Christina (Chris) Gehrke is the Treasurer of the board of the STAR Project. In her day job, Chris is a researcher and full-time instructor for various institutions of higher education. These institutions include Eastern Washington University, teaching online MBA finance courses, and Walla Walla Community College, teaching business courses at the Washington State Penitentiary. She is passionate about teaching practicable finance and business skills that equip students to become valuable members of the economic activities in their communities. Chris earned a Doctor in Business Administration degree from City University of Seattle and holds various professional certifications including Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Management Accountant. Before becoming a full-time academic, Chris worked for over 22 years in the banking industry in various executive-level positions.

She considers herself a “recovering banker”. Chris and her husband selected Walla Walla Valley as their forever home after she left the banking industry. In addition to teaching and volunteering, Chris and her husband love to travel. Periodically she attends the STAR Project board meetings virtually from some undisclosed location in the world.

Chris is passionate about organizational governance and works with various non-profit boards and was the citizen representative on the Port of Seattle Audit Committee for ten years to ensure public input into audit matters. In addition to the STAR Project, she currently serves as the Treasurer for Hopelink and is a member of the local American Cancer Society fundraising committee. The common thread in the human services non-profit charities she supports is their holistic approach to equipping marginalized humans to become self-sufficient and own their economic futures.

Dan Aschenbrenner is currently a Walla Walla Community College Welding Instructor and works inside the walls of the Washington State Penitentiary. Dan has a past of serving for various non-profits and had also served as a K-12 school board member for over 8 years. Dan has been involved in manufacturing for over 42 years from Fabricator to Plant Manager, and was a past business owner. Along with his wife Sarah of 40 years they raised two daughters and are currently enjoying their two grandsons.

For Dan a big part of being a trades instructor is the follow through after a student releases. He stays in contact with past students through college email. He also works with businesses throughout the state of Washington and beyond for opportunities for interviews and job placement for his students. He recognizes the difficulties after releasing and feels that’s the weak link that needs to be eliminated so all will succeed.

Dan has always believed in second chances, but working in the prison system that belief has been even more galvanized within him. That’s what makes STAR Project such a logical choice for Dan, it supports and helps with those second chance opportunities and the entire reentry process for the justice impacted people.

Kaelyn Pyke is an adult education instructor, she is passionate about social-emotional learning and 21st century skills being taught to students of all ages. With a genuine passion for teaching, she strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment where learners can thrive, no matter their background or past experiences. Raised as a city girl, Kaelyn finds solace with her husband on their hobby farm pursuing sustainable living. She spends rest days with her goats, dogs, cows, and other animals.

Beyond the classroom, Kaelyn is a fervent activist, one of her focuses is advocating for justice-impacted individuals. Her commitment to this cause stems from a deep belief in the power of rehabilitation and second chances. Kaelyn actively engages in initiatives that aim to break down barriers faced by those who have been through the justice system, working towards a society that emphasizes understanding and support over judgment. She does this both in her education work as well as her with her board position with The STAR Project. She firmly believes in the transformative potential of stories and strives to create opportunities for individuals seeking to make changes in their lives.

Kaelyn Pyke's life is a testament to the profound impact one person can have when driven by compassion, a commitment to education, and a resolute dedication to justice for all.

Bio coming soon…

Bio coming soon…

Rachel Kjack (pronounced ‘Check’) is the Chair of the Organizational Development Committee for the STAR Project.

Her passion for helping justice-impacted people started by growing up in the shadow of the state penitentiary in Walla Walla, Washington. She strives to level the playing field for those who don't come from privilege and amplify the voices of those whose stories are often marginalized. She has taught in reentry programs at San Quentin and numerous other California prisons, as well as led programs at Monroe Correctional near Seattle. She brings all of her expertise in the outside world into prisons, as well as sharing the message to the outside world of the intelligence, passion, dedication to societal change and related challenges of those serving time and/or reentering society.

Rachel is a community-builder and strategist with over 25 years of corporate and non-profit experience, and is currently the CEO of Unincarcerated Productions. With a background in learning and workforce development, organizational systems transformation, social justice and media - she holds a BA in Education and Social Justice from The Evergreen State College and an MA in Organizational and Leadership Development from Bastyr University. In addition to producing podcasts, films and educational video content with corporate and nonprofit partners, she has authored over 80 courses on topics including equity and inclusion, social and emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. Her client list includes working with hundreds of nonprofits and start-ups, as well as large corporations including Google, Microsoft, Sony, Paramount Global, Walmart, and Starbucks.

Splitting her time between the Seattle Area and Walla Walla, WA - when she's not busy working, she loves to cook, garden, create art, and geek out on films and podcasts.