Organizations and their leaders have all the supports needed to actualize their vision of a better world.
Increasing the capacity of (non-profit and social enterprise) organizations to change the world, one mission at a time.
Heightened Development partners with nonprofit organizations to strengthen strategy, leadership, governance, and organizational culture so they can create lasting impact in the communities they serve. We believe that the process is just as important as the final product. By engaging the right voices, asking thoughtful questions, and grounding decisions in data and lived experience, we help organizations build clarity, alignment, and practical plans for the future.
Our approach is collaborative, relationship-based, and rooted in an understanding of the realities nonprofit leaders face every day. Whether facilitating strategic planning, supporting leadership transitions, strengthening boards, or guiding organizational change, we work alongside leaders as a trusted partner to develop solutions that reflect each organization’s unique mission, strengths, and aspirations.
Heightened Development works primarily with nonprofit organizations, foundations, associations, educational institutions, and community partnerships or social impact organizations committed to creating meaningful change. Our clients range from small, community-based organizations to statewide networks and initiatives. We partner with boards, executive leaders, and leadership teams who are navigating growth, change, strategic opportunities, leadership transitions, and complex community challenges. While every organization is different, the leaders we serve share a common goal: building stronger organizations that can sustain and deepen their impact for years to come.
Chamlee has sat where nonprofit leaders sit. That experience shapes every engagement. Her approach is grounded in practical leadership experience, collaborative problem-solving, and a belief that the best strategies are built by engaging the right voices, asking thoughtful questions, and developing solutions that reflect each organization’s unique mission, culture, and community.
Today, Chamlee works with nonprofits in strategic planning, board governance, organizational culture, leadership development, succession planning, facilitation, and organizational change. She is a contributing writer to the strategic planning section of the Together SC Guiding Principles and Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations, 5th Edition (2026).
Prior to founding Heightened Development, Chamlee served as Chief Executive Officer of Hope Center for Children, where she led significant organizational growth, strengthened governance systems, expanded prevention and family support services, diversified funding streams, and guided strategic initiatives that increased both community impact and long-term sustainability. She holds a Master of Social Work from Boston University and remains passionate about helping nonprofit leaders build healthy organizations that can sustain and deepen their impact for years to come.
Her consulting background includes leadership and advisory work with organizations such as Deloitte Consulting, Slalom Consulting, McKesson Corporation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shauna is known for helping organizations translate complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that strengthen alignment and support long-term success.
Throughout her career, Shauna has facilitated strategic planning initiatives, guided executive and stakeholder engagement efforts, and supported governance and organizational alignment in complex environments. She is particularly skilled at building trust across staff, leadership, and board stakeholders while helping organizations move from planning to action.
Shauna holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management from Emory University. She has previously supported projects with My Sister’s House and is excited for the opportunity to partner again in support of this work.
As a bilingual professional fluent in both Spanish and English, Marilyn brings a deep understanding of community engagement across diverse populations and works to ensure that communication and participation are accessible and inclusive. Her ability to build trust and foster meaningful connections strengthens the partnerships and initiatives she supports.
Marilyn is a Google-certified Project Manager who combines strong organizational and administrative skills with creativity, empathy, and a collaborative approach. Her experience in communications, production, and community-centered work allows her to help organizations engage stakeholders, coordinate complex projects, and advance mission-driven goals.
Marilyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Communication from the University of North Dakota State University.
