ABOUT
Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC believes in the power of nonprofits to make a difference in our communities. Overcoming the challenges in planning, funding and creating strong teams can be overwhelming to a new or emerging charity.
It is often said that fundraising is both an art and a science. Having the time to plan strategically and build lasting relationships is a critical part of building a strong, mission-led organization. Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC offers a variety of nonprofit leadership and fundraising services. When there is a gap in resources, invite Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC to be a part of your team. Whether there is a need to create a new fundraising plan or assist with interim leadership during a staff transition, we are happy to help. With over 20 years in nonprofit work, Michelle Crim, CFRE is uniquely qualified to both understand the work of a nonprofit leader but also be able to work alongside the staff and board of directors to ensure sustainable success.
Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC is based in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the DFW Metroplex and North Texas.
Michelle Crim, CFRE
Founder and President
Michelle is a proud native Texan and grew up in Arlington, Texas. She attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received her Bachelor of Science in Advertising. After college, she returned home where she worked at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed learning more about her community. She was drawn to nonprofit work, especially event planning, where her attention to detail and organizational skills are well-suited.
Her 20-year career in fundraising and nonprofit management includes roles in both higher education and social service organizations. Michelle’s work includes annual giving, special events, strategic planning, board governance, volunteer management, major gifts, and completing a $10.2 million capital campaign for Presbyterian Night Shelter one year ahead of schedule. Previously, she has worked at JPS Health Foundation, UT Arlington, UNT Health Science Center and The Women’s Center of Tarrant County. Michelle recently served as the Executive Director of The Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas.
Michelle currently serves as President of Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC, a company she founded in 2019 to provide interim leadership and strategic fundraising services to nonprofits in the Tarrant County and surrounding areas.
Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC believes in the power of nonprofits to make a difference in our communities. Overcoming the challenges in planning, funding, and creating strong teams can be overwhelming to a new or emerging charity.
It is often said that fundraising is both an art and a science. Having the time to plan strategically and build lasting relationships is a critical part of building a strong, mission-led organization. Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC offers a variety of nonprofit leadership and fundraising services. When there is a gap in resources, invite Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC to be a part of your team. Whether there is a need to create a new fundraising plan or assist with interim leadership during a staff transition, we are happy to help. With over 20 years in nonprofit work, Michelle Crim, CFRE is uniquely qualified to both understand the work of a nonprofit leader but also be able to work alongside the staff and board of directors to ensure sustainable success.
Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC is based in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the DFW Metroplex and Texas. Her company won Third Place in the 2019 Fort Worth Business Plan Competition and is a certified women-owned business, certified by the WBEC (Women Women’s Business Enterprise Council).
Michelle presently participates on the board of the Charitable Gift Planners, Lone Star Chapter as Treasurer, is a board member of Camp Fire First Texas and serves as the Director/Historian of the AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter, is a member of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, is an Sustaining member of the Junior League of Fort Worth, mentors other leaders in fundraising, and frequently speaks on a variety of fundraising topics, nonprofit leadership and inclusion strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
She received her Certified Fundraising Executive credentials (CFRE) in 2008, is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fort Worth Metro Chapter and is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Fort Worth. She is a Grant Professional Association Certified Trainer and a member of the Association of Philanthropic Counsel.
Lyn Downing, MBA, CFRE
Senior Associate
Lyn brings over 30 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience as Senior Associate to Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC. Most recently, she served 18 years with the Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas chapter. She obtained her CFRE in 2004 and is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing and later completed her MBA in management and e-business.
Lyn’s expertise includes special events, annual and major gift campaigns, grant writing, and training on best practices in fundraising.
Her volunteer service includes the Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club, United Way of Tarrant County, YMCA of Metropolitan Tarrant County and Tarrant County Youth Collaboration. She is active with the Fort Worth Metro Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and served on the board in various roles including chapter president for two years.
Marti Lawrence, LMSW, CFRE
Senior Associate
Marti Lawrence is a service-minded leader, creative change maker and community builder. As a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and advocate for social justice, she brings more than twenty years of experience working with local and national non-profit organizations to her position as a Senior Associate at Dynamic Development Strategies, LLC (DDS).
Her expertise in community relations, fundraising strategies, and philanthropic engagement with private, public-sector, and non-profit organizations brings a unique strength and perspective in creating success for clients of DDS. She is data-driven and actively listens to understand the story behind the story to provide sincere and authentic advising and training. Implementing sustainable steps to meet goals and objectives is at the heart of her approach. In his best-selling book, Atomic Habits, James Clear says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems."
Marti is a life-long learner. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the University of North Texas along with a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Worth Metro Chapter for more than 10 years, serving on the DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference Committee. Marti is a supporting member of Leadership Fort Worth, Class of 2017, and an active participant with the Advisory Council for Community Healthcare of Texas.
Monique Waggoner, BBA
Office Manager
Monique has 20 years of nonprofit, project management, and administrative experience. Her company, Waggoner Professional Services, was formed in 2018 providing virtual bookkeeping and administrative support. Prior to starting her company, Monique worked for two nonprofit management support organizations over a 10-year period in Midland, TX and the DFW area and worked at several Habitat for Humanities in Texas and Kansas.
She has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a minor in Social Entrepreneurship from Sterling College, KS, has a Certification in Nonprofit Management from the University of Texas, Permian Basin and is a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor.
Monique is currently a member of the Junior League of Fort Worth, Inc. and serves on the board of Alliance for Children. She served as past president of the Midland Habitat for Humanity.
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Merritt Bush, BS, Public Health
Associate
Merritt Bush recently graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Public Health. Her academic background provided her with a solid foundation in health policy, epidemiology, and community health, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the nonprofit sector.
Before joining Dynamic Development Strategies, Merritt gained valuable experience through customer service roles, where she honed her communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, she completed an internship with the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Warriors Research Institute, where she contributed to significant research projects and developed a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry.
At Dynamic Development Strategies, Merritt applies her diverse experience and educational background to support a range of projects. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to collaborate effectively with clients and team members make her a vital asset to our organization.
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Kathryn Thalken, MS, LMFT-S
Senior Associate
Kathryn Thalken brings over 15 years of nonprofit experience, with a strong focus on social services and program development, to her role as a Senior Associate at Dynamic Development Strategies (DDS). Her extensive background includes her most recent position as Executive Director of The Ladder Alliance, where she led efforts to empower disadvantaged women through technology and career advancement training. Kathryn is known for delivering engaging and insightful professional development workshops that leave a lasting impact on participants. She has a proven track record of aligning program goals with fundraising efforts, successfully securing federal, state, and local government grants, and fostering partnerships to ensure long-term organizational success.
Kathryn holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT-S) in Texas. In addition to her mental health qualifications, she also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, which enhances her ability to communicate effectively in both her therapy and consulting work. Her training as a TBRI® Practitioner and Family Mediator, combined with her experience as Senior Director of Programs at The Parenting Center—where she managed all programming efforts and oversaw a $2.5 million budget—demonstrates her ability to lead diverse teams and deliver impactful services.
In addition to her consulting work, Kathryn owns and operates Thrive & Shine Co., PLLC, a counseling practice dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with a strengths-based perspective to provide targeted support. Outside of her professional life, Kathryn enjoys weightlifting, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family. Her commitment to community well-being and expertise in nonprofit leadership and mental health make her an invaluable asset to DDS clients.
Tasha Majewski
Senior Associate
With over 15 years of experience, Tasha brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role at
Dynamic Development Strategies. For the past eight years, she has specialized in nonprofit grant writing
and fundraising, successfully crafting over 400 proposals that have secured more than $14 million in
funding.
Tasha’s career began in 2007 as an AmeriCorps member, igniting a deep-seated commitment to
advancing mission-driven organizations. She has since served in impactful roles at organizations such as
Cook Children’s Health Foundation, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, Child Study Center, and Communities In
Schools of the Heart of Texas.
Tasha excels in grant writing, prospect research, grant readiness and strategy, corporate and foundation
relations, development writing, and project management. She is eager to partner with nonprofits to
build sustainable fundraising strategies and achieve their goals.
Her dedication to continuous learning ensures she stays at the forefront of industry trends and best
practices through the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Grant Professionals Association.
She is pursuing a degree in Health Services Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce and holds a certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University.
Andrew Crim, M.Ed., CHCP, FACEhp
Senior Associate, Accreditation & Continuing Education Services
Andrew Crim, M.Ed., CHCP, FACEhp is the director of Education & Professional Development for the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG). He has almost 30 years’ experience in adult learning and instructional design of continuing education for health professionals, especially for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. He has developed and overseen thousands of continuing education activities for healthcare professionals and raised millions of dollars in grant support. His efforts and interests are focused on using education as a catalyst for clinical improvement and increased safety in healthcare. He is a recognized leader in the field.
Andy serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Education in the Health Professions and is an accreditation surveyor for Texas Medical Association. He has received two gubernatorial appointments and continues to serve a chair of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.
Mr. Crim is a Fellow of the Alliance for Education in the Health Professions, and his work has been recognized through numerous professional awards, including the ACEHP’s Felch Award for Outstanding Research in CE and the Award for Innovation in the CPD Enterprise. He was also co-author of a peer-reviewed manuscript based on his research.