Kellie Dean | Executive Director (she/her)
Kellie comes from the corporate world and has a background in finance. With a degree in accounting and 23 years of experience, her skills are an amazing asset to YES. She brings a spirit of fiduciary responsibility to YES, ensuring that budgets are sounds, grant guidelines are met, and every dollar is maximized to serve the mission.
Kellie is no stranger, however, to the struggles of homelessness, having been homeless with her young son while living in Seattle.
“I never thought I would join the world of non-profit work, but now realize this is where I am meant to be. I have been on the streets myself with my 3 month old son, but I lived in a big city where help was available on almost ever corner. Coming to a rural community has truly opened my eyes to the reality that homelessness is just as big of an issue here as it is in large cities. Now we just need to help others see that homelessness, hunger, and mental illness do exist in tiny towns.”
“Working for a non-profit has really opened my eyes to some issues I was blind to. Working alongside the LGBTQ+ community has been a wonderful addition to my knowledge base. My experience at YES has helped my learn about the importance of grants and grant writing. YES depends heavily on these funding sources keep our doors open for young people in need.”
Sarah Phillips | Grant Administrator (she/her)
Sarah has worked in non-profits as line staff, management and administration, for almost 40 years, serving people who have been systematically marginalized by larger society. Families with children experiencing homelessness; adults living in missions or on the street; people with chronic mental illness; adults and elders with acquired or developmental disabilities; people of color; the LGBTQ community and youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
Nikki Oss | Advocate (she/her)
Nikki is a graduate from Lewis-Clark State College and came to us as an intern. She now has a bachelor’s degree in social work and is an advocate at YES.
Nikki loves animals and has a small hobby farm where she spends a lot of time with her dogs, cat, pig, goats, and chickens.
Nikki has lived experience which gives her insight into the struggles that many people face today. Through these experiences she found a passion for working with vulnerable, at-risk, and underrepresented populations. She has a strong desire to advocate for social justice and honors each individual’s self-determination.
Hailey Walker | Advocate (she/her)
Hailey Walker-Owen recently moved back to Newport after living in Pullman for the last five years. For the last two years, she served as a family advocate and found that it is her passion to help those in need and provide a safe space full of understanding and guidance. She is excited to start this new journey as an Advocate for YES of Pend Oreille County!
Flaviana Stuzman | Office Assistant (she/her)
Flavi has been working at YES every summer since 2021. She helps with tasks around the office as well as advises staff on social media. Flavi is a senior in high school and hopes to be either an adoption specialist or a wedding planner. She hopes to pursue a degree in social work or a degree in communications at George Fox University.
“Being at YES these past few summers has provided me with insight into the specific path of social work I wish to do. It has also shown me that sometimes, even people you know can be facing hardships not known to you.”
Cody Maglinti | Resource Navigator (he/him)
Cody is a Psychology student at Washington State University, minoring in Human Development & Criminology. He is from Oahu, Hawaii and has been in the PNW for six years. He has worked in the hospitality field and as an Orientation Counselor at WSU, spending time working with students to provide a safe and welcoming experience to incoming freshman.As a part of the LGTBQIA+ community, he brings an important voice for this community.
He is excited about the Resource Navigator position at YES – Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program because of his passion for leadership, providing guidance & ethical assistance in the lives and efforts of those in need.
Thumbalina | Office Cuddler
Thumbelina is one of the new cuddle bugs in the Drop-in Center. She loves toilet paper, boxes and bags of all kinds. Her particular talent is comforting people who are feeling sad or anxious We are so glad she chose us!
Bagheera | Official Cuddler
Bagheera came to YES with Thumbelina from the Priest River Animal Shelter. He is a loving kitty with a huge purr. He loves rides in the food wagon, laying on shoulders and chasing his toys. He is delightful, funny and smart. Another win for all us at the Center.
Jigme, aka Dianne Pratt | Board Chair (she/her)
Venerable Jigme met Venerable Chodron in 1998 at Cloud Mountain Retreat Center. She took refuge in 1999 and attended Dharma Friendship Foundation in Seattle, where Ven. Chodron was the resident teacher. She moved to the Abbey in 2008 and took śrāmaṇerikā and śikṣamāṇā vows with Ven. Chodron as her preceptor in March 2009. Please see pictures of her ordination. In 2011, along with Ven. Chonyi, she received bhikshuni ordination at Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan.
Before moving to Sravasti Abbey, Ven. Jigme worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in private practice in Seattle. In her career as a nurse, she worked in hospitals, clinics and educational settings.
At the Abbey, Ven. Jigme manages the prison outreach program and manages community care for the residents at the Abbey. She facilitates a Non-Violent Communication class and Anagarika Class as well as Sravasti Abbey Friends Education distance learning courses. In addition, she is a photographer, manages IT for the Abbey, and creates graphics.
Chris Dehlbom | Board Member (he/him)
Chris Dehlbom started his career at Mountain West Bank in 2015 as a bank teller in Hayden, Idaho. In 2019, he was named Branch Manager of the Newport, Washington branch.
Chris is happily married and shares two spunky children with his wife, Cassie. They enjoy playing games, ATV riding and spending quality family time together.
Margaret Bishop | Board Member (she/her)
Maggie (Margaret) Bishop is a Registered Nurse and previously served YES participants as an Interim Youth Advocate. She now lives in Colorado and works with the Colorado Nurses Association as their Deputy Director.
Maggie’s experience as an RN serving primarily marginalized populations provided her with a deep understanding of the interconnected factors that influence health and wellbeing. Maggie maintains a commitment to advocating for equitable health access and regularly collaborates with policymakers and local organizations.
