At Valerie’s House Pensacola, we are incredibly grateful to have community champions like Rick Byars and Jamie “Rhino” Rhone on our Strategic Advisory Board. These dedicated members from the Nature Trail community have shown remarkable commitment and compassion in supporting grieving children and families. Through their leadership, expertise, and community connections, they have been instrumental in helping Valerie’s House expand its reach and deepen its impact in Pensacola.

Rick and Jamie’s involvement with Valerie’s House extends beyond the boardroom. Their dedication is rooted in shared values and personal experiences, making their contributions all the more meaningful. For Rick, his journey began after meeting Crista O’Keefe Brandt, Director of Valerie’s House Pensacola, whose mission to transform her own childhood loss into a source of healing for others resonated deeply. Rick reflects, “Crista’s resilience and passion to help grieving children inspired me to get involved, and it’s been a privilege to support her vision for Valerie’s House Pensacola.”

Jamie "Rhino" Rhone joined the board after relocating from Washington, DC, finding a warm community in both Nature Trail and Valerie’s House. Introduced to Valerie’s House through Crista’s husband, Kirk, Jamie recognized Crista’s exceptional leadership skills and was inspired to contribute. “Her dedication and business acumen showed me that she has what it takes to lead a successful nonprofit organization,” Jamie shared. Bringing a fresh perspective from his entrepreneurial and military background, Jamie supports Valerie’s House with strategic insights, connecting the organization with community leaders, reviewing contracts, and engaging in donor development.

Their support exemplifies Nature Trail’s ethos of compassion, creating a ripple effect beyond the neighborhood. Crista shares, “Rick and Jamie are invaluable to our board, bringing insights and expertise that are essential to our growth. We’re blessed to have them as both mentors and friends.” Together, they continue to build a foundation of support that helps grieving children find hope, healing, and connection.

Valerie’s House is profoundly thankful to Rick, Jamie, and all of our supporters. Their dedication highlights the power of community-driven initiatives to create lasting, positive change for families in need.

For more information on the services of Valerie’s House Pensacola or to get involved, please contact Crista Brandt at (850) 266-0795 or crista@valerieshouse.org.