2025 Board
We reached out to our dedicated board members to hear directly from them about their personal motivations.
We asked, “What inspired you to join the board and support Wings’ mission?” and “What is one important thing you want the community to understand about the impact Wings is making?”
Their heartfelt responses offer a deeper glimpse into the passion and commitment that fuels our organization. Here’s what they shared:
Ashley Bassim | Board Chair
I was inspired to join the Wings Foundation board by its visionary leadership and mission to support survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Restoring hope and dignity to survivors aligns deeply with my values. Since joining, I’ve been continually moved by the resilience of survivors and the commitment of the Wings staff and board. It’s an honor to contribute my skills to a cause that fosters healing, justice, and lasting impact in the community.
One thing I want the community to know is that Wings’ mission matters to anyone who believes in justice, healing, and the power of community. Supporting survivors and amplifying their voices is essential to building a safer, more compassionate world.
Marti Kovener | Board Vice Chair
Joining the board at Wings was a deeply personal decision for me. Witnessing the transformative power of peer support firsthand, I was moved by how Wings fosters a community where survivors of childhood sexual abuse can share their stories and heal together. What keeps me involved is the commitment across Wings’ staff and board to creating a meaningful sense of belonging for all survivors of childhood sexual abuse, ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their unique experiences.
One thing I want the community to know about is the profound difference Wings’ therapist facilitated, peer-centered support group model makes. By connecting survivors of childhood sexual abuse with others who have walked similar paths, with supportive space holding, Wings fosters a unique environment of empathy and understanding. The organization has also created an important online collection of resources, so that survivors of childhood sexual abuse can find information to heal and thrive, no matter where they live.
Rick Higgins | Treasurer
I joined the board because healing from childhood sexual abuse is deeply personal to me. Marilyn Van Derbur Atler was a mentor in my own journey, and her example continues to guide me. Wings embodies the same heart, compassion, and commitment to truth that she shared so freely. I see in this organization a place where healing is not only possible, but honored and supported at every level.
Wings walks alongside survivors, their loved ones, and the professionals who help make healing possible. Whether it’s a therapist, a partner, or a survivor just finding the words to tell their story, Wings meets them with care, skill, and community. That support changes lives. It restores trust, rebuilds relationships, and helps people move forward with strength and dignity.
Anne Auld | Secretary
I have followed the work of Wings for several years and have had the pleasure of working with staff throughout the last few years on various projects. The dedication to the work, commitment to transparency, and overall passion for supporting survivors has been clear from the beginning. As a director for a statewide non-profit, I understand the struggles and triumphs of non-profit “life” and although I am truly dedicated to the work I get paid for, I see space in my capacity, and use for my skill set, in supporting Wings in advancing their work.
I have been working in the arena of child sexual abuse prevention specifically for over 10 years and have firsthand seen lightbulb moments of adults realizing they were abused, understanding what happened to them was not okay, or who are struggling with parenting a child who has reached an age when they themselves had been abused. I have longed for years to better provide those adults with resources or provide additional education to the facilitators we support in responding to adult disclosures. Supporting Wings not only advances the work I do in my professional life, but as a survivor, it brings me hope that there are avenues for survivors to follow that meet their individual needs.
Donna L. Wilson, Ph.D., LPC | Nominating Chair
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve long been committed to equity and trauma-informed care, especially for survivors of abuse and neglect. After seeing Jenny present at my former workplace, I was moved and curious about how Wings was supporting marginalized communities. I also carry a deep personal connection to this work—someone I love has been impacted—and it’s important to me that survivors are met with compassion, dignity, and justice. Serving on the Wings board is both an honor and a heartfelt commitment.
Wings creates a safe, healing space where survivors are seen, heard, and supported with dignity. While they’re still expanding into marginalized communities, the desire is clear and sincere. As a trained therapist with personal and professional ties to this work, I believe more clinicians must be educated about childhood sexual abuse. Wings is well positioned to lead that effort—their model is powerful, effective, and ready to be shared and replicated for greater impact.
Matahji Ameen | Board Member
I was inspired to join the board after a current board member, Ash Bassim, encouraged me to explore Wings. As I learned more about their mission—especially their commitment to supporting survivors of CSA and centering BIPOC communities—I felt deeply aligned. Wings' mindful and strategic approach to healing resonated with me, and I saw an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their ongoing impact.
Wings creates lasting, transformative impact. Their work goes beyond immediate support—it helps individuals reclaim their power, heal with dignity, and build long-term resilience. The intentionality behind their programs ensures that survivors feel seen, supported, and empowered for life, not just in the moment.
Ruth M. Glenn | Board Member
For over 30 years, I’ve been connected to Wings in various ways, including as a client. I’ve watched it grow into the organization I always hoped it would become. Its mission speaks to the needs of those who are often overlooked and unrecognized.
When a former board member invited me to consider joining, I accepted without hesitation. It’s an honor to serve Wings and the individuals it supports.
Wings is unique in its recognition and support of a silent group of victims. It has elevated, on a national level, a model of care that gives these survivors the support they need and a voice that has long been silenced. Victims of childhood sexual abuse need Wings—and the nation needs more organizations like it.
Interested in Serving Our Mission?
If you’re passionate about making a difference and eager to help shape the future of Wings, we invite you to consider joining our board or advisory council. These are unique opportunities to lend your skills, ideas, and energy to a mission that truly matters.
Learn More