Meet Our Board Members
Our team of volunteer board members joyfully and prayerfully work towards ending maternal and infant mortality worldwide.
And do everything with love.
1 Corinthians 16:15 NLT
Katrina Rauch, Founding President
How can I sit at home when a mom across the world is dying from something I can prevent? Katrina is driven by her desire to live a purposeful life using her skills to do as much good as possible. She was born and raised in a small town in Montana. Katrina loves God, her family, and the people in Montana where she has built a life of connections. However, she feels just at home in a hut in Ethiopia or a van west Africa. "It is the people who we get to help and who impact me that I keep doing this work."
Bradley Rauch, Vice President
Every team needs a pharmacist! We are so thankful for Brad's ability to be flexible with his role as a healthcare professional in the rural areas of the world we so often send teams to. He can handle the buzz of an overcrowded clinic, remain personable and handle the literal heat! Brad is motivated by the patient who needs the most basic of medications to help them feel better, but even more by the situations the medicines do not solve. It is at the end of our resources he finds it easiest to point to the true healer and author of life, Jesus Christ.
Erika Lopez, Secretary
Meet Erika! She and her husband Matt have a bazillion children. Some of them are biologically theirs, lots of them they fostered, a few they are legal guardians and some have been adopted. As for the others... Erika impacts hundreds of children through her "real job" managing the Better Billings Foundation which includes a waterpark, meeting spaces, a food truck and mentorship programs. It was a natural next step for her to come with us to Guinea-Bissau (her first foreign travel) in 2025. She got the bug for travel and loved the mission! We are happy to have her.
Chairsty Stewart, Treasurer
When Chairsty committed to helping First Breath International become an official non-profit organization, she elevated our professionalism. Her heart was already grown for the world, especially, Ethiopia, the birthplace of her three children. Knowing how important motherhood and early infancy is for individuals is what keeps her going. By day she works as a college math teacher, and her skills help us prepare budgets, fundraise and meet fiscal goals. Chairsty is our "boots at home." She serves not only as our treasurer but also keeps things running logistically when we are away.
Alan Skogen, Pastor
A good balance of humor and authenticity, Alan brings positivity to all of our endeavors. He has a background in college and youth ministries. First Breath International teams often go into especially difficult situations where hope and joy have been scarce. We sought out Alan as a board member because we wanted to grow in our spiritual commitment to carry joy and hope as we press towards these trying things. In his day-to-day activities Alan is a devoted husband, father and pastor.