Hope Arise: board of directors

Registered Art Therapist (ATR) | Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) | Interior Design Consultant

Paula Perkins is an empathetic and experienced art therapist, deeply committed to guiding individuals through emotional healing and resilience. Paula uses various art forms, such as painting, sculpting, and drawing, to help clients express and process emotions, memories, and fears. 

With experience across diverse communities, Paula's work is enriched by her multicultural perspective through living in Asia for 25 years. She has supported survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, mentored youth with incarcerated parents, and led international art activities for children in need. Paula holds a Master’s in Art Therapy and two Bachelor’s in Marketing and Interior Design.

Innovative Leader | Mental Health Expert | Tech Entrepreneur

Wilson Ho Yin CHEH is a versatile leader with over two decades of experience in clinical services, technology, and entrepreneurship. He specializes in integrating tech-driven solutions into mental health practices and has served as the Clinical and Product Director for a leading mental health start-up. Wilson holds clinical licenses as an LMFT and LPCC and practices as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Wilson’s expertise extends to business management, with successful ventures in Silicon Valley, including product development and marketing in the semiconductor industry. He is also a skilled consultant and educator, offering insights into mental health, business strategy, and cross-cultural communication.

Bilingual in Cantonese and Mandarin, Wilson has led international initiatives, such as mental health workshops with YWAM in Northern Thailand. He serves as a board member of local nonprofits, driven by a passion for mental wellness across cultures. Wilson holds a master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.

Teacher | Licensed and Certified 6-12th Grade Educator

Rochelle Potter is a passionate educator dedicated to inspiring students through place-based learning and experiential education. She has developed and implemented innovative curricula focused on adventure, personal growth, and community engagement. Rochelle brings diverse life experiences into her teaching, fostering hands-on learning and encouraging students to become active global citizens.

Her career includes designing and teaching digital filmmaking courses, planning educational camping trips, and creating project-based science curricula. Rochelle holds a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Bachelor’s in Communications and Biblical Studies and from Multnomah University.

Entrepreneur | Counselor | Author | Missionary

LeeAnn Smucker Rawlins is a dedicated entrepreneur, counselor, and missionary who has centered her life around faith, family, and service. As the owner of LAS Farms and Smucker Manufacturing, her career includes extensive global missionary work through Youth With A Mission (YWAM), where she has counseled and taught in 45 countries.

LeeAnn’s passion for strong families and marriages is reflected in her books, including Loving for Life and Raising Kids Right in a World Gone Wrong. Alongside her husband Duane, LeeAnn remains deeply involved in mentoring and global missions. Her dedication to faith and service has impacted communities around the world.

Program Developer | Advocate | Mentor | Missionary

Bethany is a compassionate individual with extensive experience in advocacy, trauma-informed care, and community engagement. She has successfully led programs for those impacted by mental health challenges, substance abuse, and sexual violence. Bethany excels in managing teams, and facilitating educational presentations and trainings that inspire and uplift communities.

Her roles in various nonprofit and mental healthcare organizations as well as missionary work abroad focused on anti-trafficking efforts have enabled her to support the healing and empowerment of vulnerable individuals. Bethany is a certified advocate in trauma-informed care and is dedicated to fostering safe and supportive environments where people can thrive.

Registered Nurse | Forensic Nurse Examiner | Advocate 

Bethany is a Registered Nurse with a deep passion for supporting survivors of exploitation. Her journey began in 2010 while working in the red-light district of Phuket, Thailand, where she first encountered the realities of human trafficking. Since then, she has dedicated herself to anti-trafficking efforts, volunteering with local organizations in Denver, Colorado, engaging in strip club outreach ministry, and advocating for minors recovering from sex trafficking as both an advocate and residential coordinator for a safe house. 

In 2021, Bethany merged her nursing expertise with her commitment to helping survivors by becoming a forensic nurse examiner. Recognizing a critical gap in healthcare services for trafficking survivors, she developed a pilot program in partnership with a local nonprofit to provide emergency case management in the hospital setting. 

At the start of 2024, Bethany relocated to the Big Island, where she continues her work as a forensic nurse examiner, provides expert testimony and supports local anti-trafficking efforts.