Our Team

Ashley Rath, Founder & CEO

Ashley was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer) in April of 2021. After a lengthy treatment plan that included three surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, she’s finally entered into a post-treatment / remission phase of life where the focus has shifted from survival to learning how to support other women. From her own experience, Ashley knows the value of both physical movement and working on your mental health during a traumatic experience such as cancer. Ashley was active throughout treatment and sought the support of both therapy and mental performance coaching during her journey, all of which has helped her move forward with more gratitude and love for life. There is always a silver lining.

Ashley lives in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri with her two daughters (Kate & Claire) and her pit-terrier mix, Melba (toast). In her spare time, you can find her lifting weights or in savasana at yoga. :)

Board of Directors

Erin Michael, President

Erin was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and hormone positive, HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancers in October of 2020. She underwent a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction and fat grafting. Her course was complicated by a tissue expander infection and multiple hospitalizations. She received news of clear margins and no lymph node involvement following her mastectomy. 

Physical activity, weight lifting, gratitude practice, mental healthcare and community have been key parts of Erin’s journey through treatment and into survivorship. She noted a significant gap in cancer care with limited access to mental health services at all stages. She is motivated to be a part of changing the narrative and ensuring mental healthcare is a priority in cancer care. 

Erin lives in Maryland with her partner, Josh, and their fur baby, Coal. 

"Be the change you wish to see in the world..."

LaToya Richardson, Secretary

LaToya is a breast cancer thriver originally diagnosed at the age of 36. Now in her post treatment phase she loves working out at the gym and weightlifting to remain active and has been focused on growth and healing from the mental health perspective because she believes that healing from cancer goes beyond medical treatments. Over the past 5 years she has participated, volunteered, and advocated for a variety of breast cancer organizations with a focus on health and mental wellness. She is very excited to be a part of the Rebuild-a-B family and a part of the conversation and process to bring important resources to women in need.

LaToya enjoys working out, dancing, hiking, spending time with family and friends, reading, yoga (a.k.a. working on mobility because it needs work!), and sharing her experience with recently diagnosed women. LaToya is also a loyal and loving daughter, sister, caregiver and friend to some of the most amazing and supportive people on the planet.

Kerri Gortmaker, Treasurer

Kerri was diagnosed with triple negative IDC breast cancer in July of 2021. She completed chemo infusions, double mastectomy with reconstruction, chemo pills, and two fat grafting surgeries over the next 18 months. She has received clear margins on surgery and has been working through recovery / survivorship. Through physical fitness, mental wellness, and some self love, she has learned, and is still learning, how to be the best version of herself while helping others diagnosed with cancer where she can.  

Kerri lives in Walcott, ND with her husband, Tyler, a dog (Kimber), three pet mini goats (Mabel, Betty, and Lucy), and 21 motorcycles.

Kelsey Hackem, Board Member At-Large, Community & Outreach

Kelsey was diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative IDC breast cancer in March 2018 at age 30. She completed 16 chemo treatments and a double mastectomy with reconstruction. She received the news of no evidence of disease in October 2019. 

Prior to being diagnosed, she was an active Crossfitter in Columbus, OH and continued to exercise throughout her treatment. After treatment, she felt a bit lost physically, and mountain biking helped her rediscover her love for the outdoors and her ability to do hard things. She returned to a fantastic CrossFit gym in Lynden, WA, CrossFit i1uvit, three years ago and has enjoyed redefining what fitness and well-being looks like post-treatment.

In her professional career, Kelsey was previously a lawyer but is now in operations, fundraising, and event planning in both the non-profit and private sector. She looks forward to bringing these experiences to R-A-B!