Shelter Staff
Meet our shelter staff
Lauren Sitter
Shelter Staff
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 Kaufman
Shelter Staff
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.