Staff

Paula Nordgaarden- M.Ed. MSW Executive Director

paulan@wishingstar.org

Paula has been serving families and children in Washington and Idaho for over 38 years.   She holds a Washington K-12 teaching endorsement, a Master’s in Adult Education and a Masters in Social Work from EWU.  In the spring of 2005 she left her work with abused and neglected children in order to serve families caring for medically fragile children. She is a member of Rotary 21 and SPO-CAN.  She has three children and four grandchildren.  In the late summer you will find her picking huckleberries.

Donna Halvorson - Development Director

donnah@wishingstar.org

Donna has over 25 years experience in development for non-profits.  She graduated from WSU and has a Master’s in Education from Whitworth.  She has volunteered for many non-profits in Spokane including Junior League (Board member and President), SpokaneArtSchool, WAMPUM Auction and is a current Board Member and Executive Committee member for Family Service Spokane. 

Sarah Carpenter - Program Director

sarahc@wishingstar.org

Sarah attended EWU for a bachelor's in psychology. She was a bank manager before becoming involved with Wishing Star. Although this is Sarah's first time working at a non-profit agency, she has had many life experiences with children. With four younger sisters and a passion for children she has done plenty of babysitting, coached a summer softball team and led a youth group for three years. Sarah loves playing with her dog, Molly, participating in softball games and visiting her family and boyfriend on weekends.

Tracy Shaw- Boise Regional Director

tracys@wishingstar.org

Born and raised in Wenatchee, Tracy's family had a cherry and apple orchard that kept her and her older sister, Kerri, busy. After high school, she played softball at a JVC for a year.   Love of travel lead her to the International Air Academy in Vancouver, Wa. She was hired by America West Airlines upon graduation. It was a wonderful job that inspired Tracy to make a difference in other people's lives. The dream to be a flight attendant was short lived after realizing being a mom meant more. Daughters' Mackenzie Ann was born in 1999 and Zoey Lynn was born in 2001. Tracy started volunteering for Wishing Star when Zoey was a baby. In 2006 she joined the staff. Tracy says she "loves working for a foundation that brings hope to families and is rewarding!"

Molly-Wishing Star Mascot

Molly is Wishing Star's newest member! She is four years old and has lived with Sarah for two years now. We don't know where Molly grew up because she was found wandering the streets of Spokane and brought to the Humane Society. She was very shy and timid and no one wanted her at first. So she was brought to a foster home where Sarah found her. After a lot of training, socialization, and patience, Molly has grown to be a wonderful friend! She may bark when she hears the door open, but she will love you in no time! Molly is a great asset to the office, because she reminds us of what is important.