Mission

Artrea Gross Smith is a Clinical Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor with ComPsych Corporation, where she has served for over 10 years. Working overnight from home, Artrea provides crisis support to employees from a wide range of organizations, assisting individuals experiencing grief, anxiety, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and other acute challenges. Her work is grounded in empathy, professionalism, and a deep commitment to emotional wellness.

As a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, Artrea’s passion for advocacy and justice is deeply personal and central to her work. She brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to every role she holds, ensuring compassionate, trauma-informed care for those she serves.

Artrea earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance and Banking from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Her diverse professional background includes serving on the Board of Directors for NECAC, working as a Banking Center Manager for two regional banks, and serving as a Senior Department Manager for JCPenney in Columbia, Missouri for seven years following her graduation from Mizzou.

In addition to her clinical work, Artrea is a multifaceted entrepreneur. She operates several side businesses, including working as a travel agent, serving as a Health & Wellness Ambassador for Shaklee Corporation, performing as a vocalist for funerals and weddings, and owning Diva’s Delights, where she bakes specialty pies and cheesecakes.

Artrea is the proud mother of three children, who keep her busy with their gymnastics and martial arts activities. She is actively involved in her church community and serves as a soloist in the choir at Second Baptist Church of Moberly. She also serves as the Chair of the Reveal the Teal Brunch, supporting awareness and advocacy efforts.

In her spare time, Artrea enjoys spending quality time with her children, family, friends, and partner. She loves reading, traveling, brunches, happy hours, and considers music one of her greatest sources of therapy. You may also find her walking at the gym or local parks as part of her commitment to health, stress reduction, and self-care.

Anastasia Ferguson is an Accounting professional at Rusk Rehabilitation, where she applies her financial expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to service in support of organizational excellence. With a strong background in treasury management and relationship-based financial services, Anastasia is passionate about helping others understand and navigate the financial world—whether supporting colleagues, community partners, or families in need.

Previously, Anastasia served as a Vice President and Treasury Relationship Manager in the banking industry, where she built trusted relationships with customers and provided strategic financial guidance. Her passion for education and community engagement led her to volunteer her time and expertise with several organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce Business Board, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lincoln University, and as a Board Member at Missouri State Technical College.

Beyond her professional career, Anastasia is deeply committed to community service. She manages Helping Hands of Fulton, an organization dedicated to supporting children and the elderly by raising funds and providing resources to meet critical needs. Giving back remains a central part of both her personal and professional life.

Anastasia enjoys spending time with her husband and their five children—four girls and one boy—whom she fondly calls her “mini best friends.” As a family, they are avid car and sports enthusiasts, frequently attending car shows and cheering on their favorite baseball and football teams. Their adventurous and energetic children keep life exciting and full.

In her spare time, Anastasia enjoys baking and staying actively involved in her community, always seeking new ways to serve, connect, and make a positive impact.

Heidi N. Lucas is the Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association, where she leads statewide efforts to advance access to quality healthcare in rural communities. She is an experienced nonprofit and association executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience in association and nonprofit management, public relations, advocacy, and coalition and community building.

Prior to her current role, Heidi served as Executive Director of the Missouri Nurses Association and held multiple leadership positions within the Missouri Community Action Network. Her professional background also includes work in the labor sector in Pennsylvania, as well as human resources and recruiting roles in Chicago, providing her with a broad, multidisciplinary perspective on workforce development, policy, and organizational leadership.

Heidi holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri and Bachelor’s Degrees from Pennsylvania State University. Her academic training complements her practical experience in public policy, advocacy, and organizational management.

Currently residing in Jefferson City, Missouri, Heidi is deeply engaged in her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, where she is a past president, and remains committed to strengthening systems that support children, families, and underserved populations.

Kya Harrell serves as the Social Media Manager for Rise Up Foundation, where she helps amplify the organization’s mission through thoughtful, engaging, and advocacy-driven digital content. In this role, she is committed to spreading awareness, education, and hope while fostering compassionate online spaces that support survivors and underserved communities.

Kya currently works as a Claims Analyst in Crime Victims’ Compensation for the Missouri Department of Public Safety, where she supports individuals navigating the aftermath of crime and trauma. Her work has strengthened her commitment to mental health advocacy and children’s safety, and continues to shape her trauma-informed approach to service and communication.

A lifelong member of the Jefferson City community, Kya graduated from Capital City High School in 2022 and is continuing to grow professionally while building meaningful experience in public service and advocacy. She is passionate about creating accessible, trauma-informed systems that meet people where they are during some of life’s most difficult moments.

In her free time, Kya enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and listening to music. Through both her professional work and community involvement, she strives to be a strong voice for prevention, education, and healing, and remains dedicated to spreading hope and compassion throughout the community.

Angela Brand serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Rise Up Foundation, bringing over a decade of experience in financial and administrative operations. She began her career as a Payment Processor with Child Support, later advancing to Branch Manager for a local loan company, and most recently celebrating 12 years as a Collection Specialist within the debt collection industry. Throughout her career, Angela has built a strong reputation for reliability, organization, and attention to detail.

Born and raised in Jefferson City, Angela is a graduate of Jefferson City High School and Columbia College, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Her deep local roots and extensive professional background allow her to support the mission of Rise Up Foundation with both dedication and insight.

Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending quality time with her 16-year-old son. Together, they love swimming, weekend getaways, and creating family traditions—including trips to Branson and visiting Bass Pro during the Christmas season.