The RISE team all have a passion to see women rise up and be all God has created them to be.
We are all based in our home church GodFirst in Christchurch, Dorset, UK.
Meet the Team
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Jo Lee - Leader & Founder of RISE
This is me! I have been married to Duncan for over 25 years and have 3 grown up children and 2 crazy cats!
Beautiful interiors, peonies, and hanging out at a coffee shop with my friends are my favourite things to see and do.
I used to believe that I was insignificant and didn’t have a voice until God transformed my thinking, and I now have a huge heart and passion to see women rise up and step into all that Father God has created them to be and do. This excites me, and boy it makes my heart sing when I see women believe truth of who they are because when they do - they change the world!
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Leanne Smit
My name is Leanne and I am married with two kids. I was born in South Africa and met my awesome husband there before we moved to England to travel and see the world. We lived for 9 years in London before moving down to Christchurch and settling at Godfirst church.
I love the outdoors and especially the mountains and I love music, theatre and dance.
I love walking beside many ladies on their personal journeys with their Heavenly Father and seen some beautiful moments of breakthrough and healing. It brings me joy to see woman grow in freedom. Jesus is my all and everything and I am so blessed to apart of the Rise ladies team.
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Sarah Gooden
I’ve worked as a paediatric nurse in various settings for the last 25 years.
I fell in love with Jesus age 11, and more recently have had my world transformed by understanding the Fathers heart and my true identity as a daughter of the King.
I love living on the south coast and my favourite place is the beach – summer/winter, anytime/anywhere. I enjoy coffee, traveling, anything outdoors (except running) and take every opportunity to eat al fresco with family and friends.
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Caroline Cox
My name is Caroline and I am married to a wonderful man called Paul.
I am passionate about women becoming overcomers, particularly from life challenges that may affect mental health or wellbeing. My desire is that women become the best version of who God created them to be.
I’m a great believer in authenticity and I don’t think women were created to hide behind masks.
I love seeing women embrace who they are and discover how valued and loved they are by our Heavenly Father... ❤️
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Meghan Treacher
My name is Meghan and I am so excited to be on this incredible team of women.
I currently work as a Practice Nurse in Bournemouth, and over the years I have had the privilege of nursing others at their most vulnerable. I have been blown away by God’s compassionate heart and love for his people, and my goal is to represent Him well in all I do!
I am passionate about women going after all that God has called them to, stepping into freedom and hearing His voice clearly.
I love spending time with my wonderful husband (and two kittens), including fun walks down by the beach with a good cup of tea!
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Sarah Gibbons
My name is Sarah and I have the immense privilege of being part of this team of courageous women. We are passionate about seeing women be transformed and empowered.
I am married to my wonderful husband Chris and we have two grown up, married children. Our family has recently increased with the addition of our first precious granddaughter.
We love where we live and feel very blessed to be able to enjoy the coast, taking frequent walks on our favourite clifftop, along with spending time in the beautiful New Forest. We just love taking time out recharging and enjoying Fathers wonderful creation.
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Jenna Spong
Hi my name is Jenna and I am married to my lovely husband Jack. We have one beautiful daughter and another little one on the way which is very exciting.
Alongside motherhood I work in supported accommodation where I get to work with adults struggling with various different mental health and learning disabilities which I really enjoy.
I am honoured to be apart of this incredible team. I have always had a heart for women and seeing them step into all that God has for them. I am so excited and expectant for all that God is doing and is going to do.
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Aminah Boot
My name is Aminah. I am married to Greg for over 25 years and we have 3 boys. I was born in Kenya (East Africa) into a Moslem family.
At the age of 12 I heard about Jesus, I was blown away and fell in love with him. My life was changed forever, understanding the love of Father God for me as the daughter of the king.
There are three things I am passionate about;
1) Walking alongside other women. Seeing them embrace Gods Word (TRUTH) and rise up to be who God called them to be.
2) Embracing the power of prayer and encouraging others in prayer to see God do great things in all areas of our life.
3) Encouraging and walking alongside families to see, the abundance of God in their purpose, relationships and life.
Lastly I love, walking, cooking, baking, music and meeting up with friends for a cuppa.