DONNA WYATT
Executive Director and Program Director, Counselor, LPC
Donna Joined the team in February 2023 with a strong background in counseling and extensive experience in workforce development . She has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Business Administration. She also has Master's degree in clinical psychology and is working on her Ph.D. Prior to joining Rise and Shine, she worked closely with youth experiencing emotional and behavioral disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and St. Elizabeth schools. A Maryland native, Donna served a counselor in Stone Mountain Georgia before returning to Maryland to work with vulnerable adults at the Woodland Job Corps Center. In her current role at Rise and Shine, she is able to combine her passion for mental health and workforce development, crafting programs that empower individuals to overcome challenges and build fulfilling careers. "I take pride in fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where each client feels valued and equipped to succeed. My team and I provide practical tools, guidance and advocay that help our clients navigate barriers and achieve full potential. It is truly rewarding to witness the transformation and growth in the lives of those we serve."
443-374-1239
dwyatt@riseandshinebakery.org
Jamaal Ferguson
Employment Resource Manager
Jamaal Ferguson is a dedicated advocate committed to strengthening communities through meaningful employment and resource connections. With a background that includes serving as an elected official, he has focused his career on advancing opportunities that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Jamaal specializes in helping individuals overcome barriers to employment by providing job readiness support, career coaching, and connections to vital resources. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys reading, exploring music, and attending live performances across genres. Guided by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Jamaal strives to embody this principle in both his career and personal life.
443-714-3460
jferguson@riseandshinebakery.org
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Michelle Wilson
Baking Instructor
Chef Michelle joined our team in February 2023 as our Baking Instructor. Michelle has close to 15 years in the baking industry. She has worked as a head baker, manager and trainer in several bakeries. She has experience in all aspects of baking and instruction and kitchen management. She is also an awesome baker herself. She has a degree in psychology and Applied Science in Pastry and Baking. She is a native of New York and we are delighted that she has joined our team.
914-266-0780mwilson@riseandshinebakery.org
Pedro Del Granado
Assistant Baking Instructor
My name is Pedro Del Granado, I have been the baker’s assistant for Rise & Shine Bakery since May 2024. I am very happy and excited to be part of this wonderful organization that is growing day by day. I am a Veteran from the US Army with many years as a Human Resources Officer. I served during the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq as well as in many other countries. When I left my military career, I left with an “invisible scar” called PTSD which led me to depression, anxieties, stress that I struggled with. There was a time that I was undergoing a hardship situation and by the grace of God I saw the Rise and Shine flyer for a bakery program starting on January 25, 2024, Class 3. I signed up, got accepted and my passion for hospitality business flourished. I worked in restaurants in my younger days, and I love to cook. I gained my bakery skills, and I felt complete. I regained confidence and during the program I got a job. After I graduated, I saw an ad that Rise & Shine was looking for someone, I applied and got the job. Now, I am back in my game. The sky is the limit. Thank you Rise and Shine and God bless all the members of the organization.
pdelgranado@riseandshinebakery.org
Catherine Ferguson
Production Manager
Chef Cathy Ferguson trained as a pastry chef in Baltimore, MD. She has decades of experience in catering, private clubs, restaurants and hotels. Cathy served as the chef for Maryland Governors O'Malley and Hogan. Her experience as a Culinary Instructor contributes to her knowledge of production baking and enjoys passing on her baking skills to students. She started baking as a child and likes the creativity and artistry of the process. Cathy oversees the production of our famous cookies and other baked goods at our second location in Severna Park. She is excited to share the mission of Rise and Shine and we are delighted that she will be designing and managing the production bakery.
cferguson@riseandshinebakery.org