STAFF
Gary Casady - Executive Director
Gary has more than four decades of experience in leadership and management related to serving youth and families. He and his wife Linda have been married 45 years; have three adult sons and eight grandchildren. For nine years they worked in the bush of Eastern Kenya where Gary was the Regional Coordinator for Theological Education by Extension. This resulted in 28 centers and the establishment of a TEE Committee composed of national leadership. After Kenya Gary pioneered work in Lesotho in education, literacy, trade schools and AIDS education leading a team of expatriates and nationals in outreach to remote areas. Subsequently, he worked as International Coordinator, mobilizing, training, managing and mentoring teams in extremely remote and harsh settings in many African countries.
Prior to his 18 years in Africa, he served 10 years as Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Youth where he led sizable staff, volunteers and interns as he directed camps and established and managed The Corvallis Youth Center and Son City Outreach.
Most recently, he has served in Peacemaker Ministries as an advocate for youth
and families, volunteered as a Mentor Mediator at Six Rivers Dispute Resolution
Center, and assisted The Next Door Independent Living Program with life skills training, activities, mentoring, and supervision of youth. Gary's financial support is provided by donors through InFaith Ministries, allowing him the freedom to serve the community full-time.
Gary seeks to care for his teams as he would a family, encouraging, challenging, and empowering them to be the best they can be. In this way he models community and family. With God’s help, he aims to do what he can to multiply his vision of serving others to wholeness – physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally. He does this primarily by multiplying himself in the lives of others who catch his vision as they work together to see individuals and families restored.
His outstanding work has gained him national, state, and local recognition. In 2013, Gary was awarded the Shannon Steward Award of Excellence from the Oregon Mediation Association, and the Volunteer of the Year Award from The Next Door. In 2014, Gary received the “Outstanding Volunteer Award” by The National Association for Community Mediation.
Gary founded Youth Empowerment Shelter in 2014, with the help of several like-minded individuals who became the first members of our Board of Directors. He studied at Colorado State University, BS in Wildlife Biology;
Western Seminary, MDiv Christian Education; Trinity Evangelical
Divinity School, work towards D. Min.
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Prior to his 18 years in Africa, he served 10 years as Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Youth where he led sizable staff, volunteers and interns as he directed camps and established and managed The Corvallis Youth Center and Son City Outreach.
Most recently, he has served in Peacemaker Ministries as an advocate for youth
and families, volunteered as a Mentor Mediator at Six Rivers Dispute Resolution
Center, and assisted The Next Door Independent Living Program with life skills training, activities, mentoring, and supervision of youth. Gary's financial support is provided by donors through InFaith Ministries, allowing him the freedom to serve the community full-time.
Gary seeks to care for his teams as he would a family, encouraging, challenging, and empowering them to be the best they can be. In this way he models community and family. With God’s help, he aims to do what he can to multiply his vision of serving others to wholeness – physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally. He does this primarily by multiplying himself in the lives of others who catch his vision as they work together to see individuals and families restored.
His outstanding work has gained him national, state, and local recognition. In 2013, Gary was awarded the Shannon Steward Award of Excellence from the Oregon Mediation Association, and the Volunteer of the Year Award from The Next Door. In 2014, Gary received the “Outstanding Volunteer Award” by The National Association for Community Mediation.
Gary founded Youth Empowerment Shelter in 2014, with the help of several like-minded individuals who became the first members of our Board of Directors. He studied at Colorado State University, BS in Wildlife Biology;
Western Seminary, MDiv Christian Education; Trinity Evangelical
Divinity School, work towards D. Min.
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Kathy Heitkemper - Bookkeeper
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Krystal Phillips - Night Attendant
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Krystal lives in Goldendale, Washington, where she grew up. She holds an associate’s degree in Agribusiness and loves animals. She has spent most of her life working with horses in one way or another, training, wrangling, showing, or managing on ranches and work crews, including working with them with Teen Challenge. In 2014 Krystal took a position in the T.O.O.L.’s program at Northern Oregon Region Correctional Facility. Krystal’s love for animals has led her to a rescue effort to save horses destined for destruction. To do this she goes to livestock auctions where horses are being sold and finds homes for ones that might otherwise be sold for meat. She currently owns seven horses which she trains and shows at local fairs and events. The dog pictured here with Krystal is named Boone, and Krystal was trying to help find a home for him. Krystal was one of our first staff members, joining us in 2016. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
Marhia Peterson - Personal Life Coach
Marhia was born and raised in Hood River, OR. She has worked in childcare and home care for seniors since high school. After high school she moved to eastern Oregon. She spent four years working for the Hermiston School district before moving back to the Gorge. After working various temp jobs she decided to go back to her roots and obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant License. Marhia currently does home caregiving and childcare during the week and is the Weekend Night Attendant at Y.E.S.
Some of Marhia's interests outside of work include reading, writing, discovering new music, hiking and most of all, spending time with her beautiful little family.
Marhia joined the Y.E.S. crew in the spring of 2018.
Some of Marhia's interests outside of work include reading, writing, discovering new music, hiking and most of all, spending time with her beautiful little family.
Marhia joined the Y.E.S. crew in the spring of 2018.
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Jessica Lamoreau - Personal Life Coach
Jessica moved to The Dalles a few years ago after living on the coast her entire life. She attended George Fox University in 2003-2005 and went on to graduate from the University of Phoenix in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Administration She has been a youth leader at various church youth groups for many years and is currently a small group leader for Teen Community Bible Study. She enjoys being at her church, experiencing new things, traveling, going to concerts, and attending youth sports games (Go Riverhawks!). She also likes spending time with her 3 young, rambunctious kiddos and Jake, her husband of 12 years.
Jessica joined the Y.E.S. staff in May 2019
Jessica joined the Y.E.S. staff in May 2019
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Karrie Vareberg - House Manager
Karrie was born in Lewiston, Idaho, but has lived all over the United States throughout her life. “Traveling taught me that The Great Northwest is best!." Karrie now lives in The Dalles with her husband Aaron. In their free time, they enjoy being involved in community mentorship programs and in being outdoors together in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Karrie has a long history with youth and childcare. She has raised three kids of her own, and now has one grandchild. She has also opened her home to several foster youth, and mentored many teens in crisis over the years. Karrie’s educational background is primarily in behavioral psychology and brain development. Early childhood development is her passion. She directed and supervised large childcare facilities for over a decade, and became a Resident Treatment Specialist working as a para-professional at a 24 hour therapeutic youth treatment facility. Karrie has been a youth group leader, taught Bible study, and been a member of the worship team in her church.
Karrie looks forward to this next chapter working at The Y.E.S. house, and says it feels like a logical step in her life. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity. Karrie joined us in October, 2019.
Karrie has a long history with youth and childcare. She has raised three kids of her own, and now has one grandchild. She has also opened her home to several foster youth, and mentored many teens in crisis over the years. Karrie’s educational background is primarily in behavioral psychology and brain development. Early childhood development is her passion. She directed and supervised large childcare facilities for over a decade, and became a Resident Treatment Specialist working as a para-professional at a 24 hour therapeutic youth treatment facility. Karrie has been a youth group leader, taught Bible study, and been a member of the worship team in her church.
Karrie looks forward to this next chapter working at The Y.E.S. house, and says it feels like a logical step in her life. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity. Karrie joined us in October, 2019.
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Fred Blakely - Associate Director
Fred was born and raised in Kentucky, but has considered Oregon her home for nearly 30 years. With a BA in Drama/Dance from Kenyon College, her younger years were full of a wide range of theatrical endeavors from clowning to Shakespeare. Suddenly, there was a big shift in her life as she became a wife and instant mother of 3, then proceeded to have 6 more children. After a decade of domestic engineering, Fred began a career working with children: daycare, teacher’s aid, and director of after school programs. With a sudden closure of the elementary school in Wasco, Fred decided to further her education with an MA in Education from Ashford University. She then taught at Goldendale Christian School, in the classroom and in music. Most recently, before joining the YES team, she was high school teacher and Vice Principal at Sonrise Academy.
It has always been her joy to assist students and families through stimulating open communication, seeking the development of innate gifts and talents in each individual that fosters healthier relationships. It is Fred's perspective is that healthy families make healthy communities.
Other ways Fred has served her community is through leading worship at her church, jail ministry, and as president of The Dalles Aglow Lighthouse. Short term mission trips to Kenya and El Salvador have given Fred a broader appreciation of cultural differences and multiple ways to serve. She is an author and singer/songwriter. When she is not working, writing, or singing, you might find her gardening or practicing karate.
Fred joined the Y.E.S. team in December, 2019.
It has always been her joy to assist students and families through stimulating open communication, seeking the development of innate gifts and talents in each individual that fosters healthier relationships. It is Fred's perspective is that healthy families make healthy communities.
Other ways Fred has served her community is through leading worship at her church, jail ministry, and as president of The Dalles Aglow Lighthouse. Short term mission trips to Kenya and El Salvador have given Fred a broader appreciation of cultural differences and multiple ways to serve. She is an author and singer/songwriter. When she is not working, writing, or singing, you might find her gardening or practicing karate.
Fred joined the Y.E.S. team in December, 2019.
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Debby Pulido - Youth Advisor
Debby was born and raised in the Columbia River Gorge, and graduated from Columbia High School in White Salmon, WA. She attended Portland Community College and graduated with an Associate's degree in Health Information Management. Most of her employment history has been in the healthcare field, particularly information technology.
Her whole adult life she’s wanted to make a difference with youth. Her desires to do so REALLY flourished in 2018 after a series of life events. Thus, her motto now is “Aspire to Inspire.” When she’s not at the shelter Debby can be found doing her day job anywhere WiFi is served, making memories with her daughter, spending time with extended family, and going on road trip adventures! Debby joined Y.E.S. in December, 2019
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Micah Davis - Youth Advisor
Micah tells the story as follows: I was born in California, but grew up all over the US, Mexico, and Canada, never really setting down roots until I moved to The Dalles several years ago. Through a lifetime of hardship, I have grown passionate in the pursuit of helping others-- particularly youth. I am currently enrolled at CGCC pursuing an Oregon Transfer Degree; After that I hope to transfer to Portland State University to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in pursuit of this dream. When not in class or at the shelter, I like to spend time with my animals, Dahmer (dog pictured) and my little black cat, Jasper. I also love to read, write, watch Disney movies, and practice all kinds of art forms in my spare time.
What I lack in long term work experience and formal education, I make up for in passion and life experience. Social Service allows me to use my own complex trauma experience to benefit others. I am drawn to serve those who must leave their homes to find physical/emotional safety because I have that lived experience. After experiencing a uniquely abusive homelife and a stint of youth homelessness myself, I became determined and impassioned to work with youth that were homeless, at-risk, or in crisis. As an active member of the community, I volunteer at the warming shelter in the winter months, and help out with local LGBTQ+ activities. In the past, I have been a youth group leader and served as a camp counselor at a summer camp in Missouri. I currently mentor some youth in the community.
I am excited to learn as much as possible from working at Y.E.S. and am eager to grow, not only as an individual, but as an advocate for youth in the Columbia River Gorge. I feel this is the best way I can help and support youth in crisis in my community. Micah joined the Y.E.S. staff in February, 2020
What I lack in long term work experience and formal education, I make up for in passion and life experience. Social Service allows me to use my own complex trauma experience to benefit others. I am drawn to serve those who must leave their homes to find physical/emotional safety because I have that lived experience. After experiencing a uniquely abusive homelife and a stint of youth homelessness myself, I became determined and impassioned to work with youth that were homeless, at-risk, or in crisis. As an active member of the community, I volunteer at the warming shelter in the winter months, and help out with local LGBTQ+ activities. In the past, I have been a youth group leader and served as a camp counselor at a summer camp in Missouri. I currently mentor some youth in the community.
I am excited to learn as much as possible from working at Y.E.S. and am eager to grow, not only as an individual, but as an advocate for youth in the Columbia River Gorge. I feel this is the best way I can help and support youth in crisis in my community. Micah joined the Y.E.S. staff in February, 2020
