Board members
Brandi M. Cottrell
Founder and Board President
Brandi created Serving Others In Loving Kindness (SOILK) out of a strong desire to transform the world through simple acts of kindness that make a profound difference in the lives of people, families, communities and all living beings. Brandi’s philosophy echoes the words of Margaret Mead that we must “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” SOILK provides structure, support and opportunities for people to engage in random acts of kindness and provides rewards to those who participate. Through SOILK’s programs, thousands of acts of kindness have already taken place, with an immeasurable impact on people and communities. For participants, SOILK provides the opportunity to shift focus from service to self into service to others, evoking a culture of paying forward one’s blessings to help others.
Brandi is a graduate of San Diego State University, where she earned a degree in psychology. As an Account Executive with Autotrader.com, she quickly rose to the top of her profession and was named the top Account Executive in the entire Western Region. After years of success in sales, Brandi launched her own consulting business working with clients to heal past hurts, get complete with their relationships and create fulfilling futures. She gained national notoriety and was among the most in-demand consultants in her field as a spiritual coach and therapist.
Brandi left southern California in 2015, embarking on a new life in rural southwest Wisconsin with her husband, Steve. Together, they built several businesses centered around their 1,700-acre ranch, but extending to projects in various parts of the U.S., including the Virgin Islands. Busy, but “lacking nothing,” Brandi began searching for a way to give back. A life-long learner, she enrolled in a rigorous 2-year program through Landmark Education Worldwide that trains participants to be powerful leaders by becoming guardians of communication. Out of this program, Brandi developed the basic outlines of what would become SOILK and launched a program of random acts of kindness into the world as a non-profit organization.
Today, after a substantial investment of time and money, Brandi has positioned SOILK to dramatically expand its mission, with a growing team of dedicated leaders and participants across the U.S. Together, Brandi and her team are committed to positively impact millions of lives in thousands of communities around the world. In her spare time, Brandi enjoys singing, traveling, CrossFit and spending time with her 7 grandchildren.
Michele Petersen
Board Member and Executive Assistant
After working for more than half her life in the field of Retail Demonstration, Michele recently retired from her position as Retail Demonstration Manager for Sam’s Club. Seeking a meaningful way to spend her newly found “leisure time,” Michele was approached by her daughter, Brandi Cottrell, to take a leadership position in SOILK. After learning that SOILK was centered around encouraging “acts of kindness” and Michele could play a major role in expanding this mission, she accepted. Michele is committed to giving her time, training, and wisdom to help SOILK impact the world in a positive way.
Michele attended San Diego State University, where she earned certificates in Principles of Accounting, Business Accounting and Bookkeeping. She then earned two certificates in Health and Administration, as well as TABC, Liquor Licensed and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). She went on to help start three accounting departments as a Full Charge Bookkeeper for San Diego Harbor Excursion, Port of Coronado, and the Dallas Business Machine, all while raising three highly successful daughters.
When her mother passed away in 1997, Michele returned to her childhood home of Sachse Texas. There, she pursued a second career in Food and Health Administration with CROSSMARK in Sam’s Club, at a time when the business was just getting started in Food Demonstration Services. Michele set up and administered accounting procedures for the first club that were eventually used for all clubs nationwide. At the time of her retirement, Michele managed more than 35 employees.
A hard working individual dedicated to high-level professionalism, Michele is instrumental in assisting SOILK to succeed in expanding its mission to impact thousands of lives in the United States and throughout the world.
Michele spends her free time volunteering with Lasagna Love by delivering her homemade lasagna to those in need. She also supports the Red Cross and the Dallas Shelter for the homeless.
Fabio Anifrani
Board Member
Fabio is an Executive Director at SOLIK, a Registered Nurse, and a healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience. He is deeply committed to empowering individuals and communities through strategic vision, inclusive leadership, and equity-focused care.
Fabio’s work is grounded in the belief that sustainable change begins when people are equipped not only with tools and support but also with the confidence and agency to lead their own growth.
Leadership Team
Lisa Denbo
Development Director
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Lisa earned an Associates Degree from Carrington College and now works as a Registered Dental Assistant.
Previously, Lisa spent 10 years at a Catholic Hospital in Boise Idaho working in several roles. Her most fulfilling position was assisting uninsured patients manage their medical bills. In this role, Lisa personally assisted each patient to navigate the public assistance process with county commissioners in order to obtain financial assistance through indigent services.
This work enabled Lisa to bring both love and complex problem-solving skills to bear to help others in need, something she has always been inspired and driven to do. As the Development Director, Lisa is continuing her passionate pursuit of meaningful contribution to others, while enhancing the SOILK team with her many years of professional experience in managing financial assistance programs.
A born entertainer and amazing vocalist, Lisa was voted Entertainer of The Year in San Diego County in 2000. Her love for music brought her into the DJ industry working clubs, bars and weddings and generating a major following in the San Diego area. Lisa recently married and relocated to northwest Arkansas, where she spends her free time cooking and baking her “killer” sourdough bread.
Laurel Schmidtknecht
Volunteer Director
Laurel is a long time La Crosse, Wisconsin resident and has been an active member of SOILK since the beginning. Laurel finds purpose in helping people who may need it, but especially loves helping animals.
Laurel is a strong advocate for health and wellness and is also a small business owner/operator of a Massage Therapy and Esthetics business "All Things Skin" located in Onalaska, Wisconsin. She has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2017, and a Licensed Esthetician since 2023. Laurel finds her passion is in preventive care for a person's entire body. She loves easing people's pain, anxiety, and boosting confidence with radiant skin.
Laurel is a passionate advocate for animals and kids. She is a mother of two amazing children which have always been her first priority in the universe. However, she suffered the tragic loss of her 12-year-old son, Chance in 2021 from self-harm. Volunteer work has helped Laurel immensely while grieving. For her, it is a way to put positivity in place of sorrow. Laurel and Chance had often done random acts of kindness together. Now, she continues to do acts of kindness with him but through her. She understands first hand how life can change in the blink of an eye. She knows that people may be struggling but put on a brave face to others. Laurel often will question, "What would Chance do?" in situations and opportunities that present themselves and she tries her best to carry out the answer she receives.
In her free time, Laurel likes to spend time with her surviving daughter, family, and her husky, visit animal sanctuaries and do volunteer work.
Steve Roake
Technology Director
Steve Roake is a dynamic professional committed to helping individuals achieve financial freedom. As a Realtor with Freedom Group Global - Keller Williams Infinity and a Registered Representative with Primerica, Steve specializes in real estate, personal finance, and wealth-building strategies. He is based in Joliet, Illinois, and serves the greater Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas.
Steve’s educational background includes a BA in Economics from Knox College and a master's in Secondary Education from Lewis University. His professional focus is on empowering clients through real estate ownership, reducing debt, protecting families with insurance, and growing assets through smart investments. Steve has a particular passion for helping those facing financial hardship, such as foreclosure or distressed property sales, to maximize their returns and safeguard their financial futures.
With multiple accomplishments, including being in the top 5% of real estate producers and co-owning several small businesses, Steve is also a graduate of the 2 year rigorous Landmark Team Management and Leadership Program. He leverages his leadership and problem-solving skills to provide clear, effective strategies for his clients.
Steve actively gives back to the community as a member of the Stone and Steel Harley Owners Group, where he combines his love for volunteering with travel and physical activity. As Technology Officer of SOILK, Steve brings high-level financial acumen, business development expertise, leadership training, and a passion for helping others succeed.