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- Finance/ Grants Assistant
Hi, I’m Jeff! I was born in Carson City and grew up in Dayton, NV. I have been a registered nurse since receiving my Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from Western Nevada College in 2014. I have worked as a nurse in various departments in Carson City, Reno, and Anchorage, Alaska, but spent most of my time working in the operating room. After moving back to Nevada from Alaska, I began pursuing further education from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and am obtaining a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting. I am glad to be back in Nevada where I spend most of my time riding dirt bikes, camping, and hanging out with my dog and family.
Counseling and Advocacy
Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, and Masters of Counseling Psychology degree at Texas Woman’s University, in Denton, Texas. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with individuals, couples, and familes from a “healing through connection” perspective, integrating multiple theories including multicultural, relational, and existential interventions. She is trained in Multidimensional Family Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy and is a Certified Disaster Mental Health Response Specialist. She was raised in Sparks, Nevada where she currently resides.
Britany is a native Nevadan who enjoys spending her spare time reading, running, and spending time with her family. Some of her favorite family activities include hiking, camping, and traveling. She started her career in the medical field and has worked as a Nurse’s Assistant and a Medical Assistant for 13 years. She has a Bachelor’s in Health and Human Services Management and a Master of Science in Licensed Professional Counseling. She started at Community Chest after completing her counseling practicum in rural Lyon County and has experience in working with clients experiencing severe mental health issues. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern and is passionate about working with rural communities.
Sarah Olivas – Mental Health Program Coordinator/Therapist
Sarah is a Reno born native and grew up in the Reno-Sparks area. She has a Bachelor’s of Psychology with a minor in substance abuse treatment and prevention. Sarah has her Master’s in Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Sarah was trained and certified in Multidimensional Family Therapy as a clinician, supervisor, and trainer for this modality. Sarah has experience in working with foster youth families, individuals and groups. She has experience in working with populations of all ages and various backgrounds. Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and step-daughter, as well as with close friends and family. Additional hobbies include camping, reading, and exploring new places.
Hi there, I’m Cheyenne. I have worked in the helping field throughout college as a residential assistant in assisted living and memory care, later transitioning to drug and alcohol counseling. I have worked in Medication Assisted Treatment for 4 years and have developed a true love for Substance Use Disorder counseling. I have a loving husband with two little pups and many many plants. I look forward to working with this community.
Hi, my name is Lauren! I am a clinical social work intern working towards licensure as a therapist. I grew up in Clark County and moved to the Northern Nevada area about three years ago to complete the master’s of social work program at UNR. I am grateful that my journey brought me here and excited to serve the community. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, getting outdoors, reading, and spending time with my friends and family
Vera Trout – Safe Schools ProfessionalTherapist
Hello, my name is Vera Trout. I am a proud Native Nevadan and currently live in the greater Carson area where my family enjoys all of the outdoor possibilities, especially when it involves anything with wheels. I am presently working on obtaining my Masters of Social Work at the University of Nevada Reno, where I earned my BSW. I have worked in education in various roles over the past 8 years and am passionate about creating positive experiences for students where they are able to thrive and creates goals that lead to a promising future. I have also worked with families on parenting strategies that help allow a child explore their world in a safe manner while also building strong family bonds. Growing up in a rural community myself, has provided me an appreciation of relationships and especially those of family and community in one’s life. I am looking forward to being apart of this program in this community, as it embraces those principles and can’t wait to work with the CCI team.
McKenzie Day- CADC-Intern, Safe School Professional
Katie Doggett- Safe Schools Professional
Born in Reno and raised in Sparks I have lived in Northern Nevada for most of my life. I graduated from Post University with a focus BS in Human Services and I also own and operate a small cottage bakery based out of Carson City. I am passionate about education, cancer research, and baking to name just a few of the things I love. I’m also a wife and mother with an eclectic tribe that brings me joy and endless amounts of love and laughter. I have a deep desire to help others and often spend my limited free time helping with Relay for Life and other worthy causes close to my heart. I truly believe we give back to our communities by investing our time and attention into them. One of those ways is by helping our children and teens grow and thrive in safe and inclusive learning environments so they can help make our communities a better place in the future.
Dustin Cerny – Community Health Worker- Storey County
Hello, my name is Dustin Cerny. I look forward to being your new Community Health Worker for Storey County. I am a native Nevadan, who enjoys adventure and the outdoors. I love to travel and spend time with my family and friends.
Kelly – Victim’s Advocacy Program Coordinator
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.
Breanna -Victims Advocate/ Community Health Worker
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/Community Health Worker
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.
Case Management
Shaunte Ibarra- Case Management Director
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.
Samantha Rambeau– Case Manager – Adult works
Sam is a Native Nevadan and grew up in the Wadsworth/Fernley area . She graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University earning her degree in Elementary Education, and currently is continuing her higher education in Business Management. Sam has 4 years of experience as a Case Manager specializing in Workforce Development. She has two daughters and 5 younger siblings. Additional hobbies include participating in softball and basketball tournaments, spending time with loved ones, volunteering in youth events, and nature walks. Sam believes that change happens when people are given the guidance they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Sam provides an environment of compassion and support to help individuals overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive.
Beth Cerny- Case Manager – Out of School Youth Program
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.
Jessica Harris- Case Manager for Storey County District in Adult works and Safe School Professional
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.
Youth Programs
Shannon Parsons- Youth & Community Development Director
Shannon Parsons is a Nevada native, born and raised in Virginia City. She grew up attending the youth programs in Community Chest. She has been working for Community Chest since 2010. Shannon started as a youth member of the Board of Directors her freshman year of high school and followed on to join the summer staff coordinators for the Comstock Kids Summer Program. She was a youth member of Global Voice in 2014. After Graduating High school she moved on to become a full time staff for the summer program and before/after school program for the Comstock Kids and SOARS as well as an adult supervisor for Global Voice. She runs the In-School Youth programs for Hugh Gallagher Elementary school and Virginia City Middle and High schools. She is currently attending The University of Nevada, Reno for Anthropology. She has since been promoted to Assistant Youth Development Director and now Youth Development Director for Community Chest. She loves being able to encourage the youth in her community to be the best person they can be.
Erin Mason | Assistant Youth Development Director
Hi! My name is Ms. Erin. I have been working at Community Chest for almost 4 years! I enjoy doing anything outdoors like camping, going to the lake and hiking. I love to bake, cookies are my favorite! Dressing up and decorating for holidays is one of my favorite things to do. I am very crafty and like to do art and projects. And finally, I am one of the luckiest moms out there because I was blessed with an amazing son who has an infectious laugh and is full of energy!
Kirsten Day – Cow Bus Teacher | Mark Twain
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!
Sarah Clark- Youth Programs Lockwood Coordinator
Hillside Hawks Nest Before and After school Program Coordinator. I have run the program for the Lockwood community since August of 2018. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work in this community and for the parents of Hillside Elementary students.
Rockie Scott- Early Childhood Education Program Assistant
My name is Ruthann but I prefer to go by Rockie! I am 23 years old and grew up during my childhood in Virginia City and found my way back. Many of you may know my mom Paula Hoffman-Claypool; formerly known as Paula Scott. I’m following in her footsteps since she also worked with Community Chest Inc. and the children’s department. CCI has always had a big impact in my life growing up and I cannot believe I am now a part of the team! I am so excited and cannot wait to work with all of you and make a positive impact on the kids of CCI; just like CCI made a wonderful impact in my life! I am very outgoing and always here for everyone and so excited for the adventures ahead!
Hollywood Greene-Youth Programs Assistant
Hi my name is Hollywood, I have lived in Virginia City for just about my whole life. I was apart of the original S.O.A.R.S program and shortly after that became apart of the youth program staff. I recently rejoined this wonderful program again as a teacher in the Child Development Center and can’t wait to help all of our wonderful kids grow and see their full potential!
Early Child Development
Peach Coons- Early Childhood Education Director
A native Nevadan and a lifelong resident of rural Nevada, Peach is familiar with the struggles to provide communities with access to quality services. A particular interest to Peach is the enrichment of opportunities provided to youth. In order to become instrumental in providing much needed youth services, Peach earned her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies in December of 2019 at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her internship through Community Chest allowed her to focus on providing services to community children.
Breana Johnston- Early childhood development 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.
Jaid Roberts- Early Child Development Center
Jaid is aspiring to become a Deputy Sheriff with the Storey County Sheriff’s Office and is currently participating in her fourth year as a Storey County Sheriff’s Explorer. She has a passion for helping others and keeping them safe. Jaid has been employed with youth programs at Community Chest for the past year. Furthermore, she has several years of experience working with children, including a year of training and certification. She graduated from Silver Stage High School in Silver Springs, Nevada, class of 2019.
Ali Kelley- Early Child Development Center
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!
Early Childhood and Family Education
Cindy Boyd– COW Bus Director/Teacher
Cindy Boyd has worked for Community Chest as the Director of Classroom on Wheels since 1997. Her persistence to work for an organization that changes peoples lives but her in a position to work with Pre-K children and their families. Her bus serves students in Storey County. Before joining our family, Cindy worked for Big Sisters of America and was a foster care mother. Currently, she lives in the Virginia City Highlands and volunteers with the Red Cross in her spare time.
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.
Janet Wilson– Parent Educator/Home Visitor/Program Coordinator
Janet was born and raised in Hawthorne, and has lived in Nevada for most of her life. With a passion for traveling, she lived in Japan for a year. She has previously worked in various careers in the medical field, and has been a child care provider for the last 5 years participating in the social and cognitive development of children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Janet studied Human Services Management at the University of Phoenix. She has been married for 13 years, and has two daughters and one son. Janet loves fishing, camping, hiking, and is passionate about cooking and has her own cooking blog. As a new Home Visitor for Nevada Families First in Mineral County, Janet is excited to help the community with their future endeavors.
Heather Smith– Parent Educator/Home Visitor
I was born and raised in rural Western Colorado and graduated in a class with only 54 students. I attended College at Mesa State College, now known as Colorado Mesa University, graduating with a BA in sociology. I used my degree to work as a Case Manager at a residential facility for teen boys for over 8 years. I enjoy hiking, playing volleyball, and playing with my dog, Kavu. I recently got married and my husband and I moved to NV the beginning of October. I come from a ranching family and still own horses and cattle back in Colorado.
Becca Singleton – Home Visitor
I am a native Northern Nevadan, born and raised in Carson City. I married my high school sweetheart in 2012. I graduated from Carson High School in 2010 and received my Associates Degree from Western Nevada College in 2013. I became a mother to an amazing son in 2021. My passion is helping others find their strength to overcome life’s challenges. I believe early childhood education is important for young children to help them grow and develop into the best version of themselves. I am excited to be a part of such a wonderful community here in Virginia City and provide home visiting services through Community Chest.
Brooke Sterns- Community Health Worker/ Safe School Professional
Brooke is a native Nevadan born and raised in Hawthorne. Growing up she always planned to leave her small town behind. But, as she got older her love for the community grew as she watched and experienced the lack of opportunity and services for folks in need. Brooke’s passion is helping to provide and support opportunities for growth and services for folks of all ages in our rural communities. She spends her spare time camping, fishing, paddle boarding, and adventuring with her husband and three dogs.
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.
Community Services
Sandy Delaski– Library Director
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”.
Bobbi Pickles– Food Pantry Coordinator
Bobbi has lived in Nevada for 26 years. She has been married for 22 years and has four lovely grandchildren. She was born in California and raised in Iowa. Bobbi has had many jobs in her lifetime – a real jack of all trades. After working many years in retail, she took some time off to discover her passion. Bobbi realized that her purpose in life is to help the community. Bobbi volunteers at Advocates to End Domestic Violence serving Carson City and Story County residents. She has many hours of training in domestic violence and she volunteers one evening a week to answer the crisis line. Bobbi is a trained sexual assault response advocate, and is on call for one week every month. She started to work in the Comstock Kids Program in early 2012, and has taken on the additional responsibility of managing our in-house food pantry.
ADVISORY STAFF
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 