experience securing and managing funds for health-focused and humanitarian programs. She holds a Master of Science in Humanitarian Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Lizbeth has led initiatives in Mexico, Guatemala, Tanzania, and across the United States.
Raised on the U.S.–Mexico border, Lizbeth developed a deep understanding of the intersection of health, migration, and equity. At the International Rescue Committee, she served as a Technical Advisor and held multiple leadership roles, including Senior Health Program Manager, Intensive Case Management Program Officer, and Medical Case Manager. She has managed programs totaling over $15 million in funding, covering areas such as maternal and child health, health literacy, and COVID-19 mitigation using a community health worker model. Her work is informed by community voices and rooted in collaborative program design.
Lizbeth is a skilled trainer and communicator who has co-developed multilingual health education materials in collaboration with the CDC and the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM), which are now used by programs nationwide.
With a strengths-based approach to federal grant strategy, stakeholder engagement, and culturally responsive program design, Lizbeth thrives at the intersection of grant development, program implementation, and technical assistance—helping organizations craft sustainable, community-driven solutions to complex challenges.
Lizbeth Gonzalez
Tucson, AZ
Ashley Mastey
Ashley Mastey was born and raised in Scottsdale, AZ. After high school, she went on to get her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Arizona. Bear Down! While in school she managed to help grow and train staff within the company at a local gym chain. Some of her favorite hobbies are trying local coffee shops, working out, and enjoying the Arizona sun! She looks forward to bringing her knowledge & experiences to KJA.
Ashley Mastey
Scottsdale, AZ
Daniel Santos
For years, writing was a personal passion, mainly in the world of speculative fiction. That all changed when he began writing grants for a nonprofit in Miami dedicated to serving at-risk youth. His content areas include education, juvenile justice, and human services.
Witnessing how his writing could help secure life-changing opportunities for young people deeply moved him, and he has since channeled his passion for writing into making a tangible difference in communities.
At home, Danny enjoys spending time with his two young daughters, who inspire his dedication to uplifting youth and supporting organizations that help them thrive. Their joy and curiosity remind him daily of the importance of building brighter futures for the next generation.
Daniel Santos
Lexington, SC
Ashley Neratko
Ashley Neratko joined Kim Joyce & Associates in 2024 as a Grants Specialist. She is an accomplished grant writer and advocate, known for her diligence and determination to help others. Growing up in a small, rust-belt community with limited resources, Ashley has dedicated her life to recognizing and empowering others. She holds an associate’s degree in Math and Science, a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in history at SUNY Brockport. An advocate for lifelong learning, she is focusing her studies on examining disadvantaged communities and underserved populations.
Ashley’s diverse educational background extensive experience have made her an asset to the organizations she has served, successfully securing vital funding for disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations including children and adults with special health care needs. She has volunteered in various educational and research roles, created and facilitated educational programs, and developed program curriculum for students. Ashley’s expertise includes grant writing and public speaking, where she enjoys addressing topics such as intergenerational trauma, equity, health, and serving medically underserved populations.
Ashley Neratko
Allentown, PA
Kyle Weckerly
Kyle Weckerly has had the privilege of writing and submitting grant proposals that have made a considerable impact in San Antonio and across South Texas. Initially, Kyle picked up writing as a hobby in his teens. What started as a creative outlet has evolved into writing and managing content for a start-up, becoming certified as a ghostwriter and ghostwriting thought leadership materials for business leaders nationwide, and into grant writing!
By far, grant writing has been the most fulfilling as it offers him the chance to serve others through writing. Kyle brings with him over 17 years of writing, editing, researching, and project management experience. He is also an active member of the Alamo Area Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA). When Kyle isn’t writing, he’s playing with his two daughters, training for a half-marathon with his wife, trying to keep his house clean, or working on a manuscript he hopes to one day publish.
Kyle Weckerly, GPC
San Antonio, TX
Katina Caraganis
Katina Caraganis is a Massachusetts native and moved to Hollywood, Florida in 2015 seeking new experiences while living closer to her retired parents. She has over 16 years of professional writing experience both in print journalism and grant writing and joins Kim Joyce & Associates as a Grants Specialist.
She graduated from Colby Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire with a degree in Communication Studies. During her time in college, she embarked on a journey around the world while participating in the Semester at Sea program, studying and learning about the cultures of 10 countries in 100 days. After graduating college, she spent eight years working in print journalism at both weekly and daily newspapers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Her investigative reporting pieces won a number of regional newspaper awards.
After moving to Florida, Katina shifted gears and entered the hospitality industry, working at various hotels. This experience provided valuable insight into customer service, adaptability, and teamwork, fostering important skills that would prove valuable in her future endeavors.
In 2017, recognizing her writing talents and the power of digital media, Katina joined Chewy.com, a renowned e-commerce company focused on pet products, as a member of their Writing Department. Over the next five years, she contributed her expertise, crafting compelling content for Chewy's customers. That work helped establish Chewy as a reliable source of information, building trust with pet parents worldwide.
With a desire to continue her writing skills, combined with a passion for social impact, Katina joined Covenant House Florida as a Grant Writer where she was able to effectively communicate the organization's mission and secure funding for crucial programs and initiatives.
Now she is eager and excited to embark on a new adventure as a Grants Specialist at Kim Joyce and Associates where she will strive to make a lasting and effective impact.
Katina Caraganis, GPC
Hollywood, FL
Mallory Bader
Mallory joined Kim Joyce & Associates in 2024 as a Grants Specialist and has been writing grant proposals since 2011. Her passion for writing grants launched in tandem with her work in the museum sector where she was responsible for writing competitive grants to sustain museum operations. In 2019, she shifted her focus to economic and community development where she supported the Wyoming Business Council in efforts to enhance communities by providing technical assistance through grant planning, grant writing, project development, and capacity building.
Mallory earned a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from Hendrix College in Conway, AR and an M.A. in Applied Anthropology and Museum Studies from the University of Memphis. Her areas of expertise include the arts, parks and recreation, youth services, STEM, homeless services, and community development. In her free time, Mallory enjoys running, exploring the outdoors, and serving her community.
Mallory Bader
Memphis, TN
Rebecca Potter
Rebecca joined Kim Joyce & Associates in 2024 as a Grants Specialist. She has a strong background in fundraising, strategy consulting, market research, and entrepreneurship and was the past owner/operator of her own small writing practice where she focused on the development of competitive grant proposals for nearly a decade. Her areas of expertise in the grant field include human services (healthcare-focused), the arts, and entrepreneurship and small business development.
Rebecca is a passionate community volunteer in the areas of positive development of women and girls, health care, work readiness, and the arts.
Rebecca earned her A.B. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago and a M.A. in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.
Rebecca Potter, GPC
Grand Rapids, MI
Heidi Hanson Sobek
Heidi Hanson Sobek has over 25 years of executive leadership nonprofit experience and joins Kim Joyce & Associates as a Senior Grants Management Specialist. She served as the Chief Operations and Finance Officer at United Way of Northern Arizona for 17 years. Heidi’s strong skill set includes organizational operations, grants management, financial management and controls, budget creation, auditing, compliance, database development and management, and information technology. Thrilled to share her vast experience with Kim Joyce & Associates, Heidi looks forward to working with this very talented team of grant professionals.
Heidi Hanson Sobek
Flagstaff, AZ
Sarah Romano, MPA
Sarah Romano joins Kim Joyce & Associates as a Grants Prospect Research Analyst. She brings to
KJA substantial experience with grants, including identifying and applying for grant funding
opportunities at non-profit organizations, as well as working for a foundation focused on
awarding grants for scientific research. Sarah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a
Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Sarah Romano
Tucson, AZ
Bill Stinson
Bill Stinson has 13+ years’ experience as a prospect researcher identifying major individual, corporate, and foundation donors. 9+ of those years were spent in higher education working for Norfolk State University, the College of William and Mary and the University of Texas at Austin. He most recently worked for 4 years for the nonprofit Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH), whose mission was to provide service dogs to military veterans and active-duty military. While at PPH, he served as the research coordinator, providing research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to PPH headquarters and their 5 regional offices. Mr. Stinson is a member of both the VA and DC chapters of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA). He enjoys researching in general and his particular research interests include higher education (particularly minority serving institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities); animal-focused organizations; conservation organizations, veterans-related organizations, and disability-related organizations.
Mr. Stinson was born, raised and currently lives in Petersburg, VA. He has been in a wheelchair his whole life but hasn’t let that stop him from living independently in Maryland (College Park and Gaithersburg); Virginia (Chesapeake, Yorktown, and Williamsburg); and Texas (Austin).
Mr. Stinson has a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Counselor Education from Virginia State University (VA); a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University (ODU) (VA); and an Associate in Applied Sciences from Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary (VA).
Mr. Stinson’s personal interests include European football (Chelsea and Barcelona); College sports (ODU, University of Georgia football, Louisiana State University baseball); Pandora; and YouTube.
Bill Stinson
Petersburg, VA
Becca Buster
Becca is originally from Morrison Colorado and after graduating high school went out to Phoenix to attend Grand Canyon University. While there she gained experience in leadership, volunteer work, time management, and organizational skills. After graduation, she worked for a small company where she utilized her skills to help rapidly grow the team from 1 employee to 45. She specializes in hiring and onboarding new employees, training and implementation, and organizational management. Becca is excited to bring her experience to the Administration Division at Kim Joyce and Associates as the Human Resource Specialist.
Becca Buster
Scottsdale, AZ
Kimberly Manzuk
Kimberly has nearly 15 years of experience in the education sector working in various leadership roles.
In her last position, Kimberly led a WIOA Grant team for eight years and expanded the business into two different states.
She has vast experience in process development, grant management and writing, project management, coaching and developing employees.
Her methodical approach, attention to detail, kindness and, passion to help others enabled her to receive multiple awards from the companies she served.
In her prior roles, she has served as a Director of WIOA Grants, Admissions Director, Academy Director, Business Process Analyst, Senior Admissions Advisor and Admissions trainer.
Kimberly holds an MBA and MPM from Keller Graduate School of Management and, a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University.
In addition, she has received training and certification in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Professional Scrum Master.
Kimberly Manzuk, MBA, MPM, LSSGB, PSM I
Chicago, IL
Liz Gould
Liz brings 17 years of experience in the non-profit and education fields. She has worked with several non-profit organizations in various management, fundraising, and event planning roles. Liz also has a background in higher education having served as a financial aid counselor for many years. Liz is a 2005 graduate of Baldwin Wallace College with a BA in Communications.
Liz Gould
Erie, PA
Alexis Peterson
Alexis Peterson
St. Louis, MO
Julie Slesarik
Julie Slesarik is the Payroll & HR Administrator at Kim Joyce & Associates. She was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan and moved to Phoenix Arizona in 1991. Through an extensive administrative career, Julie has gained a multitude of experience in accounting, payroll, and Human Resource administration. She has worked in a payroll or human resource capacity for over 30 years. Her career has included roles as the Controller and Payroll Administrator at several valley organizations. In her free time, she volunteers at a variety of non-profit charitable organizations in the Valley. Julie is excited to bring her extensive experience, attention to detail, and superior work ethic to Kim Joyce & Associates.
Julie Slesarik
Scottsdale, AZ
Jenna Joyce
Jenna Joyce is a recent graduate at Grand Canyon University where she majored in Psychology, with a minor in Behavioral Health Sciences. She has varied skillsets including data entry, writing, customer relations management, marketing strategy, conference coordination, and more. She has volunteered with nonprofits and youth serving organizations both nationally and internationally. She is excited to bring her love of serving others, strong academic background and attention to detail to Kim Joyce & Associates.
Jenna Joyce
Scottsdale, AZ
Bella Rotella
Bella is originally from the Chicago suburbs and entered the workforce immediately after graduating high school at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With experience in diverse work industries such as food service, logistics, and entertainment, she has proven her aptitude for customer service. In her role as a receptionist at a logistics brokerage, Bella honed skills in managing multi-line phones, organizational tasks, and handling various mail duties. In November of 2023, she relocated from Illinois to Phoenix Arizona to join the Kim Joyce and Associates team as an Administrative Assistant. She looks forward to being the welcoming face for visitors at Headquarters.
Bella Rotella
Scottsdale, AZ