GET TO KNOW US

Shilah Jerkins, Founder & CEO

Rooted in Oklahoma and committed to serving Nonprofits, Native and rural communities, Education, and Small-Midsized Businesses. Shilah believes collaboration is the foundation of sustainable growth. Every project she leads is guided by integrity, innovation, and a commitment to helping others thrive.

Shilah’s expertise spans 20 years in many industries from entertainment, telecommunications, education, communications, and nonprofit. Grant writing, strategic fundraising, campaign development, and organizational leadership, supported by a deep understanding of community engagement and data-driven decision-making. Her work blends creativity with strategy — empowering clients to tell their story, maximize resources, and create measurable change.

Shilah earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from The University of Central Oklahoma, then earned her master’s in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

While she is not working, you will find her cheering her three kids on at their activities, spending time in nature with her family, or relaxing at home, enjoying movies or cooking.

Chad Kliewer, Cybersecurity Consultant

Chad Kliewer is a recovering CISO with over 25 years of experience in Information Security and IT. He’s helped protect critical infrastructure across banking, healthcare, government, and transportation—mostly in the nonprofit world. Think of him as a cybersecurity strategist and adjunct instructor who speaks fluent "geek" but translates complex problems into simple, doable plans.

Having worked everywhere from 50-person startups to 50,000-person behemoths, Chad has seen it all. He's also a serial volunteer, advising organizations like InfraGard Oklahoma and holding a truly absurd number of certifications (CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP... the list goes on). He holds an MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, proving he takes his digital defense seriously, even if he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Hunter Bonham

Strategic Operations & Technology Innovation Consultant

Hunter earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2017. His professional experience lies in 8 years of engineering and project management, designing sheet metal parts and components for Industrial HVAC equipment.

When he isn't working, you can find him spending time with his fiance, attending one of his many nieces' sporting events, 3D printing, or on the golf course.

Misty Potter, Grant Writer & Reviewer

Misty Potter comes to us with 26 years' experience in financial institutions. After completing her undergraduate degree in Accounting at East Central University, Misty started her career auditing credit unions for the federal government. She spent three of her ten years there as a Problem Case Officer, working to save struggling credit unions located from Texas all the way to North Dakota. Tiring of the travel, Misty left the government to become President of a small credit union in Tulsa, OK. During her thirteen years at the helm, she guided the credit union through a name and charter change, expanding its reach and services and nearly tripling its asset size.

Looking for bigger and better things, Misty landed at a multi-bank holding company as Chief Financial Officer. There, she oversaw the core computer conversions at their three wholly-owned banks and assisted with the purchase of a fourth bank. Five months later, Misty was named President/CEO of the new bank, taking over just after starting on her MBA from the University of Oklahoma. MBA in hand, Misty has been able to triple the bank’s earnings and is working to position the bank for growth across the Tulsa metro area.

Allison Seigars, Grant Writer & Reviewer

Allison Seigars earned a Master of Science in Mass Communications, Media Management from Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. She has over 15 years' experience in grant writing, organization management, partnership building, and event planning. Allison has over 10 years of non-profit management, managing two separate non-profit organizations simultaneously.

Allison is a mom to three active children, and she and her husband enjoy travelling and serving their church.

Dr. Rachel Pugh, Grant Writer & Consultant

Dr. Pugh is a seasoned K–12 education leader with a proven track record in securing competitive grants, driving district innovation, and building sustainable programs that elevate student success. With nearly two decades of experience in public education, she has led transformative initiatives in academic achievement, digital integration, and strategic budgeting.

Rachel’s expertise in grant research and writing has resulted in substantial funding for educational programs, infrastructure upgrades, and professional development. Her ability to align district needs with funding opportunities has empowered schools to expand access, improve outcomes, and foster equity. Rachel combines operational insight with a deep commitment to community, contributing to statewide policy and leadership development.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rachel is a proud wife and mother of two boys. Her family fuels her passion for creating inclusive, future-ready learning environments where every child can thrive.

Madison McCollum, Grant Writer & Marketing Specialist

Madison McCollum has established herself in the realm of impactful storytelling and credible communication. Madison has a Bachelor's in Communication with a minor in Journalism from Newman University and recently completed her MBA at OU. She reaches an impressive audience of up to 49,000 readers eight times a year with her magazine.

Outside the professional sphere, Madison indulges in her love for fiction writing and gaming, with a current fixation on Baldur's Gate 3. She's also a loving dog-mom to Whisk, Bruce, and Ruger.

Melody Kuehn, Grant Writer

Currently, Melody is a STEM teacher at Kingfisher Public Schools. She received her bachelor's in elementary education from SWOSU in 2002 and then taught in OKC for nine years; however, she moved back to serve as a teacher in her hometown 11 years ago.

Recently completed her master's in secondary education with an emphasis in STEM from Grand Canyon University.

She has experience writing grants in the education sector and has a small business of face painting, book folding, and gift wrapping, she is very talented.

Caitlyn Barnett-Flesher, Grant Writer

Earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012. She decided to continue her education in 2022 with completing her Master of Art in Teaching from Perdue Global University. Caitlyn has 10 years of experience in theme park management. She is currently on her second year of teaching 4th grade English Language Arts and History. When she is not working, she is spending time with her toddler and husband. She loves planning Disney vacations as a travel agent, reading, and crocheting baby blankets.

Kelly Joppa, Grant Writer & Researcher

Kelly Joppa is a dedicated Human Resources professional based in the heart of Wyoming, currently serving the State of Wyoming. She brings a diverse background spanning the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, with a career rooted in a strong commitment to service and people-centered leadership.

Known for her ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes, Kelly excels at creating inclusive environments where both individuals and missions can thrive. Her approach is grounded in empathy, service, and a deep understanding of how strong relationships drive lasting impact.

Outside of her professional work, Kelly is a self-proclaimed National Park enthusiast who enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her husband, two children, and their three dogs. She brings a balanced, people-first perspective to everything she does—both in her career and in her community.

Shawna Winstead, Special Education Assessment Specialist, & Grant Writer

Shawna Winstead is an accomplished educational leader with 24 years of experience in public education, including 16 years in special education and 8 years in school administration. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to leading effective instructional programs, developing high-performing educators, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations—all while maintaining a clear focus on student achievement.

Shawna brings extensive expertise in special education program oversight, data-driven decision-making, and the implementation of intervention systems that improve both academic and behavioral outcomes. She is widely recognized for her ability to foster collaborative partnerships with families, staff, and community stakeholders, helping to create inclusive and high-performing learning environments.

She holds a Master of Education in School Administration from Texas A&M University–Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

A passionate advocate for equitable education, Shawna is committed to designing and sustaining systems that support educators and maximize success for all students—particularly those with diverse learning and behavioral needs.

Outside of her professional work, Shawna enjoys a fulfilling family life in Kingfisher with her husband, three children, four grandchildren, and one on the way. She values quality time with her family and embraces the joy it brings to her life.