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.

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 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.

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.

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.  

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.

Hi,  my name is Brittany!! I have been in the mental health field in various capacities for 9 years. I am currently working on a Marriage and Family Therapy License and hope to continue on with my passion, working with kids. In my spare time I try and wrangle my 4 kids to whatever event they have that week. When I have a spare moment , I love watching true crime documentaries and going on adventures. Fun fact about me: I am the first in my family to graduate college!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 an 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Bio coming soon!

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.

Jayme was born and raised in the Bay Area of California and spent nearly 15 years in the Placerville region, homeschooling and raising her older sons and soaking up small town life, while getting her Associate in Accounting. She returned to the Bay Area for a couple of years and worked as a youth program director, nanny, and administrative assistant, among other fantastic opportunities and side work she landed. Small town life still called to her and she indeed had more of a passion working with children and making connections with people. She decided to move to Nevada, as Carson City was the perfect small town to continue growing her family. She now lives in Dayton and has 4 more fantastic children. Passionate about the importance of shaping young people in their foundational years, and supporting families of these young children, Jayme is eager to help families grow themselves and their blooming young humans. Furthermore, Jayme and her 4 youngest have been recipients of this wonderful program for years and she is excited to provide such a beautiful service to other families throughout rural Nevada. Jayme loves spending time with her abundant family, hiking, reading and learning new things, practicing yoga and meditation, and simply exploring novelty.

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!

Bio Coming Soon!

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.

Bio Coming Soon!

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

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.

My name is Kayla. I grew
up in Virginia City and
attend K-12. After High
School I moved to
California for a volleyball
scholarship. I’ve been
working with children for
the last 8 years. I’ve
been coaching
cheerleading since 2019.
Before childcare I was
working in Healthcare.
Helping people weather
children or adults us a
passion on mine. My
family and I spend time
going camping where we
all water-ski.

Bio Coming Soon!

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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

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!

Bio coming soon!

I’m originally from Canada, but went to school in the United States. I was a nationally ranked swimmer in college but found my true passion outside of the pool. I’ve been working in ECE for 7 years and have worked with all ages and have experience working with children with exceptionalities. My husband and I have one beautiful daughter who keeps us on our toes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a member of this team. 

I’m 18 years old, and I
recently graduated from
VCHS. I have a strong
passion for working with
children and helping them
learn, grow, and feel
supported. Throughout my
life, I’ve been inspired to
make a difference in the lives
of others, especially young
people who may be going
through difficult times. In the
future, I plan to become a
private trauma psychologist,
focusing on helping children
and families heal and thrive. I
believe every child deserves
to feel safe, heard, and
understood. My goal is to
create a space where they
can process their experiences
and build a brighter future.

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. 

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!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Hi! My name is Kylie Lazzarino. I am currently in the Jumpstart program taking college classes to work towards an associates degree in human development, family studies, and education. I am passionate about working with kids and families, and have taught swim lessons for the past two years. I would describe myself as a creative, compassionate, and ambitious person. In my free time I enjoy swimming, drawing, going to concerts, and spending time with friends.

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 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.