Who We Are

IBOUNCE UP is a nonprofit organization based in Hawaii

We are dedicated to empowering individuals through education and support. With a mission to uplift and inspire, we offer in-person and online workshop training sessions tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities.

Our Mission

We empower individuals facing adversity by cultivating effective mindsets, enabling them to overcome life's challenges and embrace lasting change.

Our Vision

We envision a society where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the resilience and support to thrive, empowered by evidence-based skills and techniques to overcome life's challenges.

Our Story

How we started our Journey of Resilience

The organization's journey began with a simple but impactful request that highlighted the deep need for mental resilience within communities.

The Beginnings

The idea for IBOUNCE UP was sparked when Carrie, the secretary, approached Founder Andy with a request to provide training for the resource caregivers she mentored. This initial training session was a resounding success, revealing the broader challenges faced by others, especially those in addiction recovery. The personal journey of one of the founders' brothers, who battled to find health and healing before his passing, further inspired the organization to expand its reach to serve individuals facing adversity.

Establishment and Growth

Founded in August 2023, IBOUNCE UP is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through a structured approach to resilience. Since its inception, the organization has made significant strides in its mission. IBOUNCE UP has collaborated with five organizations, completed 19 training sessions, reached 227 individuals, and delivered 633 hours of resilience training. These achievements have been made possible through the support of partners who share the organization's values.

Achievements and Partnerships

In just its first year, IBOUNCE UP has earned notable recognition and formed strategic partnerships to maximize its impact. The organization is proud to be one of 279 member-nonprofits of the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations and among the 60 nonprofits in Hawaii to have earned Candid’s 2024 Platinum Transparency Seal. These accolades reflect the organization's commitment to transparency and excellence.

Strategic partnerships have been essential to IBOUNCE UP's success, allowing the organization to promote recovery and resilience across its communities despite limited resources.

Meet The Team

Board of Directors and Staff for Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025

Andrew Pierce

Andy Pierce is a Master Resilience Expert with a Master's degree in Performance Psychology and several years of experience. He specializes in equipping individuals with essential resilience skills and techniques. He has worked with a diverse clientele, including elite Special Operations Soldiers, Army Ranger Soldiers, adults in addiction recovery, and resource caregivers.

Andy is dedicated to fostering resilience in others, helping them achieve personal growth, strength, and success. Through his work, he aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of those he encounters, promoting a resilience-based mindset for a more promising future.

Director and Founder

(808) 753 - 0303

andy@ibounceup.com

Lauralee Pierce

Lauralee Pierce is a passionate advocate for those who have faced significant hardships, including addiction and involvement in the foster care system. Her dedication stems from her personal connection to these challenges, having witnessed firsthand the mental strain they impose on individuals and families. She firmly believes in the power of resilience training to successfully empower people to navigate life's difficulties.

Through IBOUNCE UP, Lauralee aims to honor the memory of her lost family members by making a meaningful impact on those still struggling. Her commitment to the success of the resilience program and the growth and development of its participants is unwavering.

President and Co-founder

(808) 268 - 5560

lauralee@ibounceup.com

Carrol H. Collins

Carrie Collins is a devoted grandmother and mother to 17 children, and she has committed her life to the noble cause of being a resource parent, educator, and mentor. Since 2007, she and her husband have been actively involved in fostering and adopting 9 children through the foster care system. Her personal experiences provide her with a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by resource parents, and she works tirelessly to ensure they receive the necessary support and training.

Since 2018, Carrie has also been an esteemed educator and mentor for resource parents at Grossmont College. Her exceptional teaching skills and deep empathy enable her to effectively equip resource parents with the knowledge and guidance they need to thrive in their roles as caregivers for vulnerable children.

Secretary

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info@ibounceup.com

Jeannie VanSteenkiste

Jeannie VanSteenkiste holds a degree in marriage and family studies, with a minor in sociology and Spanish. Her extensive volunteer work includes coaching youth with complex trauma, serving as PTO President at her son's school, and active participation in church activities. Jeannie's compassion and commitment to her community have made a significant impact.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Jeannie enjoys adventurous outdoor activities with her husband and three boys, such as hiking, surfing, and swimming. She deeply values mental resilience and believes in the importance of nurturing our minds alongside physical exercise.

Treasurer

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info@ibounceup.com

Momomi Hannemann

Momomi Hannemann is deeply rooted in our community, with her and her family being active contributors to its growth and well-being. Known for her exceptional personal skills and warm personality, Momi has built meaningful connections with many, making her a trusted and valued figure in our circle.

Beyond that, Momi is a doer—someone who knows how to take on challenges and execute projects with precision and dedication. Her proven ability to transform ideas into impactful actions will undoubtedly bring fresh energy and insight to our mission.

Board Member

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info@ibounceup.com

Our Partners

Thank you for believing in our cause and for being instrumental in bringing hope and resilience to those who need it most.

Bobby Benson Center

Bobby Benson Center provides comprehensive care designed to help individuals on their journey to recovery. Their services include Residential Treatment for adolescents aged 13-17, as well as a Continuum of Treatment for both adolescents (13-17 years old) and adults (18 years and older).

They are committed to delivering high-quality support to the residents of Hawaii, aiding those in need of assistance in overcoming substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Hawaii

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a unique volunteer program that empowers everyday citizens to serve as court officers. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often go unnoticed among hundreds of ongoing cases.

CASA volunteers change that narrative. Appointed by Family Court judges, CASA volunteers typically handle one case at a time, committing to stay with the child until they are placed in a safe, permanent home.

EPIC ‘Ohana: Effective Planning and Innovative Communication (EPIC), Inc

EPIC ‘Ohana: Effective Planning and Innovative Communication (EPIC), Inc. is a neutral, non-profit organization based in Hawaii, dedicated to fostering family conferences, facilitation, training, and program development.

Guided by the spirit of Aloha, EPIC ‘Ohana embodies the principles of respect, kindness, and dignity in all their interactions with families, youth, service providers, and each other.

Makana O Ke Akua, Inc. (MOKA)

Makana O Ke Akua, Inc. (MOKA) is a private, faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a clean and sober living environment for men seeking positive change in their lives. Established in March 2003, MOKA began as a compassionate response to eight men stranded by a failed sober home in Ewa Beach and has since grown into a beacon of hope.

"Makana O Ke Akua" translates to "Gift of God," reflecting their mission to serve as a divine blessing to those in need. They are committed to making a meaningful difference and providing exceptional support to help individuals transform their lives.

The Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Care Education Program (FAKCE)

The Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Care Education Program (FAKCE) aims to empower foster, adoptive, and kinship parents by offering high-quality workshops, classes, and support opportunities. Their goal is to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address the educational, behavioral, and developmental needs of foster children.

Serving resource and kinship parents throughout San Diego County, FAKCE is dedicated to building a supportive community for those who care for our most vulnerable youth.