Susie worked in the Clark County area for almost 20 years in social services. She worked as a Family Service Center Director and as the Director of Volunteers, and Community Resources. She worked hard in developing programs for youth, and families, as well as, helped in creating a mentoring program for adults living in transitional housing. Susie resigned from her dream job to oversee the complex care and treatment regime for Steve full time.

Susie also volunteers to assist with other nonprofits such as Clark County Foodbank, All Heart Infusion, Friends of Doernbecher, YWCA, and many more.

Steve spent the past 32 years coaching sports. He has been a much sought-after coach and has had his coaching philosophy used in many sports and mentoring programs across the state of Washington.

He also has been battling complex cancer, He always does it with a great attitude and heart that inspires so many. Steve has been asked by the cancer facility to mentor and connect with others who have been given a scary diagnosis. Whether it is cancer or something else, he is one who will never focus or make it be about him, he makes it be about the people around them and how he can brighten their day or lighten their load. 

Steve’s service just isn’t in the field of coaching sports. He has been a youth mentor for kids who may be at risk of joining gangs or just coming out of gangs. He has played Santa Claus holiday parties for low-income and homeless families and individuals for many years in Clark County. He has delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and built wheelchair ramps for people who have recently become paralyzed teens and adults.

Skyler has served on several boards and commissions, helping elected officials craft public policy concerning faith communities, and community leaders on matters of faith engagement. He has served on the formation boards of non-profit organizations, and is credited with overhauling the Spokane Interfaith Council for a new generation.

Sheldon grew up in Vancouver, WA, and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School. He then served in the Navy for 23 years, on 7 ships! While Sheldon was deployed overseas, he participated in several community relations projects, which started his path of giving back to his community.

His kids have all done various youth sports, and he did some coaching. Seeing the impact sports has on kids led him to get involved with HOPE. He believes in honesty, openness, and integrity, especially for a non-profit foundation.

Karin is a mom to two young men and Nana to three wonderful grandsons, who are her world! She has worked in social services for over twenty years, primarily serving low-income families & individuals, survivors of domestic violence, individuals in recovery, and those seeking a new and more positive way to live their lives.

Eva’s passion is working with children who have had and are still experiencing complex trauma in their lives. She has been an educator for almost 30 years as a teacher, a district administrator, and a building administrator. Most of her work has been at buildings known for having a large at-risk population.

I am currently an Entrepreneur! I have 10 plus years in Accounting and Audit and artistic. Graduated a
few years back (not going to tell my age because I’m young) with both a bachelor’s in accounting and a
Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance Management with a concentration in Fraud Examination.
Needless to say, I am a numbers girl that likes to research. Recently became a licensed life insurance
agent. I believe you should learn as much as you can all the time. My background also consists of
working and running non-profit organizations from the church to youth sports to healthcare advocacy
organizations. My goal is to make sure that I am the best version of myself at all times. I am continuously
growing and learning more and more about me. The biggest achievements in my life is being a mother
of three and being the best wife for my husband. The good thing is all my kids are all into different types
of sports and I get to LEARN! You will find in the stands being the loudest parent rooting for her kid! One
fun fact about me is that I plan to one day go storm chasing! I love storms and tend to stand outside
analyzing the clouds! Overall, I am just a loving person who loves to see people grow and reach their
goals and help in any way that I can!

Amanda’s main focus has been on raising her young kids and holding down the fort while her husband works long hours. She has been actively involved with law enforcement events as well as serving her homeschool co-op community. Coming from 10+ years experience in the medical field, she is excited for a new way to serve others and looking forward to what she can bring to the organization. 

Why did Amanda want to join H.O.P.E for the good?  “As vulnerable as this may be, I grew up playing sports very few times due to financial hardship. I remember being in high school and being angry that I couldn’t do more than one season of track especially as I had worked hard on improving myself. I always felt like I had missed out. As an adult, I’ve played on an indoor soccer team and it was so fun. I’ve also coached on my daughter’s sport team for one season as they had no coaches.. of course, I had NO experience playing or coaching but it was a great experience. I believe sports and youth involvement is so important especially when it comes to learning life skills.”

“Just be kind, you never know what someone else may be going through.” – Unknown

Nolan Oberst studied Fire Science at Lower Columbia College, in Longview, WA. He went back to school to get his EMT and Paramedic certifications and plans to be a Structural Firefighter/ Paramedic. He has worked several seasons as a wildland firefighter and spent 17 weeks during 2020 working across the country assisting in the battle of Covid 19.

He is inspiring, and always in the service of others. Nolan is a huge help in the care of his dad. His hobbies are sports, outdoors, snow camping, boating, and his family. He puts the fun in “Funcle” and takes pride when people say he is just Like his dad!

Ziggy Barjona has been involved with youth sports for more than 30 years as a teacher, coach, mentor, and leader. He is a graduate of Corban University with a degree in Business, where he was a National Christian College Athletic Association All-American basketball player.

Multi-faceted is a term that defines Ziggy, with 20 years in the record industry, 15 years in social service, and 30+ years as a coach. His former athletes have gone on to careers in the NBA and WNBA. Ziggy was inducted into the New England Hall of Fame and honored with the Pathfinders Award for his social and community contributions off the court helping youth.

Connar attended Concordia University on a basketball scholarship. Connar continued his education to become a Lineman and is working his way through the Lineman Apprentice Program. Connar had cancer as a child and overcame many health challenges. He was often asked to speak at events and programs about how he overcame his challenges and has fought hard to live out his dream. He believes Hope for the Good encompasses the values he has been taught.

Suzanne Turnauer has spent the last 20 years working with several local non-profits, focusing on event planning and fundraising. She joined the HOPE board to help fill a gap she has seen in the area of low-income families and sports/activities funding. As a mother of 2 college students, she witnessed firsthand when families were unable to pay the fees necessary for participating in school and community activities. Suzanne, and her husband Mike, are celebrating 30 years of marriage this fall.

Kaleb has been involved in wheelchair sports most of his life. He particularly likes competitive sports, including track, swimming, and basketball. In college, he trained to become a Paralympian. Having endured a setback after qualifying for the Boston marathon, Kaleb continued his education and receive his AAS in criminal justice through Portland Community College. He was able to work with Clark County Juvenile Center in an internship and found a passion for working with kids. In 2016 Kaleb become a volunteer Young Life leader in East Clark County. Hanging out with high school kids, providing them with a fun safe place to hang out, and escape the pressures of the world around them.