Board of Directors

Melinda grew up and graduated from Bandon and after finishing school she moved back home. She has been with the Coos Bay School District working as their Supervisor of Student Support Services and serves as North Bend School District's Community Liaison. Melinda has joined the BCYC Board in 2018 and she has over 15 years experience working with at-risk and houseless youth. 

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.

Jamie has called Bandon home for the past 14 years and is a mother of three children, ages 9, 18, and 20, all raised in the Bandon School District. As a longtime parent and community member, she has a strong connection to local schools, families, and youth.

Until recently, Jamie was a stay-at-home mom. Prior to that, she worked in the travel industry, gaining experience in communication, organization, and customer service. She has also coached T-ball, volleyball, and cheer, giving her firsthand experience supporting local youth and families.

Shellissa is excited to serve on the BCYC board. She holds a degree in business and currently works as a financial advisor, but her career began in early childhood education. She spent time working as a preschool teacher before starting a family of her own, and working with children has always held a special place in her heart.

Shellissa is now a mom of three, and her favorite way to spend her time is with her kids. These days, you can find her on the sidelines, in the bleachers, or traveling to the next game.

While her professional career eventually took her in a different direction, she is grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with her passion for working with youth through BCYC. She believes investing in local youth is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future of the community.