Administration
Erik Schoen– Chief Executive Officer
Erik has been a professional counselor since receiving his Masters Degree from Arizona State University in 1993. Since 1993, Erik has worked in drug and alcohol treatment facilities (both inpatient and out), domestic violence treatment centers for both women and men, agencies for the treatment of chronic mental illness, private practice, and more. Erik has helped many individuals to successfully address their substance abuse issues – ranging from alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, and methamphetamine . He has also helped high schools in developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to prevention and treatment by focusing on resiliency factors, utilizing peer leaders, and implementing school assistance programs. Erik is currently the Executive Director at Community Chest where he has been for over 25 years. In his current capacity, Erik works within communities to help develop positive, strengths-based, and collaborative approaches to addressing myriad issues that face communities.
Michael-Ann Lazzarino– Chief Operating Officer
Michael-Ann has served Nevada youth for over 12 years. She has worked in
treatment facilities, youth programs, and taught prevention classes.
Michael-Ann attended the University of Nevada Reno for Elementary education,
and is continuing her higher education path in the field of Human Development and
Family Studies. She has been married for seven wonderful years and has two
beautiful children. Michael-Ann loves camping, hiking and spending time with
her family.
Kallie Day– Chief Financial Officer
Hi, I’m Kallie! I am a native Nevadan, born in Carson City and raised in Silver & Virginia City. With a large and boisterous family, I pride myself on those that I surround myself with. I have been lucky to attend some great educational institutions. I graduated from Dayton High School, went to Western Nevada College and eventually gained my Bachelors Degree with an emphasis in psychology from Sierra Nevada College. I have always worked with and around youth. In the future I plan to attain my Masters Degree. I would also like to spend more of my leisure time traveling.
Jeff Delaski | Grants & Finance Assistant
Jeff was born in Carson City and grew up in Dayton, NV. He worked as a registered nurse after receiving his Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from Western Nevada College in various hospital departments in Carson City, Reno, and Anchorage, Alaska, but spent most of his working in the operating room. After moving back to Nevada from Alaska, he began pursuing further education from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and is obtaining a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. He is glad to be back in Nevada where he spends most of his time riding dirt bikes, camping, and hanging out with his dog and family.
Jessica Harris | Finance Assistant & General Community Health Worker
Jessica is a Native Northern Nevadan, having lived in Gardnerville, Carson City, Reno, and has most recently found her home in Dayton. She graduated from TMCC with her associates degree in General Sciences in 2019. While she didn’t always know exactly what her career goals were, her dream has always been to help change the world around her. Working at Community Chest has allowed her to do just that! She is passionate about her community and is always looking for ways to bring joy to it. In her spare time, Jessica can be found painting, reading, hiking, or off-roading with her family.
Nicci Spiteri | Office & HR Assistant / General Community Health Worker
Hi my name is Nicci! I have a background in hospitality and customer service allowing me to put all of my knowledge, training and love for organizing to use as Office Assistant! I am thrilled to be living in Lyon County, and contributing back to my community. In my spare time I can be found snowboarding, attempting to dirt bike, reading, crafting, spending time at home with my boyfriend and 3 dogs, or friends & family.
VICTIM SURVIVOR UNIT
Breanna | Victims Advocate
Hello Everyone! My name is Breanna T. and I am currently a victim advocate/CHW for Community Chest. My job is helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in TPOs, Stalking orders, VOCA paperwork, referrals, and accompanying them in court. I am also a single mom of three and used to work in a hospital for 5+ years starting from the kitchen, ER, admitting and clinics. I love being able to help people succeed and reach their goals. I am very patient, a great listener, and love just putting a smile on peoples’ faces even in the darkest of days.
Faith | Victims Advocate
Hello, my name is Faith! I am from Greene county Indiana. I just recently moved to Dayton, Nevada with my oldest brother and family! I enjoy being outdoors, and I love to fish. My life journey has gave me a strong desire to make a difference in the life of others! I specifically have interest in Adolescence Development, Substance Abuse, and Domestic Violence. I have been a student at Ivy Tech Community College for the last two years, obtaining a Certificate in Addiction Studies and a Certificate in Human Services. I am currently interning through the Community Chest as a Domestic Violence Advocate. I will also be training with the Substance Abuse team. Upon the completion of my internship, I will have obtained an Associates Degree in Applied Science. I plan to transfer to the University of Reno, Nevada to continue in a Bachelor of Social Work. I am beyond excited for the hands-on experience I’ll be gaining through to the Community Chest.
Kelly has over 30 years of experience in the field of human services and has worked with a diverse range of individuals including those experiencing physical and mental disabilities, elders, domestic violence, and Alzheimer’s. In addition to her work as an advocate she also provides employment case management at Community Chest. Kelly was nominated for the “Visionary award” through NNADV. She enjoys dancing, the outdoors, family, and friends. She is also bilingual in Spanish. Kelly has a passion for helping others and is always looking for ways to overcome barriers.
Shaunte- Director of Community Services
Shaunte Ibarra was born in Southern California but moved to Dayton, Nevada in 1990 and has lived here ever since. Shaunte and her husband decided that they wanted to stay in Dayton to raise their child and give her small town roots. Shaunte has a little over six years of experience in case management, specifically with victims of domestic violence, and is excited to bring that knowledge to Community Chest Inc. in a different capacity. She has been a community volunteer since a young age and has volunteered at Advocates to End Domestic Violence, The Alzheimer’s Association, Carson City Health and Human Services, Northern Nevada Food Bank, and the Dayton Food Pantry. In her down time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and just enjoying the simplicity of small town life.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Sandy Delaski | Storey County Librarian
Sandy Delaski is very happy to be the Library Director for Storey Country. She has lived in Northern Nevada since 1978. With the help from Community Chest and Storey County Residents her goal is to put the library as the “place to be” in Virginia City. Sandy was privileged to be the Librarian at Dayton Elementary for six years prior to returning to college at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, Nevada. While pursing her degree in Education and working towards her Masters Degree, Sandy said she worked at the Primm Library on campus even before the windows were installed. She enjoyed watching the growth and development of the students for six years as their Library Tech. Her favorite part was working with the students and seeing the community enjoy the programs, events and art shows held in the Prim Library. Sandy saw students come in as freshman (With the deer in the headlight expression on their faces) and walk out 4 years later as confident, well educated, and informed contributing members of society. That being said, is why she believes every town benefits from having a Library with the latest resources and technology available. Sandy believes learning is a life long endeavor and informed communities enrich society. Presently, Sandy is especially excited to create a Community Library in Storey County that proudly represents Virginia City’s rich history and at the same time brings 21st century technology to all rural residents. Sandy said, “We also have a Library Hub in Mark Twain with a wonderful volunteer in the Mark Twain Community Center. Sandy spends her free time with family, friends and her 3 precious Shetland Sheepdogs. “Shelties”.
Early Childhood Education | Virginia City ECE Center | 2-5 Years
Breana Johnston | Program Coordinator
Breana has lived in the Virginia City area her whole life. She has worked in preschools for 3 years and has a passion for helping little minds grow. Breana would like to expand her education in Early Childhood by going back to school to earn her degree. In her free time, Breana coaches cheer for Sparks High school and also enjoys crafting and puzzles.
Ali Kelly | Assistant | Storey County
Hello!! I’m Ms. Ali!! This is my first year working in the ECE center! I’m into hunting, fishing and pretty much anything outdoors!! I’m 19 and studying for my AA in criminology. I was also one of the original S.O.A.R.S.! I love working with these kids and can’t wait for more years to come!
Alyssa Durham | Assistant | Mineral County
Hi my name is Alyssa and I am from Wichita, Kansas. I am about to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and hope to continue my education to receive my Master’s. I have a huge passion for providing a safe and supportive environment for the littles in the community to develop a lifelong love for learning. In my free time I enjoy time with my family, yoga, and playing with my dogs. I grew up raising chickens and hope to get some here in Hawthorne, NV.
Carol Mortensen | Assistant | Storey County
Carol Mortensen grew up in Genoa Nevada and has been a frequent visitor to Virginia City most all of her life. Carol has an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, is a Certified Public Safety Telecommunications Dispatcher, Emergency Medical Technician and Certified Nursing Assistant. Carol worked in Health Services for the Douglas County School District for 8 years and as a Dental Assistant for over 6 years. Carol recently relocated to Gold Hill and enjoys gardening.
LaRissa Clarke | Assistant | Storey County
Hi, my name is LaRissa Clarke and I’m excited to start my career with CCI. My family has a huge impact on the community and I’m proud to carry on that impact! Working with children has always been a passion of mine along with raising my 3 babies. Being such a positive influence in a child’s life and seeing them grow into exceptional human beings is beyond rewarding and why I love doing what I do. In my free time i enjoy trips to the beach, baking and supporting my kids in all their extracurricular activities.
Maya Carrillo | Assistant | Storey County
Hello, my name is Maya, I’ve lived in Nevada for about 8 years now before I was raised in California. I love animals, drawing/ doing crafts, and a foodie. I love and respect what Community Chest does and I’m really happy to be a part of it and give back to the community
Early Childhood Education | Infant Center | 0-2 Years
Kara Miffit | Early Childhood Community Health Worker & Infant Center Program Coordinator
I got my start in working with youth as a children’s ski instructor at Kirkwood Mountain. I discovered there that I love teaching and have since been an Early Childhood Educator for the last 4 years. I am excited to be a part of the Community Chest through serving Children and Families as connecting with children and families is my favorite part of the work I do! In my free time I love reading, yoga, and spending time in nature with my dogs!
Early Childhood Education | Classroom On Wheels | COW Bus
Kirsten Day | Program Coordinator & Teacher
Hi my name is Kirsten, I have lived in Northern Nevada for 15 years. I graduated in Virginia City and continued my education at WNC where I have an Associates towards Education, I am currently working towards my Bachelors. I fell in love with education after traditionally homeschooling my three son’s. I have been married for 12 years and we have three wonderful boys. We love to spend our time fishing, kayaking, painting, reading, riding horses and dirt bikes. I love to be with children and to be able to watch them make that leap from I can’t to I can!
AshLynne Otteson-Wagner | Cow Bus Teacher
Hi! I am AshLynne I’ve been with community chest for a little over 7 months and have enjoyed every moment of it. I started out in the ECE in Virginia City before I located back to Tonopah to work as an assistant cow bus teacher with one of my married in cousins. I have a 1 year old daughter who I enjoy traveling with and making crafts.
Beth was born and raised in Sparks, Nevada. She graduated in 2009 from Reed High School. Her first job when she was 16 at Wild Island as a Mini-golf Supervisor. She later moved on to work for Target for ten years, covering many roles such as cashier, market team member and eventually worked her way up to team lead for the front end and market. Beth learned she loved to work with people and became passionate about working in the human services field. She heard about the Adult Works program and contacted Case Manager Michele Burke. Michele Burke enrolled her in the Community Health Worker Certification Course through TMCC. Beth was thrilled when she earned her certification in 2018. Shortly after she accepted a position for Storey County as a Site Manager and a Case Manager. She is now excited to join the Adult Works team and help others fulfill their passions and reach their potential! During Beth’s free time she spends time with her family and her three dogs. She enjoys camping, napping and watching T.V.
Sherry Wilson | Cow Bus Teacher
Hi! My name is Sherry Wilson! I was born and raised in California but have happily made Nevada our forever home for the last seven years! I am a mama and a “mama-grandma”. Until just recently I was a sub para and noon aide at my sons’ school after being privileged with being a stay at home mother with both my sons’ entire infant & toddler years. An absolute priceless gift. I volunteer in our Children’s Ministry at Church and until we aged out we were clients right here with N.F.F.!
I love poetry, reading, writing, hiking and photography. I’m always looking for fresh convivial adventures for my family and I. With a fervent passion for teaching and caring for littles, I’m unequivocally rhapsodic being embraced into the Community Chest family.
HOME VISITING
Sarah Dillard– Home Visiting Supervisor/Rural Frontier Program Director
I am a Native Nevadan born and raised in the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area. I keep busy outdoors with my family enjoying camping, fishing, and hunting. My hobbies include running, boating, traveling and spending time with friends and family. My passion lies in Community Development and providing for the needs of the community.
Becca Singleton | Home Visitor
I am a native Northern Nevadan, born and raised in Carson City. I graduated from Carson High School in 2010 and received my Associates Degree from Western Nevada College in 2013. My background includes victim advocacy and working for the Early Childhood Education/Student Support Services department at the Carson City School District. My passion is helping others find their strength to overcome life’s challenges. I have been providing home visiting services through Community Chest since March 2020 and enjoy working with families and their children on their journey through parenthood. “The beauty of parenthood lies in the ability to witness your child’s firsts and be a part of their every moment, creating a tapestry of memories that lasts a lifetime.” — Sharon Jaynes
Michelle was born and raised mostly in Southern California. In 2010, she found her way to rural Nevada. Initially, it was an adjustment, but didn’t take long before she found her sense of purpose and belonging here. Witnessing the togetherness small communities often display was a life changing moment for Michelle. This moment led to a self-realization in her passion to help others. Michelle is thrilled to be part of the Community Chest team, and looks forward to her future role in helping fellow Nevadans.
Heather began working in the field of evidence-based home visiting in 2018 after her family moved to Northern Nevada. She received her bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University in Sociology with an emphasis in Human Services in 2008. Heather has previous work history including preschool speech and language pathology aide, before and after school care, and residential care for at risk youth. Heather has discovered passion for working with families who have a young child diagnosed or a suspected diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder during her 6 years as a home visitor with Community Chest, however, she holds a special place in her heart for all families she works with in home visiting. In 2023-2024 Heather completed Nevada Lend (Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) and became an endorsed Infant mental health professional. In her free time, Heather enjoys training horses, playing sports like volleyball or basketball, singing songs with her two children, and listening to audiobooks during her travels to home visits.
Shaun Griffin – Co-Founder and Development Director
Shaun Griffin is the co-founder of Community Chest, and served as executive director for 26 years. Shaun has spent a lifetime trying to build bridges where there were none for all members of the human community. During the mid-80s he worked in Stanford University’s foremost community outreach program, starting several disability initiatives on that campus. He later founded a minority youth outreach program for four universities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Shaun is also a published author. His last book of poems was Bathing in the River of Ashes, published by the University of Nevada Press in 1999. Death to Silence (translations from the Chilean poet, Emma Sepúlveda) was released by Arte Público Press in 1997. In 1995, he received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. For many years he has taught a poetry workshop at Northern Nevada Correctional Center and published an annual journal of their work, Razor Wire. Shaun Griffin is the co-founder and director of Community Chest. Shaun has spent a lifetime trying to build bridges where there were none for all members of the human commogram for four universities in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2004, he received the Mike O’Callaghan Humanitarian Award, named after the former Nevada Governor.
He has lived in Nevada since 1978— except for the four years when his wife was in graduate school in the Bay Area. He and his family live in Virginia City, at the western-most edge of the Great Basin.
Deborah Loesch-Griffin – Co-Founder and Consultant
Deborah Loesch-Griffin earned her Education Specialist degree in Evaluation (1986) and doctorate degree in Educational Psychology and Child Development from Stanford University in 1987. She owns and operates a small business, Turning Point, Inc., and provides evaluation coaching, capacity-building, facilitation, mentoring for non-profits in youth development, and community-building training. From 1998-2008, TPI engaged in a partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to co-sponsor the Center for Program Evaluation (CPE). As it’s Co-Director, Deborah developed a program for training individuals as professional evaluators.
Deborah is also the co-founder of Community Chest, Inc., in Virginia City, Nevada. She continues to work with Community Chest, Inc. as a Community Youth Development Specialist. In this role she organizes the annual Global Voice Program, mentors CCI’s youth development staff, facilitates the community-building initiative in Lockwood, and coordinates the Comstock Growers and Gardeners group who sponsored Storey County’s first farmers market in the Summer 2009. She is most interested in sustainable living and engaging youth as stewards of our environment as well as keeping all our citizenry healthy and providing local, affordable healthy alternatives.
Community Chest, Inc. 