Rise Up Reno Prevention Network Staff

Executive Director- Carla Smith

Carla began as a Strengthening Families facilitator and part time employee in 2005. After coordinating family programs, Carla guided CTC Youth Leadership Groups for 8 years. Now as the Executive Director of Rise Up Reno she has the joy of working with great people, youth and volunteers while learning something new every day.  In her free time, Carla enjoys traveling, crafting and hanging out with her husband Gary, their foster boys and her dogs.

Program Coordinator- Lisa Orrison
Lisa started facilitating Strengthening Families Classes in 2009.  She is the Mobilizer for the Reno Co. Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Program Coordinator for suicide prevention. She is on the State of Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition and the chairperson for Community Engagement.  Lisa has been a Prevention Specialist with Rise Up Reno since October of 2012.  In her spare time, she enjoys birdwatching, long motorcycle trips and spending time with her family.

Program Coordinator-John Young
John is a graduate of Fort Hays State University. He worked as a foster care recruiter and as a counselor for several years. Most recently, he was a human services specialist, a match support specialist and a program coordinator. John joined Rise Up Reno in the summer of 2022 and is currently the Program Coordinator for the School Based Mentoring program. John and his wife, Amy, have three daughters. In his free time, John coaches his daughters' competitive softball teams for the Central Kansas Crushers Softball Club. As a family, they enjoy sports, outdoor activities, fishing and hunting.


 Program Coordinator-Alyssa Danler
Alyssa is a life-long Hutchinson resident, proud Salthawk, Blue Dragon, and Fort Hays State Tiger. She began her journey in youth leadership as a student member of CTC in 2007-2010. Now, Alyssa is our Youth Leadership Program Coordinator, providing valuable skills and resources to the youth in our communities. When she is not working, you will find her at the lake, working on a home remodel or painting project, or spending time in the community with her daughter and family.