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 RISE Team

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Beth Parker

    Hey, I’m Beth, I’ve been married 10 years to my wonderful Husband Jonty, we have 3 amazing children and a little kitten. 

    As someone who has known and loved Jesus since I was really young, it has been such a privilege to see God move in my life, to journey with him and hear his voice in different seasons.

    Knowing the truth about who God says we are is something I am so passionate about, comparison and fear of man is something I battled with a lot and I really want to help other women see the truth God has for them, their beauty, what makes them who they are and how valuable they are.

    I am a lover of all things creative. I love to create and design, be it painting, interiors, pottery… the list is long! I’m also a big fan of the beach and most of all, I love spending time with my family.

  • Charlotte Aske

    Hey, I'm Charlotte! I’m a stay at home mama and I am married to my incredible husband Jon and we have a beautiful daughter who is such a joy bringer and makes us laugh on the daily.

    Recently, God is growing my heart to serve and reach out to other mums, encouraging mums in their worth & identity in motherhood, especially those who don't know Jesus yet. I pray daily for our home to be a sanctuary, a temple for God's presence. 

    Interiors, home making, the beach & tulips are the way to my heart! If you cook me some yummy food, you most definitely will be my friend forever.

  • 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 grown, with three precious grandchildren.

    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.

  • Jenna Spong

    Hi my name is Jenna and I am married to my lovely husband Jack. We have two beautiful children who keep us very busy!

    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. 

  • 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.

Meet the RISE Champions

We would love to introduce to you our amazing RISE Champions.  These wonderful ladies join the RISE team as Champions for the year and we have the privilege of them being around us as we plan, scheme and have fun throughout the year!

  • Liz Ward

    Hey, I’m Liz! I've worked in the world of audience engagement in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years, latterly as a conduit for change and transformation in the lives of senior leaders. 

    Recognising my identity in Christ and honouring Father God, particularly in the area of relationships, saw me remain single into my 50s. His tender love and provision have been nothing short of amazing. Encouraging other Christian women to step into this adventure of life and flourish is hugely rewarding.

    Moving down to the south coast in the UK has fulfilled a long held dream. I now love enjoying the beach as my gym, singing, aqua fit and the occasional spot of salsa dancing. 

  • Violet Cook

    My name is Violet and I’m so excited to be joining the RISE team as a RISE Champion for the year! 

    I am on my 3rd year out of education and will be starting my Nursing Degree this September at Southampton University, which I am looking forward to. I am so grateful to have taken this time out before starting my degree, it has enabled me to go on great adventures with God such as attending IRIS Harvest School of Missions, serving on the youth team, and now joining as a RISE Champion. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had so far to be able to serve God and his people. 

    I love going on long dog walks at the beach or in the forest, I always feel so grateful for where I live when I go on these walks. I enjoy grabbing a coffee with my friends. I love getting to go to new places, whether that is abroad or here in England.