About Rise Above
Hope for today.
Courage for what’s next.
01Our mission
Our mission
Rise Above allows students to reach their God-given potential through relationship restoration and academic credit recovery.
02Our story
Founded on hope.
Neil and Veronica Fernandes established Rise Above to bring hope to high school students experiencing hopelessness and a lack of academic support. Through education, life skills training, and character development, we help students build strong relationships and healthy emotional responses.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, and we value the contributions every staff member and student makes to our culture and our achievements.
Neil & Veronica Fernandes
Founders
Proudly rooted in Jackson, Michigan.
Our students, our partners, and our building on Fleming Ave. are all right here at home.
03Our team
The people in your corner.
Our staff shows up every school day to teach, encourage, and build real relationships with every student who walks through the door.
Brandon Cooley
Vice President
Isaac Elliott
Classroom Facilitator
Benjamin Bodman
Classroom Facilitator
Corrinn Ridley
Executive Assistant
04Leadership
Board of directors.
Pastors, professionals, and neighbors who give their time to guide Rise Above.
Board Chairman
Neil Fernandes
Pastor and Co-Founder
Vice President
Brandon Cooley
Owner, Prolific Family Chiropractic
Treasurer
Katie Trachsel
CPA, State of Michigan Auditor
Secretary
Veronica Fernandes
Co-Founder
Board Member
Bishop Ricky Hogan
The Rock of Salvation Apostolic Church, Jackson
Board Member
Alicia Soles
Licensed Professional Counselor
05Community voices
What Jackson is saying about Rise Above.
I think Rise Above already is leaps and bounds ahead of other agencies as it pertains to combating ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) because of how much we value our students on an individual basis.
The work you do at Rise Above is amazing. I know the struggles some of those kids face and to have someone still acknowledge them means the world to them, I’m sure.
Get involved
Every student deserves someone in their corner.
Enroll a student, give a gift, or partner with us. However you choose to help, you are part of a Jackson teen’s fresh start.