our story


When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 I had a tremendous amount of support from my family, friends and community. I was receiving treatment about 45 minutes to an hour away in Portland, and my medical team recommended several different support groups based in that area. Unfortunately, it was not doable for me to make extra trips to the Portland area to access these resources, which got me thinking about what was available in Yamhill County for breast cancer patients.

Through my research, I found that there was nothing locally meeting the need I was trying to reach. I remember laying in bed after one of my surgeries and thinking that I could be the one to start a support group for the women and families in my community, and that’s exactly what I did. Today, I am beyond grateful for what With Courage has become, and am honored to support the women in my community who have been affected by breast cancer.

Caitlin Sticka, Founder & Executive Director

our board

  • caitlin sticka

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Caitlin is a two time breast cancer survivor and is passionate about providing support and resources for local families who have been impacted by breast cancer. 

    Caitlin has been married to her husband, Ryan for 9 years and they have two daughters, Kenley and Lilian. They love to spend time as a family playing cards, board games and taking family vacations.

    “I have a deep love and appreciation for my friends. I cherish the community of people that have supported me in my dream to start With Courage.

    I am so thankful to be able to use my experience to help support others in our community.”

  • Kim Morris

    PRESIDENT

    Kim is an Interior Designer – Morris Design, Inc. & co-owner of Morris Carpet Cleaning of Oregon

    When Kim is not working she loves to spend time with her family. She has two grand children and is very grateful to be involved in their lives. Kim’s interests include: Architecture, design, and she loves to go for long walks.

    “I was honored to be asked by Caitlin to join the board of With Courage. Caitlin is very dear to our family. Knowing what she went through during her battles with cancer and having the opportunity to work with a group of like minded individuals to support other families impacted by cancer was an easy yes.

    I have never lived any where else but McMinnville, this is my community. It’s all about appreciating those around you and giving back when you can.”

  • Heather Miller

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Heather owns and operates Local Flow Health Bar in downtown McMinnville.

    In addition to operating Local Flow, Heather is the current president for the McMinnville Downtown Association and a member of the McMinnville Kiwanis Club. Spare time activities include traveling, cooking, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

    “I met Caitlin at Linfield College right here in McMinnville while visiting the campus as a high school senior. We remained friends over the years and consequently ended up marrying a couple of lucky fella's from the small town of Carlton. After spending a few years living on the beautiful island of Maui, my husband Brett and I returned to Yamhill County. I am passionate about our community and love being able to touch the lives of the breast cancer families in Yamhill County through the work of With Courage.”

  • Cristina Stauber

    SECRETARY

    Cristina is the owner of Life Styled, an interior design, and styling business, and works alongside her husband at his sports chiropractic clinic Northwest Spine and Sport.

    Cristina has lived in McMinnville for 10 years with her husband and three little girls Lena Mae, Ella Rose, and Cora Sage. She enjoys being at home surrounded by family, friends, and a good book.

    “Every day I am so encouraged by how much this community takes care of each other. I have seen from my personal relationship with Caitlin how much she personally invests in others around her and how powerful she loves. This is why I am so excited to be a part of With Courage. To be part of the way she takes care of others has been such a gift and such an honor. “

  • Lynden Carnahan

    TREASURER

    Lynden is a mortgage advisor with Pacific Residential Mortgage.

    In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and two young children. She prefers a low key weekends with friends visiting local restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops. She also enjoys golfing at the local golf course with her husband.

    “My interest in With Courage started by attending With Courage fundraisers, the desire to invest my time into something that directly helps people in my community, and knowing family and friends who could have benefited from the great services that With Courage offers if they had been available during their battle with breast cancer.  I am blessed to work alongside of the other With Courage board members, and it is an honor to know that we are able to help women in our community who are impacted by breast cancer.”

  • Parker Smith

    BOARD MEMBER

    Parker is the owner of Smith & Company Painting Inc located in McMinnville. It is a family business that his dad started in the late 1950's. Parker lives in Mcminnville with his amazing wife and 2 sons. Parker enjoys most aspects of running and building a business and likes the flexibility it gives him to participate in causes such as With Courage.

    “I am drawn to help serve on the board of With Courage because of the great work they do in helping local women with love and comfort in a time of great need. My mother-in-law is a survivor of breast cancer. I saw firsthand with her how challenging fighting through cancer is. With Courage is a team of dedicated and loving people who strive to bring a little comfort to those who are fighting breast cancer and who need it the most!!”

  • Michelle Joel

    BOARD MEMBER

    Michelle is self employed - working from home as a Group Travel Coordinator and also works at Fjelland Floors as their Office Manager.

    She enjoys that her work has the benefit of building relationships with many people, as well as the added flexibility to be able to participate in school activities and community events, while allowing her the opportunity to travel often with her husband and kids (and a soon-to-be granddaughter!)—with any Disney destination being a family favorite! 

    “As an 8 year survivor of breast cancer, so the support and encouragement With Courage is able to provide to those impacted by this diagnosis is particularly close to my heart. Being a part of the support team for With Courage allows me to work closely with our cancer patients and survivors to offer a listening ear during and after their treatment plan, as well as bring a little comfort through providing our care packages to those who have been thrown into an otherwise scary time.  Yamhill County is a special place that has wonderful supporters that are connected through a special community bond who together can offer many valuable resources.”

  • Veronica Tijerina-Rangel

    BOARD MEMBER

    Veronica began working as a registered nurse in 2005 and in 2015 she joined the Radiation Oncology team at H.R. Hoover MD Cancer Center. She has worked in several roles while in Radiation Oncology, her newest being the new Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator. As a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator, she is able to focus her passion on caring for and supporting newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families, as they navigate through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

    Veronica's pride and joy comes from her family. She has two wonderful sons named Thiago and Luciano (Luca). She has been married to her best friend, Jose for 12 years. They both feel very blessed to work and raise their family in the beautiful community of McMinnville. When Veronica is not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, listening to music, and spending quality time with close friends.

    “I met Caitlin a few years back and instantly connected with her. When she created WITH COURAGE I couldn't wait to begin supporting her and the organization. I have been honored to attend several of the fundraising events and absolutely loved each one. There is something extra special about WITH COURAGE and I was honored when Caitlin and the rest of the board invited me to join them as a board member. I am looking forward to helping make an impact in our community and support those women and families who need us most.”

  • Lisa Jenson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Lisa is a Venue Manager at The Bindery Event Space in downtown McMinnville.

    Lisa has lived in McMinnville for 16 years with her two sons Darian and Kobe. She now has two grandkids who live in Utah and she tries to see them as much as she can. Lisa also enjoys playing games, golf, walking her dog, Ollie and spending time with friends and family.

    “I’ve always admired Caitlin for the work she has done within our community, helping families impacted by breast cancer. When I was asked to help at the Annual Corn Hole Tournament, I knew I wanted to be part of the With Courage Board. I’ve never met a more caring and kinder group of people. I was beyond excited when they invited me to join!”

  • Bonnie Rains

    BOARD MEMBER

    Bonnie works virtually as a Program Operations Specialist in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington. She is also pursuing a Healthcare MBA at OHSU.

    Bonnie lives in McMinnville with her three daughters. She enjoys spending time with friends and family exploring the Pacific Northwest, gardening, reading and volunteering. Most of all, Bonnie loves hanging out with her girls.

    “My mom is a breast cancer survivor and sadly I had an aunt who passed away from it as well so the With Courage mission is close to my heart. I wanted to get involved with With Courage as it is an organization making a real difference for women in Yamhill County. It’s so encouraging to see the outpouring of support and encouragement With Courage has from our community. I’m glad I can play a small part as a With Courage board member and volunteer.”