Meet The Team

Courtney is the current President of 4 The Love Foundation Board of Directors. She has served on many boards throughout her career. She currently works as Tumwater Community Schools Manager through a local Non-Profit Agency called Together! Courtney received her BA in Communication & Public Relations from CWU. Her career has consisted of social service work within schools and non-profits to ensure students and families thrive.

 

Courtney works to remove barriers that students and families face. Her priority is ensuring that all students have access to a safe, nurturing home environment and a positive pathway to education. Her role with 4 The Love Foundation is a perfect pairing with her role at Together and Tumwater School District. Partnerships and collaboration are the key to building healthy, thriving community members!

 

Courtney has three children and loves to spend as much time as she can with them. She also loves to be on the water with her husband and friends. She loves running, boating and music!

 

A strength of Courtney’s is her communication skills and advocacy work. She is passionate about using her voice and ideas to create systems change.

 

Courtney is thankful for the hard working, amazing women she gets to serve on the board with. 4 The Love Foundation has helped so many, and she is very proud of the important work they do. She is also grateful for the incredible volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to help build a strong community! We rise by lifting others!

Tessa Effland, a native of Olympia, Washington, was born and raised in the vibrant city. With 26 years of a fulfilling marriage, she finds herself blessed with two wonderful children who bring love and adventure into her life. 

Tessa is the proud owner of The Chamber Olympia's Hidden Bar, an establishment nestled in the new Briggs Village. Her passion lies in hosting parties and events for the community, creating unforgettable memories filled with laughter and joy. 

Alongside her ownership of The Chamber, Tessa also owns Fit Life Studio and Nutrition, located in Briggs Village as well. With certifications as a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, she dedicates herself to helping the community improve their health and well-being from the inside out. Tessa finds great fulfillment in witnessing the positive transformations her clients experience, both physically and mentally. 

When not engaged in her professional pursuits, Tessa's interests gravitate towards spending quality time outdoors with her loved ones. She finds solace in hiking, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and indulging in all the magnificent activities that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Fitness activities such as weightlifting and running also play a significant role in fueling her energy and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. 

Tessa's strengths shine through her unwavering "let's get to yes" attitude. She is a proactive individual who takes initiative and does whatever it takes to bring ideas to life. Tessa embraces a positive outlook on life, always seeking personal growth and striving to help others on their own journeys of self-improvement. Her optimism and can-do spirit serve as her superpower in making a difference in the lives of those around her. 

As a Co-Founder and VP of 4 the Love Foundation, Tessa's motivation to serve stems from the organization's inception with her long time friend, Nicole. Their shared vision was to make a positive impact on the lives of their community members in need. Tessa takes great pride in seeing the foundation grow and flourish over time, thanks to the dedicated and passionate board members who work tirelessly to address various needs in the community. From small acts of kindness to large-scale projects, Tessa finds fulfillment in contributing to a foundation that spreads love, compassion, and support to those who require it most. 

Nicole has been a bartender for nearly two decades, serving drinks at beloved local spots throughout Thurston County. Drawing from her vast experience, she established Nicole’s Bar in the bustling heart of downtown Olympia. Regardless of whether patrons drop by after a workout or are setting out for a night in the city, Nicole's aim is to ensure they feel at home — because everyone can appreciate a good drink.

The journey to opening her bar wasn't smooth; she navigated numerous challenges presented by the ever-changing regulations and restrictions during the Covid pandemic. Her resilience and adaptability have not only enabled her to overcome these obstacles but have also driven her to give back to her community.

Through her non-profit, the 4 the Love Foundation, Nicole extends her support to those in need. Recognizing her dedication and leadership, she was honored as the Thurston Chamber Boss of the Year in 2021. Her journey epitomizes the spirit of determination and the belief that challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

Beyond her bar, Nicole is also the proud owner of the 1889 Prime Steakhouse. Family and friends are at the heart of her world, and her dedication to giving back is evident — it's not only her passion but the very reason she embarked on her ventures and weathered the storms of the pandemic.

Katie Betschart is a devoted mother of three humans and two furs, and a loving wife to Brandon, the owner of BES Electrical Services. As a mom to Lalie (14), Jenner (11), and Baylor (10), Katie's life revolves around her family and their various activities. Her passion for her children and their sports is undeniable, and she takes great pride in supporting them every step of the way.

 

Lalie, a talented athlete, has found her calling in volleyball, proudly competing on a three-time national qualifying team. Jenner, on the other hand, excels in both baseball and football, showcasing his competitive spirit as a skilled pitcher and leading his team as the quarterback. Baylor is no stranger to the sports scene either, actively participating in basketball and recently concluding his first season of club volleyball. With plans to explore beach volleyball this summer, his enthusiasm for new challenges knows no bounds.

 

While Katie previously enjoyed a career in selling houses, she made the conscious decision to step away, recognizing the demands of raising three active children alongside her husband's responsibilities. However, she continues to channel her creativity and love for hosting by entertaining guests and indulging in the art of decorating. Furthermore, she's even discovered a newfound appreciation for yardwork, finding joy in maintaining their home's outdoor spaces.

 

Katie's ability to forge connections with people from all walks of life is one of her many strengths. She embraces opportunities to lend a helping hand wherever she can, embodying the spirit of community and support. In earlier years, she enthusiastically coached her children's sports teams, fostering their growth and development. While leaving coaching to the professionals now, her support and encouragement remain unwavering.

 

Though a lover of travel, Katie recognizes the value of a stable home environment amidst the hectic schedules dictated by her children's sports commitments. Balancing adventure and comfort, she finds solace in both exploring new places and cherishing the moments of togetherness at home.

Charli is a dynamic Business Development Manager for Americas Credit Union, a dedicated community volunteer, and active board member. With a Bachelor's degree from Evergreen State College in Social Justice and Psychology, Charli possesses a strong educational foundation that complements her professional expertise.

 

In addition to her business development accomplishments, Charli serves on the boards of multiple esteemed organizations. As a board member for the Community Foundation, 4 the Love foundation, the Bridge Music Project, and the AMP Children's Fitness and Nutrition Foundation, she plays a vital role in shaping the direction and impact of these organizations. Her strategic thinking, leadership skills, and passion for community engagement contribute to the success of these foundations in making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

 

Charli's dedication to social justice and community well-being extends beyond her board roles. As an active community volunteer, she actively engages with local initiatives and organizations aimed at promoting social change and uplifting underserved populations. Her commitment to giving back and creating a more equitable society is a driving force in both her personal and professional endeavors.

 

Overall, Charli's impressive background as a Business Development Manager, board member for multiple organizations, and commitment to community service showcases her well-rounded approach to making a meaningful impact. Her educational background, passion for social justice, and dedication to community engagement make her a true asset in driving business success while actively contributing to the betterment of society.

Maxey, a true Washington native, was born and raised in Spokane. Over a decade ago, she decided to make Olympia her home. Among her most treasured roles, she's a devoted mother to an incredible son and the loving wife of Jeff. Maxey's family is her world, bringing her endless joy and cherished memories.

Professionally, Maxey shines as a branch manager at a local credit union. There, she's dedicated to guiding members on their financial pathways. Maxey's passion lies in education and empowerment, always making sure every member feels both informed and valued.

In another esteemed role, Maxey serves as the Secretary for 4 the Love. This foundation holds a special place in her heart, aligning perfectly with her innate drive to give back to the community. Through volunteering, recruiting, and identifying those who could benefit most from the foundation's help.

When she steps away from her professional commitments, Maxey has a plethora of interests that fill her time. She loves soaking up quality moments with her family and friends, getting lost in an audiobook, or taking serene walks with her dog, Kona.

Maxey's character is defined by her unwavering loyalty, deep-seated empathy, and abundant love. She possesses a desire to teach and uplift those around her. Her involvement with 4 the Love stands as a testament to her commitment.

Katie McDonald is a devoted mother of three, a loving wife to David McDonald, and the proud owner of KD Lane, a beloved local boutique. With a deep passion for family and a zest for life, Katie embraces every moment and cherishes the time spent with loved ones. Alongside her husband, she seeks out spontaneous adventures that create lasting memories and bring joy to their lives.

 

Known for her unwavering positivity, Katie possesses a remarkable ability to see the brighter side of any situation. Her optimistic outlook shines through, uplifting those around her and infusing positivity into every aspect of her life. Her genuine willingness to lend a helping hand is a testament to her compassionate nature and innate desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Through her involvement with the 4 the Love Foundation, Katie's dedication to giving back to her community is evident.

 

Recognizing the importance of volunteerism, she actively engages in initiatives that support those in need. By instilling this value in her children, she hopes to inspire them to cultivate empathy and kindness, fostering a spirit of service and compassion from an early age.

 

 

As the owner of KD Lane, Katie brings her passion for fashion and style to the forefront. Her boutique serves as a hub for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique and trendy pieces that reflect their individuality. With an eye for detail and a commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, Katie has built a loyal following within the community.

 

In all aspects of her life, Katie McDonald exemplifies the qualities of love, gratitude, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her community, and her business is an inspiration to those around her. With an infectious smile and a warm heart, Katie continues to spread love and joy wherever she goes.

Meghan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Treasurer of 4 the Love Foundation. With 25 years of experience in the Accounting industry, she has a solid foundation in both public and private accounting, having worked with various companies and industries throughout her career. Currently, Meghan owns an accounting firm that focuses on assisting local small businesses, demonstrating her commitment to supporting and fostering growth in the business community.

In her role as Treasurer, Meghan provides financial oversight to the board, ensuring that the organization's finances are managed effectively and responsibly. This includes tasks such as budgeting, financial reporting, and overseeing financial transactions. Additionally, she offers procedural oversight, ensuring that the board follows proper protocols and complies with the rules and regulations necessary to maintain its non-profit status.

Outside of her professional life, Meghan is a devoted wife to Aaron and a mother to two children, Brayden (13) and Bodie (11). She is also a "bonus-mom" to Max and Liam. As a family, they enjoy spending quality time together, whether it's through traveling, visiting grandparents, or passing on their entrepreneurial spirit to the children.

On a personal level, Meghan maintains an active lifestyle as an avid athlete. She engages in activities such as hiking, running, weight training, and water sports. Her dedication to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle translates to her professional life, where she approaches her work with energy and determination.

Overall, Meghan's professional background, passion for business growth, and commitment to financial and procedural oversight make her a valuable asset to 4 the Love Foundation.