Michelle brings over 25 years of leadership, operations, and customer service management experience to her role from a variety of organizations, including Apple, REI, and Target.  She received her B.S. in Strengths-Based Management from Bellevue University and her M.S. in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University as well as continuing education in operations and human resources.  She brings her passion for growth and life-long learning to the Dragonfly team. Michelle joined Dragonfly to build on the legacy created by the Dragonfly Transitions founders twenty-two years ago in helping young adults overcome obstacles and launch into the next phase of their lives. She loves working with the team, partners, families, and students, strategizing ways to grow and improve the program, and feels privileged to be a part of such a purpose-driven organization. Leveraging her training in project management, customer service, and instructional design, she has a solid track record for creating developmental programs and strategies that help teams deliver their best work. Michelle is excited to continue her personal and professional journey with Dragonfly Transitions and Embark Behavioral Health. As a parent to two young adults, she brings a personal connection to the work as well as her professional experience.  An avid reader, runner, hiker, and traveler, you can find her playing outside when she is not working, spending quality time with her family, watching baseball (go Cubbies!) or reading a book.

Summer earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching through Cardinal Stritch University and a BA from the University of Colorado in Environmental Studies. Over the past 20 years, Summer has devoted herself to helping students in both traditional and therapeutic settings embrace their ability to thrive regardless of their circumstances. Her career has led her from teaching in a public middle school to developing curriculum for an accredited wilderness therapy program to building and leading teams in maximizing their performance. Her wealth of experience and expertise highlights her ability to positively impact the lives of those around her, including helping parents of struggling young adults to become powerful mentors. Summer has also established research methods for data collection and analysis to improve the delivery of services for a diverse population of students.  Summer’s motivation continues to be helping every student discover their individual passion and purpose.

Summer leads an active life with her husband, two teenage daughters, and an energetic Australian Shepard named Zeal. Originally from the midwest, Summer and her family relocated to Oregon nearly a decade ago. They spend their free time camping, biking, and skiing the Cascades. They have found that Oregon truly allows for an integrated lifestyle of work, community involvement, and space to explore the wilderness.

Kelly is a graduate of Portland State University with a Master’s in Social Work. She obtained her undergraduate degrees at the Oregon Institute of Technology, with a BS in Applied Psychology, BS in Communication Studies, and a Dispute Resolution Certificate. Kelly has completed additional graduate coursework in Behavior Analysis. Kelly has a small community private practice in addition to the work she does at Dragonfly.

The Oregon Air National Guard brought Kelly and her husband, Jeff to Klamath Falls in 1987 where they have raised a large family and currently enjoy being grandparents. Kelly provided foster care in Klamath County for 23 years for high-risk infants and currently has a graduate certificate in Providing Therapy to Foster and Adoptive Families. She has extensive knowledge in adoption issues, both international and domestic. Her background is in attachment theory, and she believes that all members of the family need to work together to create a functioning system.

Kelly has been a part of the Dragonfly Community since 2003 in a variety of roles. She began as a mentor and went on to complete her extern requirements for graduate school. She assisted in creating various policy and procedure manuals, worked in admissions, provided therapy, behavior support and medication management. When she is not working or spending time with her family, Kelly likes to attend ballet, tap, jazz, or modern dance classes.

Anthony is very proud of his Samoan culture and upbringing, and comes from a huge immediate and extended family.  Born in Southern California and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Anthony relocated to Ashland after high school and has made Southern Oregon his home for most of the last 20 years.  Anthony enjoys traveling and considers himself a foodie; but much of his energy these days is geared towards being a father to his son and spending quality time with family members across the USA.

In 2008, Anthony received a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology/Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR.  Prior to this, Anthony had traveled abroad to the University of Guam as an undergraduate for his Junior year; where he was also afforded an opportunity to travel to various countries in Asia too.  Anthony believes that this experience, coupled with his rich cultural upbringing while living in the USA has really contributed to his seamless ability to get along with just about anybody; especially because he finds the variety of differences that exist amongst people fascinating.

In the mental health field, Anthony began work as a part time behavioral health specialist for several years before landing an internship and employment opportunity as a Mental Health therapist with the Veterans Health Administration(VHA) in White City, OR.  After 7 years in White City, he took an opportunity to relocate/transfer to the Anchorage, Alaska VHA as a residential Mental Health therapist there for 2 more years before moving back to Southern Oregon in September 2017.  Anthony was a therapist, quality assurance manager and director for a local non-profit agency for the last four years before becoming a Clinical Director with DragonFly Transitions in February 2022.

Throughout her diverse career, Sara has passionately embodied stewardship that is empathetic, connected, insightful, and goal-oriented. This has created a solid foundation for growth and development for both herself and those she works with. Sara has deep roots in the Rogue Valley, having been born and raised here. She chose to stay and raise her own three children here, where they enjoy all the beauty southern Oregon has to offer.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education was just the beginning of her professional life of service and care for those she is charged with. After fifteen years in the classroom, Sara spent a decade building her own business. The leadership skills she honed in her business then served her well in the real estate industry, as she helped grow a thriving team from the ground up in just three short years.

Sara’s greatest passions remain in connecting deeply with family and friends, exploring Oregon waterways on her paddle board, and laughing her way through life’s ever-changing canvas.

Sara is thrilled to be part of the Dragonfly Transitions team as this important work is in complete alignment with her natural abilities, skillset, and life experiences.

Derek, born and raised in Southern Oregon, is known for his strong work ethic and passion to “always do the right thing”. Coming from a rich background of early entrepreneurship, starting two of his own companies before the age of twenty-five. He could not be happier to be a part of the team here at Dragonfly Transitions where he can use his resources to help others.

Deeply involving himself with the community of Medford, Derek created programs for victims of domestic violence and working hand in hand with all animal shelters in the rogue valley to rescue as many cats as possible.

Derek’s free time is mostly spent in the wilderness. He loves hiking, fishing, kayaking and rockhounding with his wife and Toy Australian Sheppard named Smokey. If he is not out in nature, he is likely at home managing his zoo of cats he fell in love with during his animal rescue days.

Dr. Bunn earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Brigham Young University in English Literature with an emphasis in Rhetoric. Prior to Medical School he was a full-time English instructor at BYU and was honored as a Meyhew Teaching Award Finalist. Dr. Bunn has written publications in the area of doctor-patient communications and medical education. His most recently published article discusses how to help medical students develop more empathy for the mentally ill. Dr. Bunn attended medical school at Des Moines University with clinical training at Ohio University. His psychiatry training was completed at the University of Utah, where he received outstanding Junior and Senior Resident Awards and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology. He currently provides psychiatric care for a number of organizations including the BYU Student Health Center, UVRMC, Universal Health Systems, and Innerchange. In addition to this, he is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah, School of Medicine. Dr. Bunn takes a conservative approach to medication management.

 

Sarah’s partnership with Dragonfly Transitions began in 2010 when she joined A Leap of Taste as a barista and chef. Sarah engaged in on-the-job training with Dragonfly Students to support them in developing work experience with coaching and feedback on work ethic. When a mentor position opened at the Homestead, she transitioned to working full time with students teaching animal husbandry and horticulture.

 

In 2017 Sarah moved back to her hometown in Georgia with her family to explore Management in the Wood Working Industry and cultivate her leadership and management skills. Sarah developed an internship program with the local high school to connect students with their areas of interest such as marketing research, web development, product photography, accounting, and IT. In addition, she engaged with local parolees to support skills to enable them to reenter the workforce. In 2020 Sarah was recognized by Woodworking Network as a part of the 2020 class of 40 under 40 for her innovative leadership, organizational management, continuous improvement mindset, and contributions to her community.

 

In 2020, She was invited to rejoin the Dragonfly team as the Homestead Program Coordinator and moved back to Oregon. Sarah has a lifelong passion for working with young adults who are struggling. Her background in General Psychology and practical experience working one on one with young adults were contributing factors in her promotion to Program Director of the Klamath Falls Campus.

 

“When I was a young adult, I was in a dark place, and I was fortunate to find a community that gave me the support and mentoring that I needed to successfully develop as an independent adult. Working at Dragonfly gives me the opportunity to pay it forward by investing in a community that offers our students support and connection to empower them to gain the skills they need.” ~ Sarah

Stormy is a multi-faceted mindset mentor who has overcome a difficult childhood to become a leading coach in North America. Her personal journey has given her valuable insights, intuition, and innovative approaches that she uses to help thousands of people reach their full potential. She is also a proud wife of a military veteran, mother of four, PGI consultant, NLP practitioner, Reiki master, motivational speaker, author, and spiritual entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience.

Stormy’s past experience working for CASA for Kids Inc. as a Program Coordinator and Executive Director will bring valuable knowledge and experience to her new role. She is excited to support the Klamath Falls Campus as Program Director.

Keady has extensive experience in administrative roles and brings professional presence in her position as Finance and Compliance Manager at Dragonfly.

After spending several years in Southern California working in the funeral industry, she located back to Southern Oregon. Keady started as Office Manager and was responsible for assisting with students’ weekly schedules for each term, overseeing and tracking student accounts and most importantly providing support to both the students and staff team.

As the Finance and Compliance Manager, Keady does a lot of behind the scenes budget tracking and internal auditing for the three Dragonfly locations. She helps implement new systems that are beneficial for alignment and continuity for the locations. Keady appreciates the culture of the Dragonfly community and the numerous opportunities for students to obtain life skills while on their journey to becoming more independent.

When Keady is not working, she enjoys trying new foods, spending time with friends and family, watching mysteries and most of all being with her three girls.

Anna is a Clinical Intern at Dragonfly Transitions in her third year of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Oregon Institute of Technology.

Anna is trained in Family Systems Theory as a backdrop to her work. As a family therapist she is passionate about supporting families and individuals in reaching their goals through positive family functioning.  Anna incorporates somatic methods, dialectic behavioral therapy and solution-focused approaches as well as other resources to support the journey of others!

Azure spent the first half of her career in academia, educating, advising, and supporting students as they navigated the complexities of the university system. As the senior education specialist at George Washington University, Azure was responsible for implementing and managing a program for medical students who wished to engage in international service opportunities. As the academic case manager at the University of North Carolina Asheville, Azure provided individual support for students who were struggling to reach their academic goals due to emotional, social, or financial difficulties.  As a mental health professional Azure has supported survivors of sexual assault, both in the US and internationally. She has worked as a school-based therapist in the Portland and Asheville Public Schools.  

Azure approaches therapy through a person-centered, trauma-informed lens focused on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore and process their inner worlds.  Informed by neuropsychology, Azure’s focus is on supporting and empowering young adults during this critical neurodevelopment period. Azure’s therapeutic approach is based on mindfulness, polyvagal, and somatic therapies. Through this integrative approach, Azure assists students in identifying their developmental edge as they explore their growth potential.  By engaging in the relationship between mind, body, brain, and behavior, students are able to increase their emotional and mental wellbeing and in turn increase their levels resiliency, motivation, and hope.

Elias comes from an honorable 24 years of military background serving in the U.S. Marine Corps & retiring from the U.S. Air-force. His goal is to bring awareness of the mental health crisis and breakdown the stigma that has been instilled in our society, preventing us from seeking help when the season arrives w/our mental health needs. Elias uses a client-centered approach, motivational interviewing, cognitive Behavior Therapy, and solution-focused therapy to encourage his clients to identify the strengths that lie within them.

While stationed in Puerto Rico, Elias obtained his Bachelors of Nursing at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico (Metro campus). He later attended Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas where he earned a Masters in Social Work with a specialization of “Service to Hispanic Children and Families.”

When he is not working, you can find him riding the waves of the ocean or snow dust from the mountains. Additionally, he enjoys jogging, gardening, and exploring new places to eat.

 

Social worker by day, Wisconsin sports fan by night. Lindsey earned her BSW at UW-Oshkosh, focusing on social justice and followed this degree with her MSW, with a focus in trauma informed practice and human rights at Southern University of New York, Buffalo. Lindsey comes to us with a background working with youth with severe and persistent mental health diagnosis, individuals experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence, violence prevention and different realms of the child welfare system. Through these experiences, Lindsey has worked with a multitude of unique and diverse individuals, placing value in these traits and individuality in the therapeutic process. Through practice, Lindsey has developed a strong interest in incorporating non-deliberative practices (such as art, rhythm, movement, sound, and sensory approaches) and explores with clients if and how this would be beneficial in their process. Lindsey holds a strong belief that there is growth in connection and utilizes this belief while building rapport and continuing through the therapeutic process.

Though Lindsey grew up in Wisconsin, she has been in Oregon since 2017 and has been finding a sense of home while here. In her spare time, Lindsey spends most of her time with her animals, her dog Zen and Pluto her rabbit, as well as indulging her right brain with painting, creating mosaics, writing poetry, drawing, and singing like nobody is watching! Through the chains of change, Lindsey has found great comfort, meaning ,and guidance from the following statement, “when you’re headed in the right direction, the universe follows”.

Brandy was born in Bend Oregon but raised in a rural area called Rocky Point, just outside Klamath Falls. She grew up as an only child and spent much of her early years exploring nature.  Brandy has taken many psychology courses at OIT, and plans to work towards her bachelor’s degree in that field.  She previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant but wanted to join Dragonfly to pursue her passion for helping others and bring awareness to the community about mental health.  Brandy has been able to take her life experiences and use it to help relate to students in the community. She has learned a lot from Dragonfly that she implements in her personal life. She enjoys being a part of this community and hopes to move into a leadership position in her future.  When Brandy is not at work she spends with her children, two dogs and partner. She loves listening to music, reading, and enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, mushroom hunting, boating.

Bri is local to Klamath Falls, OR, and has been a Registered Nurse for 4 years. Most of her nursing background is in acute care as a hospital RN, but her passion for mental health stems from personal and professional experience living in a rural community. During her undergrad, she volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Just Talk Suicide Prevention. She also created a platform titled “The Tree of Life,” meant to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness by providing opportunities at various local events for people to talk about how mental illness has impacted their lives and share how they were able to cope through their most difficult times.

The 2020 pandemic slowed down Bri’s ability to volunteer and instead increased her time at the hospital bedside. As the mental health needs of her patients and their families increased, it became apparent the impact on healthcare workers as well. The lack of available mental health resources pushed her to advance her degree in nursing and become a PMHNP. As a current student at the Western University of Health Sciences, she anticipates completing her advanced-practice degree in August 2024. Her intent is to practice locally and help increase access to mental health care in the community she was raised in.

When Bri isn’t nursing around, she enjoys quality time with her husband and three kiddos. They share 2 large dogs, a cat, and 4 chickens. As a family, they love summertime and enjoy all the local history and outdoor activities to do here in Klamath County.  She loves working at the Homestead as it has truly allowed her to get in touch with her farm-animal loving side.

A Local to the Klamath Basin, David has spent his life enjoying all that the area has to offer, including hunting, fishing, and foraging. His best summer days have been spent camping along the creeks with his family.

After earning a degree, in Agriculture Science, from Klamath Community College (KCC), David went on to manage an organic cattle ranch for a number of years, where he specialized in calving and irrigation.

Before his time on the ranch, David had worked in all phases of construction, which has now led him to Dragonfly Transitions, where he now works in maintenance. David maintains several buildings and their grounds to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Katie was born and raised in Klamath Falls. Katie brings 25 years of nursing experience and has worked with Dragonfly students through the local Primary Residency Clinic with Dr. Jackman for about 15 years.

“I’m honored to be a part of such a magical program that helps make things better in this world.”

Yolanda a lifelong resident of Klamath Falls. She comes from a very large extended family and graduated from Mazama High School. Shortly after graduation, she began working at Klamath Medical Clinic as a receptionist. She went on to work at Cascades East and Sky Lakes billing departments where she was employed for over 10 years. Her most recent position was at Klamath Basin Behavioral Health where she was for 12 years in Billing, Quality, and Compliance, and as a Mental Health Protective Service Investigator. Yolanda found that work very satisfying and enjoyable. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, and friends, playing with her dog Cash, traveling, trying new foods, and is a huge movie buff.

Kyle was born in Idaho, spent the majority of his younger years throughout Northern California, and then relocated to Klamath Falls, Oregon in 2008. After high school, Kyle attended College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California where he played collegiate baseball and football. During this time, he received an AA in Communications. He then transferred to the University of Oregon where he spent 2 years and would obtain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After Kyle graduated, he was a mentor on the Klamath Falls campus for about a year. Kyle then relocated to Sacramento for a year and worked as a case worker in an outpatient treatment program. After some time away Kyle and his Fiancé relocated back to Southern Oregon as they prepared to welcome their baby girl to the world. After gaining more experience in the field and working with a wide variety of the mental health population Kyle was eager to return to Dragonfly. This time on the Ashland campus. Kyle is enthusiastic about the work he does at Dragonfly and enjoys working with the students and contributing to their goal of pursuing Independent Living.

In his personal time, Kyle enjoys being around his family which often includes snowboarding, camping, hunting, fishing, disc golf, and watching/playing a variety of sports.

Sarah has spent the last two years working in healthcare as a caregiver and then a certified nursing assistant in a skilled nursing facility before discovering she wanted to expand into mental healthcare specifically. She now works with Dragonfly as a mentor to provide hands on support to our team and students. This includes and is not limited to running groups, working with mentees, and accurately supplying medications for our students. As a professional goal-oriented mentor Sarah hopes to continue to grow within and as part of the company. During Sarah’s downtime she greatly enjoys hiking and exploring the PNW, crocheting, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Sarah also enjoys attending local events and staying engaged as an active part of the community.

Stacey Rowlett is originally from California and moved to Klamath Falls in 1993. She is a wife and mother of three children. Stacey volunteered as youth director at Harvest Outreach C.C., and C.F.W.C. from 1993-2015. Stacey and her husband currently work as associate pastors, and worship directors for Community Family Worship Center. 

In 2015, after caring for a terminally ill relative, Stacey decided to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She put her fears aside, took the first step, and enrolled in college. Stacey has completed all the prerequisites required to apply for the nursing program and has remained on the President’s List throughout her college experience. Stacey also worked as a TRIO tutor, and helped students achieve better grades and more confidence in Anatomy & Physiology. Stacey will be applying for the nursing program in May of 2019 and hopes to complete her bachelor’s degree in nursing by June 2022.  

In her free time, Stacey enjoys singing the national anthem with her family at various high school and college graduations, OIT basketball games, and other community events. Family is very important to Stacey. She enjoys camping and visiting the coast and spending time with her husband and children.  

Tisha has an extensive background working in mental health and recovery. She brings her experience with young adults in crisis to her role as Admissions Coordinator at Dragonfly Transitions.

After spending 3 years in the Seattle area working in communications, Tisha moved back to Southern Oregon where she has strong community roots. Tisha strongly believes in “be the change you wish to see in the world”.

A mother of three young adults, Tisha is excited to help families start their journey with Dragonfly Transitions. As part of our Admissions Team, she will be working closely with students and families during the enrollment process. Tisha is excited to be a part of Dragonfly’s culture and local ties.

When not at work, Tisha enjoys spending time camping with her family as well as playing in the sand and mud on her quad.

Tyler was born in Tampa Florida, then raised in Klamath Falls Oregon. After high school he attend Corban University where he played collegiate golf for 3 years and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Upon graduating he moved to Medford Oregon. Here he worked as a life coach at a shelter for homeless and at-risk teens ages 10-17. This shelter provided youth access to a home filled with love and compassion in a safe and supportive environment with family reunification as the primary goal. Most recently he worked as the Outside Services manager at a local golf course in Medford. Working with and serving others has always been a passion in Tyler’s life. So when the opportunity presented itself to work at Dragonfly, it was something he felt called to do. In his spare time you can find him hanging out with friends and family, golfing, walking his two rottweilers around town, and practicing his woodburning skills.

Brittney was born in Ashland, OR but has lived in Klamath Basin for most of her life. She attended Klamath Union high school then went on to study psychology and criminal justice at KCC and OIT. After studying criminal justice she found a passion for helping local youth as a Juvenile Group worker. Brittney also spent time working for a non-profit providing resources and housing for clients with disabilities as well as domestic violence survivors. Brittney started a new journey when accepting the position as a mentor at Dragonfly in November 2021. In her free time she enjoys kayaking, hiking, painting, sewing, horseback riding, literally anything in nature and rug tufting.

Colton is from Kirksville, Missouri. There, he grew up playing sports and spending time outdoors. Wrestling was his most successful sport which led him to compete in college and coach collegiate men and women for 6 years.

Being interested in the body and athletics, Colton earned a BS in Exercise Science. Later on, he realized the importance of the mind on the body and had a desire to help others. This led to him earning a MA in Counseling.

Hitting a low point in life, he was called to the healing powers of nature and moved to northern CA. There, he fell in love with the river, mountains, evergreen trees, and the wild outdoors. He spent 2 seasons as a white-water rafting guide and ranch hand before deciding to move to southern OR with his family.

Colton loves spending quality time with his partner and their son, hiking, kayaking, rafting, snowboarding, learning guitar, and being present. He hopes to make a positive impact on everyone he encounters at Dragonfly with the dream of becoming a recreational therapist one day. 

Connor is originally from Houston Texas and a former Dragonfly student. Connor has a passion for helping others find what brings them satisfaction and happiness in life. He came back to Dragonfly to work as a mentor to provide support to students. Connor’s goal is to share his life experiences with the students to help them see that it is possible to live a successful and happy life after treatment. Connor’s favorite activities to do with the students are going to scenic parts of Klamath Falls, playing disc golf, and hiking.

Connor’s hope for the future is to become more immersed in the mental health field and become an advocate for people with depression and anxiety.

Kyle is a Klamath Falls native and has intersected with Dragonfly students over the last decade in his role as a Business Tutor at Klamath Community College. As well as an employee of a local tabletop game store that students frequented. Kyle has seen first-hand the impact that Dragonfly makes in the lives of young adults and joined the team to support Dragonfly’s mission to tackle the all-time high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide by supporting the growth and wellbeing of students at Dragonfly. When he isn’t at work, Kyle is a full-time dad to his two daughters. They love to go on adventures and hikes around Klamath Falls.

Lilith started her career as a touring technician for stage lighting and pyrotechnics. After many years on the road she moved on to working with a LGBTQ+ non profit based in Atlanta Georgia. Lilith moved to Oregon almost a decade ago and Klamath Falls four years ago. Surviving a house fire started her path to a career in behavioral health. She was a client at a behavioral health provider and was asked to join the team as a licensed Peer Support Specialist.

In her free time Lilith builds and flies custom fpv drones, enjoys kayaking, and spends time with her many pets and partner. Lilith hopes to offer compassion and lived experience to Dragonfly students.

Madelyn was born and raised in Klamath Falls she has worked as a mentor and a residential aide in Klamath for most of her life. She began working as a RA for exodus house when she was 20 and has continued her passion for helping others ever since.

In 2014 she decided to go back to school to further her education in the field of psychology in 2018 she graduated from KCC with her AA and a certificate in alcohol and drugs. Her passion to learn only got stronger and she decided that going for her BA would do her more justice. In 2022 she got her BA and started her journey at Dragonfly shortly after.

Madelyn is a signal mom raising two teens and she works full time, but when isn’t working she loves to spend time reading at Moore Park or just hanging out with her kids doing whatever they want to do. To Madelyn, there is no greater joy than being with her kids and their friends, she is that mom that all the friends call when they need an ear or when they need a ride! Madelyn is a mom to any and all of her kids’ friends because she never wants a child to struggle or to feel alone she is on call for them every day all day.

Madelyn’s passion is to help any and all kids and adults. She is always an open ear and an open mind to whatever anyone is going through. She never wants someone who is in her life to feel like they don’t have anyone who will listen or be there when they need them so she makes sure to keep herself open to everyone in her life. Her favorite quote is “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one good friend, you’re more than lucky.” S.E. Hinton

The driving force for Taea has been a growth mindset which she fosters by continually reflecting on what she desires and pursuing it. Her personal mantra is “follow your heart”. What matters most to her is what she can become, given hard work and a dream. This mindset has led her down many pathways, all of which have been rewarding.

Taea has her BA in psychology and is working towards a master’s degree in social work. She hopes this will lead to a long-term career helping youth and adolescents begin trauma work and start their own journey towards healing. Taea’s many experiences inside and outside of work provide her with a multitude of different perspectives that maximize her usefulness to society at large. She is excited for this chapter at Dragonfly as a mentor because having someone to bounce ideas off of, vent to, share exciting news with, and seek advice from is invaluable when navigating young adulthood and the transitions that brings. Taea is invested in paying it forward as a Mentor and teacher of life.

Outside of work, Taea is a mother to two beautiful children who provide her with a plethora of learning opportunities and moments that make her heart swell with joy. She grew up in the military and as such remains remarkably close to family even though some remain overseas. Taea enjoys the arts and any hobby that provides her with a creative outlet. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, music, and becoming one with nature.

Tony is an artist, musician, and also does some farming. He started his career in caregiving in 2019 at Skylark Eldercare facility and work there for a year. He attended RCC for a semester in 2020 and studied sociology right before the Covid pandemic happened. He went back to RCC in 2022 and received his certification as a Peer Support Specialist with the state of Oregon.

Tony has been working at Dragonfly Transitions since August of 2021 as an overnight Mentor. He is also currently participating in the Regenerative Farming Fellowship which is a Rouge Farm Corps apprenticeship thorough the Family Nurturing Center.

Tony has been involved in trainings called Communal Consultations with trauma specialist Resmaa Meneken for the past couple of years and has studied the effects of racialized trauma.

Judo brings therapeutic value with his unconditional acceptance of the students at Embark at Dragonfly. His mom rescued Judo. Because of a birth defect, he was scheduled to be put down. Now he is thriving and bringing joy and humor to our milieu when he comes to work.

Fish the Dog can be found at our program Headquarters. She often greets visitors and visits with students coming to HQ for therapy.