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Barbra is a member of the Hoopa Valley and Karuk Tribes. Her passion for victims' advocacy, cultural healing, and empowerment stems from a long line of resilient people. She began her journey in the social work field in 2016 and has since dedicated her time to building the knowledge and skills to inspire, guide, and lead others to recognize and achieve their best. Barbra joined Youth Empowerment Siskiyou's team to continue learning from and advocating for vulnerable youth in Siskiyou County.
During her nearly four years at the agency, Barbra has managed almost every program at YES and was appointed Executive Director in April 2024. She is committed to the vision, mission, and aspirations of YES and is honored to work alongside such an extraordinary team of staff and volunteers.
Trish brings a lifetime of experience as a jack-of-all-trades to her role as Operations Manager within the agency. She has achieved success in various positions, including serving as an operations manager for a manufacturing and retail store, working as a bookkeeper, foreperson, and finish carpenter for multiple construction companies, and as a teacher for young individuals dealing with trauma and disabilities.
Trish is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent communities, and she thrives when collaborating with individuals who also have a heart for youth.
In her personal time, she embraces outdoor activities in nature, spending time with her family, being amused by her pets, and channels her creativity through pursuits like quilting, drawing, crocheting, and engaging in DIY construction projects.
I have had the privilege of living in California my entire life. Born in San Diego County, I have called Siskiyou County home for the past 30 years. As a widow and the proud father of a daughter in college, I truly appreciate the warmth and support that comes from being part of a small, tight-knit community.
I hold a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Development and a Master's in Secondary Education, and I am deeply passionate about helping those in need. My dedication extends to seniors, developmentally disabled adults, and youth facing trauma and stress—particularly those impacted by family incarceration or struggles with addiction. Having experienced these challenges firsthand with my own family, I am driven to make a positive impact.
For over 25 years, I worked in hospitality, sales, and marketing. However, five years ago, I shifted my focus to teaching and working with individuals in our community who face significant challenges. My work is especially focused on supporting youth and those with developmental disabilities.
As Housing Director at YES, I am excited to continue making a difference and contributing to the well-being of our community. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and help those in need during my time here.
Ashley has worked in human services for over three years. She joined Youth Empowerment Siskiyou to make a difference in the lives of youth here in our community. She grew up in Siskiyou County and enjoys fly fishing, time with family, and making those around her laugh. She is currently working on obtaining her degree in Social Work with the intention of furthering her professional goals in helping individuals affected by trauma.
My name is Jessica Reynolds and I am the CASA Advocacy Coordinator at Youth Empowerment Siskiyou, where I have been dedicated to advocating for youth on and off for the past three years. I’ve served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for four years, driven by a deep commitment to giving children a voice. Growing up without anyone to advocate for me, I often felt unheard, which is why I am passionate about ensuring that no child feels the same way.
At CASA, I work tirelessly to ensure that every child, whether in dependency court or juvenile probation, has a dedicated advocate to stand by them. My goal is to expand our reach and make sure every child in need has someone to champion their rights and well-being. I look forward to continuing my journey of empowering the voices of children and their families, one case at a time.
Amanee Pitts, Supervised Visitation Program Manager
As a wanderer with her heart rooted in love and community, Amanee has journeyed from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the soulful beats of Atlanta, ultimately making Siskiyou County her home. As a newcomer to human services, Amanee has discovered how rewarding it is to make a positive impact on others' lives. With family by her side, she strives to create a nurturing and compassionate environment for everyone around her. Amanee joined Youth Empowerment Siskiyou's team in November of 2022 and she couldn't be more excited for what the future holds!
Ryan has been a resident of Siskiyou County since childhood. As a foster child, who was later raised by his grandparents, he has firsthand experience with the effects of family separation.
Ryan pursued higher education at both the College of the Siskiyous and Southern Oregon University, earning a Bachelor's of Science Degree in History. Serving as a substitute teacher, he has worked with students of all ages, from Kindergarten to 12th grade, at various schools across the county.
His primary focus at the shelter is to help residents access education and employment opportunities. Ryan's mission is to empower young individuals by equipping them with essential life skills they may not have had the opportunity to acquire elsewhere, enabling them to thrive in this rural community.
In his free time, Ryan is passionate about conserving old books, hiking, and he enjoys indulging in the study of botany.
As the Youth Advisor, Paige is dedicated to empowering youth to see the possibilities available to them and to acknowledge that past traumas do not have to determine their future legacy.
Paige first engaged with Youth Empowerment Siskiyou (Y.E.S.) as a foster youth when she began attending the yearly summer camp and had a CASA worker of her own. Her deep understanding, knowledge, and experience as a foster youth have helped shape her commitment to help people in the same way that people have helped her. As a Y.E.S. Camp attendee for five years and a camp counselor for two years, she knows the importance of how these experiences can impact and transform someone’s life.
Paige is instrumental in creating youth opportunities in our community and helping youth advocate for what they want to see in the community to make it the best place possible for them.
As the youngest staff member, she loves being able to hang out with the kids and provide them with lasting, happy memories they can hold onto when they are going through difficult situations. You can’t miss her positive attitude, infectious smile, and energy!"
Michael Martinez was born and raised in Siskiyou County, where he has chosen to stay and raise his two sons. Deeply connected to the community, Michael entered the field of housing advocacy with a mission to support individuals who are seeking help and guidance. He is passionate about being part of both the successes and challenges that come with this important work, offering consistent support and advocacy every step of the way. Michael's dedication ensures that those he assists feel heard and empowered to navigate their housing journey with confidence.
President - Christine Cooper | Yreka | Siskiyou Central Credit Union
Christine Cooper is the COO at Siskiyou Credit Union. As such, Christine, ensures that Siskiyou Credit Union’s (SCU) practices are adhered to and strategic plans implemented, and provides members with the best possible products and services. Christine has 23 years of financial institution experience in operations and training, and she coaches and leads staff to meet and exceed membership’s expectations. As part of the executive management team, one of her responsibilities is to ensure the credit union has a strong presence in the community, promoting the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People”. Christine personally believes that every individual should give back to their community in one way or another. She has a passion for children, and because of Youth Empowerment Siskiyou’s (YES) philosophy of advocating for the community’s youth and the belief that every child needs to have an advocate fight for them, she found YES to be a perfect fit.
Jennifer Shelton is an attorney here in Yreka. She focuses mainly on the areas of trusts & wills, probate, real estate and business formation. She grew up in Siskiyou County and graduated from Yreka High School. She then went on to graduate from Santa Barbara City College in 1996 with an Associates Degree in marine science. She had a flourishing career in marine sciences before becoming an attorney in 2016. She's lived in Maui, co-piloted a submarine and patrolled Channel Islands Harbor!While working at Siskiyou County Superior Court Jennifer went back to school and obtained her J.D. from Northwestern California University School of Law in 2015. A year later she opened her solo practice. She currently live in Weed with her husband and three kids.
Lauren is one of our Shelter Staff team members and is looking forward to using her background as a collegiate student advisor, lead camp counselor, and nature center educator to enhance the lives of youth experiencing homelessness.
She has achieved a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Equine Science and a Minor in Creative Writing. She finds that creative outlets, introspective activities, community support, and play are excellent ways to develop emotional maturity and guide ourselves towards our goals.
Lauren enjoys spending time in nature, learning about languages and cultures, playing music, and taking her dog for car rides. She’s particularly passionate about uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community and helping youth embrace their unique personalities and skills.
Lonata is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a diverse background encompassing childcare, mental health support, and outdoor adventure. She grew-up in Crescent City, California, and later moved to South Lake Tahoe where she started a family and raised two kids. She has worked various jobs, but found her true passion in caregiving.
Lonata’s caregiving experiences mostly include working in childcare, babysitting, and preschool support, but she has also volunteered in youth sports programs for over 12 years. Her true passion involves creating safe and nurturing environments for children to flourish.
Lonata's life journey has also exposed her to the challenges of mental health, both through her work as a Certified Nurse Assistant in a mental health hospital and her personal experiences. She advocates for understanding, empathy, and awareness in supporting individuals facing mental health issues.
Lonata's personal growth journey includes a deepening connection to her Native American heritage and nature. She finds sanctuary in spending time outdoors which is reflected in her love for activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, and kayaking.
Lonata combines a free-spirited "hippie" mindset with a resilient "hood" spirit to inspire her mission of promoting kindness, understanding, and unity among all people. Life may be challenging, but Lonata believes in making it easier for one another.
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