Board of Directors

Heidi is the founder of ‘Ohana Oasis. Heidi lost her daughter, Alison Belle, to a brain tumor at the age of five. “One day, while on vacation on Kaua’i, I woke up eager to ‘go play.’ I had the energy and eagerness to explore. It wasn’t until the end of the day that I realized I hadn’t had this type of energy in eight years.

Over the course of those eight years since my daughter’s death, I had wonderful people and resources helping me navigate my way back to a purposeful and joy-filled life. And then, in what I firmly believe came from something beyond myself, I got the vision of a place where parents like me are given the tools, space, and, most importantly, the safety and permission to go to the depths of grief—while also exploring the heights of the amazing things life can still hold; the joy that can still arrive, where we begin to explore our purpose(s) in life.” ‘Ohana Oasis was born out of this vision.

Before building 'Ohana Oasis, Heidi worked in public affairs advising on health care policy in a variety of positions including the Idaho Director of Government Affairs for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Michelle describes herself as a Chef, Massage Therapist, and Adventurer.

“My work and my passions revolve around alchemy and transformation with food, the physical and spiritual body.” explains Michelle.

She came to ‘Ohana Oasis through the experience of volunteer, as Chef for a retreat‘s final celebration dinner. “I was so intrigued by this process for bereaved parents, I had to be a part of ‘Ohana Oasis.”

I feel it is so important in our culture to speak as plainly about death as we do about birth. It was so inspiring to watch these parents walk through the fire of their loss to a place of joy and resilience. As they grew stronger together! ‘Ohana Oasis is such an amazing opportunity to help parents heal their hearts and move forward without shame or judgement!”

Ann was born and raised in Southeast Idaho where she continues lives with her husband, Terry. Ann has five children and two grandchildren who are the absolute joys of her life. She enjoys traveling, playing with her grandchildren and cooking. She is forever grateful for life and the experiences that have brought her to enjoy it to the fullest with joy.

Ann’s son Billy died in a shooting accident in April of 2012 at the age of 14. Ann discovered ‘Ohana Oasis after reading a blog from a participating parent. Ann and Terry were invited to attend the second retreat in April of 2014, just two years after Billy’s death. Ann got on the plane to attend angry, grief stricken, lonely and lost with a marriage barely hanging on. She spent the next week acknowledging her grief, becoming a part of a tribe of parents and most importantly realizing that honoring her son, Billy did not have to be lonely or painful. She left her retreat experience revitalized, empowered and with a new outlook for her life. She made it clear she wanted to stay involved any way possible in the ‘Ohana Oasis organization. A few years later she attended the leadership training and has since gone on to facilitate 4 retreats, one virtual and 3 in person.

In September of 2023 after facilitating a retreat in Cannon Beach Heidi approached Ann about taking over Ohana Oasis as the Executive Director. To say she was shocked is a huge understatement. Ohana Oasis is one of her biggest passions and with her husband’s consistent support she hopes to continue the growth and progress Heidi has made over the last decade. She is grateful for growth since the loss of Billy. She is mostly grateful for the countless connections made through this program. Ohana Oasis continues to show up in her life in a big way and she is HERE FOR IT!