Kalen is the founder of Red Rocket Nonprofits. For over thirty years, she has been writing grants and proposals in the public and private sectors. She has also been heavily involved in various community development projects. She grew up in Western North Carolina, is a graduate of Clemson University and is a certified grant writer through Western Carolina University. Kalen currently leads the grant development and community outreach efforts of the Brevard Music Center.

John has been managing grant development efforts for Red Rocket clients for the last five years. He is a graduate of Clemson University, a certified grant writer through Western Carolina University, and has completed the extensive certification program of WNC Nonprofit Pathways. His experience includes the acquisition of grant funding, building grant development infrastructure for organizations, management and compliance of award contracts, and messaging and relationship development with funders.