Board of Directors

Melinda grew up in Bandon and after finishing school she moved back home to better the area that has done so much for her. She has been with the Coos Bay School District working as their Homeless Liaison/ARK Program Manager. Melinda has recently joined the BCYC Board and she holds her MA in Public Health from East Strousdburg University. She has over 15 years experience working with at-risk and homeless youth. Melinda is skilled in grant writing, program planning, and public speaking.

Gen Chrismon joined the BCYC Board in April 2019 after retiring from Bandon School District 54, serving as Business Manager for 26 years. Her family has been in the education field for generations and have a strong belief that all children should receive the best education possible. Gen's previous work experience should assist BCYC with financial planning and budgeting.

Josh is originally from Portland and has been in Bandon 7 years. He has a 21 year old daughter in Vancouver and two children Victor (9) and Cadence (6) in Bandon. Both kids attend Ocean Crest and the Youth Center. Josh worked for Oregon Overseas Timber for 3 years and currently the Port of Bandon as the Project Manager. He is currently on the school board budget committee, GBA promotions committee, BCYC Board, and running for City Council.

Beth Castro Joined the Bandon Community Youth Center Board October 2019. Beth is a graduate of Bandon high school and has a daughter who attends the Bandon School system. Beth is currently a student at Southwestern Oregon Community College and enjoys being part of the community.

Marcene is a returning board member, rejoining BCYC board service in 2018 after a 4-year break. Marcene is a Montessori School teacher with her own school in Bandon for over 20 years. She re-joined the board after seeing the increase in programs and services provided since organizational changes implemented in 2014.

Lisa joined the board in 2022. She and her husband purchased their home north of Bandon in 1986 after falling in love with the area on a camping trip up they coast. They enjoyed many summers and vacations before moving here full time in 1999 to become a special education teacher with the Coos Bay School District. In 2005, she became the Director of Special Programs for the district. With retirement in sight, she is expanding her additional roles to keep her busy when she retires.

She is responsible for opening the ARK project in its original form as the Maslow Project. She is a master ACEs trainer and presents on ACEs, Resilience and the Help that Helps for anyone that is interested in Coos and Curry County.