Who We Are

Roots & Wings is a family foundation established in 2019 by Judy and Gordon Faulkner. We make grants to support basic needs, early learning, family safety, and health.

The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that help low-income children and families reach their full potential through prevention, early intervention, and in-depth programming that changes lives.

Our Story

Judy Faulkner is the founder and CEO of Epic, a privately-held healthcare software company based in Wisconsin. Her husband, Gordon Faulkner, is a retired pediatrician who provided free care to children in Wisconsin for more than 15 years.

The Faulkners’ work – in business and philanthropy – has been to keep people well, help sick people get better, and create a world where all children can reach their full potential.

The seeds of the Faulkners’ philanthropy were planted in 2012 when Judy and Gordon started a small family foundation called Magic Pebble. In 2015, Judy joined The Giving Pledge, committing 99 percent of her wealth to philanthropy. Her goal was “to help others with roots – food, warmth, shelter, healthcare, education – so they too can have wings.” Click here to read Judy’s full letter to The Giving Pledge.

Out of that commitment, the Roots & Wings Foundation was launched in 2019 under the leadership of the Faulkners’ daughter, Shana Dall’Osto.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Roots & Wings makes grants nationally, with a particular focus on Wisconsin, Washington, and Oregon, where the Faulkners and their family reside. Roots & Wings funds nonprofit organizations that help low-income children and families reach their full potential through prevention, early intervention, and in-depth programming that changes lives. The Foundation supports both direct services and advocacy. More information on what we fund can be found here.

In 2022 the Foundation made $40 million in grants to more than 240 different organizations, spanning the fields of basic needs, early learning, family safety, and health.

Our Team

Shana Dall’Osto, Executive Director

A nonprofit professional passionate about early childhood, Shana has managed education programs and led organizations for almost 20 years. Prior to launching Roots & Wings, Shana ran the Magic Pebble Foundation.

A Wisconsin native, Shana has worked with the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa, and with AmeriCorps in Seattle, Washington. Before working in philanthropy, Shana ran early literacy programs for low-income families across Washington State.

Jamie Carroll, Grants & Impact and Basic Needs Program

Inspired by her origin story, Jamie joins Roots & Wings with a belief in blending coordination and compassion. She previously provided project management support to local and international endeavors aimed at delivering equitable services to underserved populations. Recent collaborations include the East Link Extension Project in Bellevue, Washington and the Priority Care Center in Eureka, California.

Courtney Jiles, Early Learning Program and Safety & Justice Program

Courtney is passionate about supporting families, especially those with young children, to ensure they have access to equitable opportunities through community-based programs. She previously worked for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families, supporting families through home visiting, strengths-based prevention and family support programs. Courtney approaches her work with curiosity, compassion and a spirit of continuous learning.

Janelle Lavin, Operations

An administration and operations professional energized by serving others, Janelle supports the Foundation’s operations. Prior to Roots & Wings, Janelle managed non-profits and restaurants in the greater Seattle area. She is an advocate for social justice and is wholeheartedly invested in the philanthropic endeavors of the foundation.

Nicole Smith, Health Program

Nicole brings a passion for service and learning, along with 30 years of experience in public health programs and policy. Nicole worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 20 years in a variety of positions, including assignments with the World Health Organization in Africa and Asia.

David Brotherton, Communications and Gun Violence Prevention Program

As a consultant to Roots & Wings, David brings 25 years of experience as a storyteller, media strategist, and philanthropic advisor. David is the founder and president of Brotherton Strategies. He previously served as director of communications for the Marguerite Casey Foundation, and worked as a congressional speechwriter, political reporter, and public affairs consultant.

Tammy Helgeson, Finance

Tammy brings a strong commitment to non-profits as a consultant with Roots & Wings. She has worked with public and private foundations as well as operating non-profits for the past 20 years. Tammy started her career as a public accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers; moved to the private sector as controller for Shurgard Capital Group and then to Alaska Airlines as Director of General Accounting.

Sherrie Homer, Human Resources

With a background in corporate human resources, Sherrie blends the work of an accomplished HR leader and a highly trained executive coach. As a consultant to Roots & Wings, she creates opportunities for foundation team members to learn, grow, and contribute impactfully using their strengths.