Meet the Founders

  • Co-Founder + Executive Director

    Deb has poured her time and passion for children in care into founding and serving as executive director of Sibling Strong. She is a recipient of the Foster Parents Association of Washington's Luminary Award in recognition of her contribution to the welfare of youth who are living in foster care. She and her husband are the parents of eight children, including two sibling groups adopted through foster care. Her purpose is to create awareness surrounding siblings who are separated in foster care and the fundamental need for sibling connection.

  • Co-Founder + Board Member Emeritus

    Bob is an amazing champion for children! While he was employed by the Department of Children, Youth and Families, he was an instrumental part in founding Sibling Strong and served on the board. He and his wife, Deanna, are parents to five, including one adopted child. Bob continues to volunteer with Sibling Strong and advocate for foster children.

Meet the Board

  • Sarah Ridings

    Board President

    Sarah has served on Sibling Strong's executive board since 2019. She and her husband became involved with Sibling Strong through their annual Night of 100 Stars Fundraiser. Sarah and her husband have 5 children, one adopted through foster care. Sarah has a Bachelors of Science with a Psychology Major from Liberty University. When she isn't busy with homeschool and church, Sarah enjoys crochet and watching her boys play hockey. She now serves on the board as the board president.

  • Rebekah Bunting

    Vice President + Camp Assistant Director

    Rebekah Bunting joined the Sibling Strong team as an administrative assistant when she was a senior in high school. It didn't take long for her to fall in love with its mission and the kids she worked with. Besides serving on the Leadership Team, she is now in charge of year-round events in Pierce County, and also serves as assistant director while at camp. For much of the year, Rebekah is a gifted kindergarten teacher with a certification in special education in Korea. When she is not occupied by Sibling Strong or teaching, she enjoys running and traveling the world!

  • Gretchen Lakin

    Treasurer

    Gretchen joined the Sibling Strong Executive Board in July 2021. She has been married for 28 years, has two incredible children, and two precious grandchildren. She has been a Bookkeeper for a small business for over 13 years and Treasurer for a small Credit Union for 6 years, as well as the Treasurer for a local church for the last 11 years. Gretchen has a heart for children and understands the importance of family preservation when children are affected by foster care and adoption.

  • Lena Mitchell

    Board Member

    Lena became a volunteer with Sibling Strong back in 2009 and joined our executive board in 2010. Being a former foster parent herself and an advocate for youth in care, Lena had a huge heart to help. She is the mother of five, two of whom were adopted from the foster care system. She became active in the organization after adopting a child who is separated from his siblings. She now serves as the board treasurer and is active in fundraising.

  • John Tilly

    Board Member

    John has been a part of the Sibling Strong family since 2010. With a military/medical background, he is a natural leader. As a former foster child, who was separated from his siblings John understands firsthand where our youth are coming from. This organization has become a big passion for him which has given him the opportunity to help brothers and sisters reunite at camp. One of the things we appreciate about John is that he has the ability to lead as the head counselor, while also creating a great atmosphere to work in.

  • Deb Swaser

    Board Member

    Colleagues and friends invited me to join Sibling Strong back in 2014 to help facilitate team building. In my day-to-day job, I am a National Board Certified High School Counselor. I serve students daily in social, emotional, academic and college/career support. Sibling relationships are precious for life and I have a deep desire to foster healthy life-long sibling relationships! When I am not volunteering, I love hanging with my family! Laughing, adventuring, serving, and leaning into life one day at a time.