STAFF

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SENIOR MEDICAL ADVISOR

Dr. Willer is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist practicing medical and surgical eye care for over 25 years, 22 of which has been in The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon.  In addition to his Ophthalmology practice, he is partner in other local businesses.   

Dr. Willer has been on location in Honduras with GWC and will be visiting Nepal and Kenya sites as well. He brings knowledge not only in medicine but in the treatment of water. 

Dr. Willer has always been an active participant in his local community and globally. During his years at Cedarville, he served as an EMT/Paramedic with Cedarville College EMS and Cedarville Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was Chief of Cedarville College EMS for two terms. Locally in Oregon, he served as Reserve Deputy in Hood River, was elected to the Board of Directors for Mid Columbia Fire and Rescue fire district, served and currently serves several appointed positions in local government. His current elected position is Commissioner for the Port of The Dalles.   

Dr. Willer has taught cataract surgery to young surgeons and has traveled worldwide for multiple medical mission trips to India, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Lebanon where he performed no-cost cataract surgery to poor blind patients. 

HEALTH EDUCATION

Cassie graduated with her Bachelors in Nursing from Cedarville University. She also earned a minor in Cross Cultural Nursing, which is her true passion. 

Cassie has worked in a variety of roles in the hospital setting, including trauma and burn nursing. She took her skills overseas, and has served in Ukraine assisting with burn and trauma education. In addition, she worked in a mobile field hospital helping treat Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict.

GWC has been a natural fit for Cassie as she has a passion to help people in need on a global scale. She has been a longtime advocate for safe water, and has participated in fundraising campaigns such as the SUP for water trip. Cassie has also had the opportunity to visit GWC projects sites in India, Nepal, and Honduras. She is planning to head to East Africa with us as well to assist with identifying potential sites in Kenya. 

SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Rick has been with GWC Projects from its inception! Over the last “decade plus” Rick has used his experience to help advise GWC Projects since its infancy to where we are today. Rick is a strong advocate for vulnerable populations in the US and across the globe with GWC Projects. Not only has Rick provided guidance and business advice, Rick and his wife Katie have joined GWC Projects on site visits to India, Nepal, and Honduras. They will also be joining us in East Africa as we evaluate and explore project sites in Kenya this coming year. 

Rick is the CEO of The Kennedy Collective and has been in this role since 2018. His life’s purpose is the connection with and empowerment of people who have disabilities to live vibrant and relevant lives. As the parent of an adult daughter who has multiple disabilities and as The President of The Kennedy Collective, headquartered in Trumbull, CT, Rick is present to the Power of Purpose, and he is a pragmatic visionary who leads and creates businesses where people make an impact and the work they do transforms communities.

Rick advocates for collaboration, self-determination, and community engagement through the alignment of public policy to meet the needs of disenfranchised people. He champions the provision of appropriate services & support, and the creation of meaningful, dignified, and impactful employment.

Rick seeks opportunities to collaborate with other organizations to collectively scale the impact of employing people who have the greatest challenges. Rick is a change maker and committed to being an influencer in building Communities and Economies on Purpose.

Rick earned a BS in Psychology from Utica College of Syracuse University and an MS in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola Maryland.