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.

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.

Cat grew up in Bandon and moved back in 2021. She left the world of public education where she had worked as a special education teacher with the intention of empowering the youth of her local community in a new way. She is the founder and owner of Sapphire Farms LLC, a youth ranch that offers youth and families the opportunity to reduce stress, bond, and learn new skills through interaction and relationships with horses. Cat holds an MS in special education, an MA in English Literature and a TESOL certificate. She has worked in the field of education for over 15 years and has taught in both the USA and abroad. In addition to her dedication to youth empowerment, Cat is also passionate about creativity , entrepreneurship, and travel. 

Jasmine was born and raised in Bandon and graduated in 2003 from Bandon High School. She has worked for Oregon Overseas Timber for the last 18 years as the office manager. Jasmine and her husband Cody own a local trucking and excavation company.  She has two daughters in the Bandon School District, Brinkley (14) and Ireland (11). Jasmine has lead the local Girl Scouts for 4 years and coached many years of youth basketball, volleyball and softball. She is passionate about the youth in our community and believe that stability is key for growth and success.