Meet the Shelter & Housing Team
“It takes a special kind of person to work in shelter and housing services,” says Andrea Logan Sanders, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Aid. “Everyone who gets into this line of work is attuned to a shared sense of purpose and a real dedication to lifting people up from the margins.”
It isn’t easy being part of Boys & Girls Aid’s Shelter & Housing team. Every day, our staff step in during moments of crisis to support minors and transition-aged youth, connecting them with the resources they need to get through some of the lowest points in their lives. Yet our team rises to the challenge again and again, meeting young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity where they are — with compassion, grace, and unwavering dedication.
As part of our ongoing Shelter & Housing Month series, we want to introduce you to some of the remarkable people on the front lines of the youth homelessness crisis.
Kathryn Bean (She/Her)
Data Quality Assurance Specialist
Kathryn creates and maintains quarterly reports that highlight the impact of our Shelter & Housing programs and regularly monitors our Housing Management Information System to ensure clients receive the support and services they need. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, water sports, and spending time with friends and family.
“My favorite part of the job is seeing the reports come to life, because each number represents a young person making progress toward a brighter future.”
Emerson Cochran (They/Them)
Youth Care Advocate at Safe Place
As a youth care advocate, Emerson builds relationships with young people staying at the shelter, assesses their needs, and connects them with support. Working the swing shift, they’re often on hand at dinner time to create space for youth to debrief after a long day. Outside of work, Emerson enjoys reading, spending time with their partner and exploring the outdoors.
“I love being able to work with such a great and devoted team who all work together so well in caring for our youth!”
Hannah Lange (She/Her)
Youth Development Specialist
As a youth development specialist at Safe Place, Hannah works to organize skill-building groups, engaging activities, and community outings to help youth develop skills, passions, interests and a sense of security. She works closely with youth to introduce them to new experiences, connect them with their community and help them build a foundation for personal success. Outside of work she enjoys running, exercising at the gym, and spending time with friends and family.
Kristina Martinez (She/Her)
Director of Housing Services
Kristina oversees and supports the supportive housing and transitional living teams. She works directly with case managers to coach, problem-solve, and ensure staff have what they need to help young people reach their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature with friends and family and making music by playing piano and singing.
“I appreciate the meaningful work that we do. And I love showing up every day with purpose and knowing the impact that our programs have on the community. We have an awesome team! And I couldn't be more proud of the dedication that they all bring to their roles.”
Ryan McCauley (He/Him)
Director of Shelter Services
Ryan supports and oversees the team at Safe Place. His role often includes providing support, guidance, and vision to the Shelter Services team. He thrives in the moments he gets to work directly with youth. He also enjoys the moments he gets to spend with youth at the shelter and taking care of the shelter’s world-famous fish tank. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and playing Magic: The Gathering with his three sons.
“We have some of the most dedicated, intelligent, and talented people who show up daily to support youth who really need it. I love getting to work with all of them.”
Cameran Murphy (They/Them)
Lead Supportive Housing Liaison
Cameran works directly with transition-aged youth in our housing programs to help them secure and maintain stable housing. They guide young people through every step of moving into an apartment — from knowing what to look for, to completing applications, to settling into a new home. Cameran also helps participants set goals for long-term stability, connecting them with resources like employment training and higher education programs. Outside of work, they enjoy cycling with their partner, playing board games with family, and expanding their LEGO collection.
“My absolute favorite part of the job is those first weeks after a young person moves into their new home — taking them to Community Warehouse to choose furniture and housewares, and then visiting once they’ve decorated and settled in. Seeing their space come to life is always so rewarding.”
Makenzie “Kenz” Schrenk
(She/Her)
Program Coordinator at Safe Place
Kenz oversees the day-to-day programming and operations at Safe Place in Hillsboro. From coordinating building repairs and ensuring safety to supervising and supporting youth care advocates, she makes sure the shelter runs smoothly. Kenz describes her job as “an ongoing SNL skit” where no two days are alike — and that’s exactly what she loves about it. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs, Maisy and Goose, reading fantasy novels, and diving into hands-on art projects.
“This job isn’t always easy, but the team around me makes it possible. We lean on each other in hard times, and I couldn’t do this work without them. I love working with the youth we serve, and I’m grateful every day for the wonderful, caring youth care advocates who have made Safe Place into the shelter it is.”
Chris Walsh (She/Her)
Overnight Youth Care Advocate at Safe Place
Four nights a week, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., Chris keeps Safe Place running smoothly—completing overnight intakes and responding to anything youth might need during the night. Outside of work, Chris loves discovering new restaurants around Portland and traveling south to Southern California to spend time with family.
“What means the most to me is building strong relationships with the young people who come to the shelter and being able to see their growth. It’s especially rewarding when I hear from them months or even years after they’ve left our care.”
Madeleine Williams (She/Her)
Supportive Housing Liaison
As a supportive housing liaison, Madeleine helps youth overcome barriers to housing such as limited rental history, justice system involvement, or debt. She assists with searches, fees, and applications while also supporting participants in building skills like budgeting and resume writing. With a caseload of 23 households, no two days look the same, but every day is centered on creating stability. Once youth are housed, Madeleine works closely with property managers and the county to help them maintain housing, knowing that stable housing is the foundation for success in every other part of life. Outside of work, you can find Madeleine crafting, baking, and watching reality TV with her cat Bobo.
“As a Supportive Housing Liaison, I get the privilege to help my participants during a transitional period in their life. I have seen my participants navigate young adult life while moving from houselessness with great resiliency.”
Drew Williamson (He/Him)
Senior Director of Shelter & Housing
Drew supports the team that drives our Shelter & Housing departments. He works closely with program directors and coordinators to ensure they have the tools and resources to lead thriving programs and to create spaces where youth feel supported, valued, and seen. His role also includes collaborating with youth homelessness professionals, locally and statewide, to advocate for the community supports that make this lifeline possible. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family exploring the outdoors, hiking and camping with the family dog, and volunteering with his son’s football program.
“I am so proud of the work our teams do to consistently and authentically show up for youth in our community. I'm not sure enough of them realize just how impactful and important their work truly is.”
Lee Zipprich (She/Her)
Housing Navigator
Lee meets weekly with participants in the Compass transitional housing program to help them set goals for the future and prepare for life after the program. She also connects young people with community resources and leads skill-building sessions designed to support long-term stability. Outside of work, Lee enjoys reading and spending time with friends.
“I love being able to tailor services to the individual needs of each young person. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them make the most of our programs and see the results of their hard work and dedication.”
Shelter & Housing Team Not Pictured
Tatiana Aguilar
Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Arjuna Badgley II
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Rafiqul Bhuiyan
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Norm Chu
Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
George Craig
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Victoria Garcia
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Camille Krohn (She/Her)
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Natalie Landis
Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Lucas Leek (He/Him)
Case Manager - Safe Place
Mitchel Lemley (He/They)
Program Support Specialist
Kevin Luyamba
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Que Quarterman (He/Him)
Supportive Housing Liaison
Karen Rosas (She/Her)
Case Manager - Safe Place
Shayne Ruyle (He/Him)
Relief Youth Care Advocate - Safe Place
Fern Savannah
Case Manager - Housing Services
Johnnie Upshaw (He/Him/They/Them)
Culturally Responsive Services Specialist - Safe Place
Support our Shelter & Housing Team
Our Shelter & Housing Team needs your help. Every day, the dedicated staff at Safe Place and our Housing Services uplift young people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. With compassion and expertise, they help nearly 200 young people avoid homelessness each year — and they need your support to continue this vital work.
At a time when federal funding is uncertain and marginalized young people face greater risk, you can equip our Shelter & Housing team with the resources they need by making a fully tax-deductible donation to Boys & Girls Aid. Your support will help give the team what they need to continue their mission to alleviate youth homelessness in Washington County — now and for years to come.
