Our Team
Teresa Valley
Executive Director and Founder
Teresa Valley is a passionate community leader and founder of Girls Giving Back (GGB), a nonprofit she launched in 2009 alongside her 9-year-old daughter, Taylor. What began as a simple desire to bring friends and youth together for community outreach quickly evolved into a powerful movement addressing urgent needs in local shelters. Under Teresa’s leadership, GGB has transformed over 200 transitional shelter spaces and non- profit offices, providing not just basic necessities, but uplifting, hope-filled environments through hands-on renovations and heartfelt volunteerism.
Inspired by the courage of those facing personal crises, Teresa expanded her mission in 2019 with the launch of Be Kind 5, a program designed to foster personal growth and resilience through five pillars of kindness.
Now in her 16th year in the nonprofit sector, Teresa is transitioning Be Kind 5 into a 501(c)(3) organization, with a vision to unite individuals, groups, and organizations in creating lasting change through kindness.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Teresa is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys visiting national parks, hiking, working out, and anything active! She also enjoys spending time with her pups and family!
Stephanie Lee
Board Member and Grant Expert
Stephanie Lee brings over a decade of legal expertise, coupled with significant experience in the nonprofit world, to her role on the Board of Directors for Be Kind 5. Since 2016, Stephanie has dedicated her talents to the nonprofit sector. At Seattle Humane, she served as a volunteer services administrator, overseeing the onboarding and training of a team of thousands of volunteers, and further supported the organization's leadership as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Following her time at Seattle Humane, Stephanie has served on the board of directors and held the position of Executive Director at Way Back Inn, a nonprofit which provides transitional housing and rental assistance to families in the Pacific Northwest. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of nonprofit fundraising, governance, volunteer management, and the challenges and rewards of serving vulnerable populations.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie is an avid enthusiast of culture, with a passion for food and dining, travel, and the arts. As an animal lover, she brings a compassionate and empathetic perspective to her commitment to serving the community. Stephanie is deeply aligned with Be Kind 5's mission, and eager to contribute her diverse skills and experiences to support Be Kind 5 in fostering a kinder and more unified world.
Scott Johnson
Board Treasurer and Programming support
Scott Johnson is a passionate advocate for kindness and community impact, leading the charge with BeKind 5, a movement dedicated to spreading positivity in everyday life. Through his work, Scott champions the power of small, meaningful actions that create lasting change.
A dedicated supporter of the Great Cycle Challenge, Scott rides with purpose, raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer. His commitment to helping kids in need is at the heart of everything he does, inspiring others to step up and make a difference.
Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Scott thrives on an active lifestyle, embracing movement as a way to stay energized and connected. Whether he is cycling for charity, engaging with his community, or simply encouraging others to be their best selves, his enthusiasm is contagious. Scott Johnson is proof that kindness, action, and compassion can transform lives—one step, one ride, and one heartfelt gesture at a time.
Amanda Moss
Be Kind 5 Coach & Advisor
Youth Empowerment Programming
Amanda Moss is a compassionate career/ leadership coach, mentor, and advocate for kindness-driven growth. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, organizational change, and executive coaching, Amanda has dedicated her career to helping individuals and companies thrive through clarity, empathy, and intentional action.
Drawn to the power of kindness as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation, Amanda is honored to support the Be Kind 5 mission—helping individuals build resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful connection through the five pillars of kindness. Her work is grounded in the belief that small, intentional acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects in lives, workplaces, and communities.
As an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Amanda brings a thoughtful, values-based approach to her work, blending deep listening with practical tools that empower people to lead with authenticity and heart.
Outside of her professional work, Amanda enjoys spending time in nature with her family and friends — hiking, fly fishing, golf, etc. — embracing personal growth, always guided by curiosity, compassion, and a deep belief in the good we can create together.
Gretchen Haist
Be Kind 5 Coach & Advisor
Mindfulness Facilitator
Gretchen Haist joins the Be Kind 5 team as an Advisor, bringing a deep commitment to fostering emotional resilience through mindful practices. Her journey to mindfulness began during her career in the fast-paced world of finance at J.P.Morgan Chase, where yoga and meditation became essential tools for building inner strength and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges without burning out.
Today, Gretchen blends her business expertise with mindfulness to help others create intentional, focused, and joyful lives. She develops strategic marketing assets and provides leadership training and coaching to small businesses and leaders. She is also a certified mindfulness instructor and has dedicated over seven years to guiding individuals and groups in accessing inner calm and compassion.
With extensive experience leading yoga, meditation, and mindfulness classes, her work focuses on making these powerful tools accessible for all ages—from youth navigating complex emotions to adults seeking greater presence. Gretchen firmly believes that self-compassion is the foundation for creating kinder communities, and is excited to share mindfulness and self-compassion tools with individuals and groups through Be Kind 5’s through Be Kind 5’s programs.
Having recently relocated to the PNW, Gretchen loves exploring new coffee shops, restaurants, and the outdoors in her new home state. You can find her at a yoga class, paddleboarding, or curled up with a good book!