Nancy Altschuler
Founder
Nancy and her husband Steve have a long history of serving their community in many capacities. When they purchased their second home in Laramie, Wyoming in 2021, Nancy felt God’s whisper in her ear that this property was to be used as a non-profit to help others find and experience retreat, rest, and restoration; especially for small groups/families in service-oriented or ministries-type work, professional sabbaticals, grieving situations, physical recovery, or even generalized personal ‘get away’ respites. Thus the vision and idea of Horizon Refuge Foundation was birthed!
Professionally, Steve taught high school math and coached girls' soccer and la crosse at a local high school in Fresno, CA. Nancy initially graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration and Gerontology. After spending her initial career in program development and volunteer management, Nancy started a consulting business while raising their 4 children at home. In 2016, Nancy became a licensed Realtor, specializing in helping seniors consolidate their assets to transition to care, or assisting investment clients with the buying and selling of licensed care homes. She continues to serve as a guest speaker/educator to various groups, including women’s Christian fellowship groups, senior programs at church, or licensed care administrators and business owner.
On December 1, 2023, Steve and Nancy lost their eldest son, James; apparently the result of an unknown aortic aneurysm. Nancy and James had been in frequent communication about the need for a dedicated sabbatical program for professional or personal growth. After realizing that nationally, ~80% of all business professionals experience intense burnout symptoms after just 7-10 years, Nancy began developing a sabbatical program for professionals. At 36, James looked for direction on ‘how’ to participate in a sabbatical, especially after almost 15 years of successful business with the exploding work with the company in which he worked tirelessly. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon about this unique program for professionals.
Rachel Nichols
Vice President
Serving as a full-time realtor in Laramie, Wyoming, Rachel is key to property management and has experience in marketing, data analysis, program review, design, and administration. She also supports her husband's industrial electrical company, overseeing operations and accounting. As a parent of 4 children, she is actively involved in the Wyoming regional community, as well as civic and church activity; and loves to follow/support her children in their various athletic, academic, and leisure activities. Faith and family are everything to Rachel. She is humbled to serve on the Board, and is excited to see how God uses the Refuge to minister to those needing rest and restoration.
Mia Kostouros
Secretary
Mia has a passion for serving others, especially seniors. She has been working in the senior living industry for 20+ years. She enjoys meeting new people and building relationships in all industries that interconnect with the senior care sector. Her personal interests include spiritual, mental, and wellbeing. Amongst other things, she can often be found cooking alongside or preparing a great meal for family and friends. Day trips to historical sites and other interesting places are her favorite places to explore during her leisure time.
Alyssa Valdez
Member at Large
Alyssa’s true gift is serving others and making a difference in their lives; demonstrated by her many acts of service at her job as an Occupational Therapist practitioner at a local Skilled Nursing Facility and part-time with a Home Health company. At her work, she is known for her generosity and kind spirit as she works with her clients, and serves on many work-related company employee relations committees and supportive events – and is especially known for her organizing abilities for annual get-togethers and BBQs.
For the past 10 years, she has served on the Board of Directors for a women’s Christian ministry. She is known for her skills in monitoring the ministry’s technology needs; teaching and leading the ministry program when needed. During her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones; the outdoors has always been her favorite getaway.
Marie Costa
Project Coordinator
Marie Costa, Project Coordinator at Horizon Refuge, brings a wealth of experience in event planning, fundraising, and community service, particularly across Central and Southern California. With a heart dedicated to serving others, Marie is focused on building meaningful partnerships and raising awareness for Horizon Refuge’s mission. Her strategic vision and relentless drive for community engagement are key to advancing Horizon Refuge’s goals and supporting its impactful work.
Greg Maroot
Treasurer
Greg has been a real estate broker in the Fresno area since 1995 helping families achieve their dream of purchasing a home and assist his commercial clients achieve their real estate objectives. Greg has been active in the community by serving on the ARC Fresno Board of Directors & Downtown Association of Fresno Board of Directors. He is committed to his Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Fresno in which he has been a Deacon and served as an Elder. His passion is mission outreach in which he is currently raising funds and assisting in the planning to build a new Church in Northwest Fresno.
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