Our Board of Directors

Thomas J. Rachal, Chairman- Thomas J. Rachal is a Business Development Manager for Bulwark Protection, a division of Workwear Outfitters. He is a graduate of The University of Texas in Austin TX. Tom was a Senior Vice President at Riverside Manufacturing Company and served on the Presidential Council Board.  Throughout his professional career, he has worked on various charitable boards, such as SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center.  Tom has a special interest in serving as Chairman of the Board for Rays of light. He and his wife Denise, have a child with special needs, Sam.  Tom has experienced first-hand the rewards that the program affords this special community.  He has witnessed how Rays of Light has changed the lives of these awesome kids and their families.

Stephen L. Arata, Treasurer-  Stephen L. Arata is Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Next Wave Energy Partners. Stephen is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and received his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.  Stephen was one of the original volunteers for Night Lights in 2001, has been an active volunteer since then, and has been on the Rays of Light board since its formation. Stephen is married with three children, the youngest two of whom were also active volunteers at Night Lights.

Christine (Chris) Sanner Berry - Chris has been an active community volunteer for over three decades.  Chris’ community involvement has included numerous organizations and philanthropic efforts with a focus on children and youth, education and health.  Organizations in which Chris has been actively involved include Parent Teachers Association (P.T.A.), Girl Scouts, Grant Haliburton Foundation, Wesley Rankin Community Center, and Parish Episcopal School events fundraising and programs.  In these and other organizations Chris has served in various capacities including board level, fund raising and hands on volunteerism with youth and Children.  Chris was introduced to Rays of Light several years ago through her children who served as volunteers and she and her husband Jim have since been active supporters of the organization. Chris is a proud native Texan and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1985. She enjoys cooking, traveling and reading in her spare time.

Alden Brosseau - Alden and her family came to Lover’s Lane UMC through the Rays of Light Ministry in 2003.  She joined the Board of Directors in 2017.  Alden is a graduate of the University of Texas and received her Masters of Science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas.  Alden has dedicated her professional career to working with school-aged children with special needs and their families.  Alden and her husband, Chip, have two children.  In her free time, Alden enjoys volunteering, attending her boys sporting events and reading. 

Stan Copeland-  Stan Copeland has been the Senior Pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church since April 1, 1998 and prior to that served churches in the heart of Houston and East Texas.  Dr. Copeland received a BA in Sociology from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was an honor MDiv graduate of St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, where he also received the Roy M. Brady Preaching Award and Scholarship and the Oubri Poppele Research and Study Award. He received his Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, with an emphasis on spiritual leadership in a post-modern world. Dr. Copeland has authored several publications including Lord, He Went, Remembering William H. Hinson in 2006, and Together, United Methodists of the Temple, Tabernacle and the Temple in 2018.

Beth Bankston - Beth is a Managing Director of Multifamily Capital within Commercial Real Estate for Wells Fargo. Beth has more than 15 years of commercial real estate experience specifically with the multifamily asset class to include market rate, affordable housing, student housing, and senior housing. She earned a B.A. in finance and a M.B.A in strategic management from the University of North Texas. She’s been a volunteer at Night Lights for many years and now a part of the Rays of Light Board. Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking plant-based meals, and being physically active.

Donald P. Wiley-  Don is a Dallas attorney and advisor focusing on estate planning, philanthropy and probate law.  He is also a trusted philanthropic consultant to individuals and foundations regarding mission, metrics and management.  Don is married to Julia Wiley; they and their son Preston are members of Lovers Lane UMC.  Active as a board member and leader with several other nonprofit organizations, Don has worked with Rays of Light as both a fundraiser and a volunteer.  Preston has been a volunteer at Night Lights since high school.  “Rays of Light has enriched my life; the gifts of time, relaxation and community Rays of Light offers our special kids and their families is only half the story.  I believe we and the volunteers receive even more just by serving.”  Don is a native Dallasite, a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, the University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas School of Law.  A classical singer and soloist, Don is also an active layperson in the connectional United Methodist Church.

Roger Wyche -  Roger Wyche has over 20 years experience as a Commercial Real Estate Broker & Lender, financing such projects as Southlake Town Square, Hyatt Regency Dallas, Kierland Westin Resort & Spa, Kierland Commons Shopping Center, and Uptown Center.  Roger is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a BBA in Marketing as well as a scholarship member of the UNT Golf Team.  He has been actively involved with the Preston Center Rotary Club since 2013 and has been an active part of the Rays of Light Board since 2010.  “The support and caring among the Board Members is awesome as everyone pulls together to really support this program for our Special Kids”, says Roger.  “Being a part of the ROL Program provides a great lift in my life and puts my own priorities in perspective very quickly as well.”   

Terri Fertitta - Terri Fertitta has been dedicated to making a difference in children's lives for over two decades. With a rich background of 20 years in home health and nursing, she brings a wealth of experience and compassion. Her journey of service began with a genuine passion for helping others, she has seamlessly blended her skills with an unwavering commitment to children's well-being. Beyond her professional background, she’s also a mother of two and grandmother of four. If she’s not spending time with her family, she’s traveling with her high school sweetheart.

Sarah Velvin -Sarah Velvin is Recruiting Manager at Baker Botts, a leading global law firm. She grew up in Dallas, attending Parish Episcopal School and graduating from TCU with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies, having minored in Business and Film as well as TV & Digital Media. Sarah first became involved with Rays of Light as a volunteer in high school. Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, especially in the mountains where she can enjoy the great outdoors - with cooler temperatures.

Charlotte Thompson Hickey- Charlotte Thompson Hickey, a Dallas native, currently works at Merritt Capital Partners, a commercial real estate company, as its Chief Financial Officer. Her experience includes corporate lending, oversight of venture capital portfolios, sales of distressed loan packages, and corporate finance. In connection with her venture capital duties, she served as a director of several portfolio companies. Through her childrens’ educational years, she served as PTA
president, treasurer and in many other capacities at all three schools they attended. More recently she has been involved with the Delta Delta Delta Alumnae organization, serving as President of the House Corporation in Austin, and ten years as the treasurer of the Dallas Alumnae Group. Mrs. Hickey is a 1980 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, with a BBA in Finance.