Emily Solly

Board President

“My husband, two daughters, and I take advantage of living in beautiful Idaho. We love to go camping, fishing, hiking, and skiing. We enjoy traveling and hope to do more as our girls grow. As a commercial lender at Mountain West Bank, I am able to help my clients with the best tools and services for their business. One of the things I admire about my workplace is their commitment to helping our community. I first learned about Giraffe Laugh when I was a Loaned Executive with the United Way, and their gift to children and families here in Boise match an area of immense need for our community. As a working mother wanting the best for my two daughters, I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps parents provide a stable, loving, educational, and safe place for their children, regardless of their income. Their support for the entire family helps set children up for a lifetime of success; this, in turn, makes our community a better place.”

Mike Sharp

Board Vice President

“I am born and raised in the Treasure Valley, and I am proud to call Boise my home. I live on the bench with my wife and our two children. We take every opportunity to enjoy what our awesome community has to offer. Since 2005, I have worked in newspaper, radio, and television as a reporter, news director, and now Executive Producer and Content Manager at 6 On Your Side and Fox 9. Most recently, I spent four years as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Idaho Foodbank, where I grew a personal affinity for Giraffe Laugh and the great work that is done for children in our community. I am exited to help however I can and to work to help ensure every child gets the opportunity to learn and grow in our wonderful community.”

Cassie Runyan

Board Treasurer

“I’ve lived in Idaho most of my life and love this beautiful place I call home. I grew up in Eagle, attended Boise State University, and now share a home in Boise with my boyfriend, Shawn, and our two fur children, Lucy and Winston. I work for Deloitte Tax, serving a variety of clients here locally in the Treasure Valley and in the Pacific Northwest. I am so proud to be part of an organization that values the importance of education and ensuring our future leaders are set for success. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, skiing, traveling, and spending time with my family.”

Alisa Bondurant

Board Member

“Every day I feel grateful to call Boise my home. I am forever awed by the Idaho landscape and the generosity of its community. After several years as an active volunteer, I joined the Board because of my deep belief that every child deserves a quality education. I have seen first-hand how Giraffe Laugh provides that combined with lots of love and care for the entire family.

My day job is working as a Talent Advisor for Stackrock Talent, counseling executives in their career transition and partnering with employers to find the right talent. When I am not working, I am enjoying time with my amazingly creative and charismatic teen, mountain biking with my dog, Vespa, doing yoga with my friends, or enjoying all the other outdoor activities Idaho offers.”

Dorothy Hardee

Board Member

“Having lived in Boise since the early 70s, I definitely call this great city home. I’m a single parent of three daughters with a full-time career. My busy life constantly gives me lessons to experience gratitude, and I feel I have great relationships in my community to help others experience the same.”

Vanessa Lewis

Board Member

“I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and attended Giraffe Laugh as a child. My interest in exploring better ways to support children in the classroom begain after working for the Boise School District as a Paraprofessional. From there, I went on and recieved a master’s degree in education with a focus on aspects of special education and early education. Currently, I am an Intervention Professional at a local charter school with a role of helping increase success, independence, and self-regulation for those students with a disability. In a few months, I will be relocating to Seattle to attend a doctoral program at the University of Washington to reach my career goal of becoming a school psychologist. I am honored to be a part of this community of people once again!”

Connie Brown Olson

Board Member

 “I grew up in Boise, attended local schools, and graduated from the University of Idaho. Over the years, I’ve been involved with many great organizations that support children of all ages. My husband and I love the outdoor activities that Idaho has to offer. I’m proud to be a part of the Giraffe Laugh community.”

Nikki O’Toole

Board Member

Rocio Rivera

Board Member

“I have lived in Meridian since 2012 and am proud to call the Treasure Valley my home. The Treasure Valley has been a great place to raise our three children. I am a Bank Manager at Bank of Idaho in Boise. I have volunteered for different organizations throughout the years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I heard about Giraffe Laugh through a social media site a few years ago and in the last year had the opportunity to get involved in some volunteer projects and got to learn more about what this amazing organization does for children in this very critical time of their development. I am honored and excited to be part of the Giraffe Laugh Board and look forward to helping this great organization fulfill their mission and vision.”