The Santiam Teen Center welcomed Executive Director Katrina Casas June 1.
The center, established in 2018 and operating an afterschool program for local teens since 2019, will now expand its programming to year-round.
“This community has expressed the need for programs and activities for our local teens, and we have created a great, safe space for local youth over the last three years. Now that the foundation is set, we are excited to welcome Katrina to our team to help expand our community partnerships and integrate additional resources, outreach, and opportunities for our students,” said center board president Carmélle Bielenberg.
“Katrina brings the passion, education, and experience to lead us into the next chapter.”
Casas, recently served as a Housing Case Manager for Community Services Consortium. She is the Santiam Teen Center’s first full-time staff person.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Family Studies from Corban University and her Masters in Healthcare Administration and Public Relations from Liberty University.
Her previous experience includes working as a Family Support Specialist for Family Tree Relief Nursery and as a Peer Support Specialist for Bridgeway Recovery Services.
Casas is a long-time area resident. She and her husband have two teenagers of their own who currently attend Stayton High School.
Casas has enthusiastically jumped into her new role.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this position is the impact that we have on the lives of the youth in our community. Having teenagers that I have raised in the area, I have watched the community grow by leaps and bounds!
“My vision is that the Santiam Teen Center will be able to partner alongside Stayton in building up a community center where teens feel welcome and free to be themselves,” she said.
The Santiam Teen Center is located at 2800 Kindle Way, Stayton. It is open to teens ages 13-18, or 7th – 12th grades, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 6 p.m.
The center provides snacks and a family-style dinner daily, as well as activities, crafts, games, help with homework and a place to interact with friends and healthy adult role models.
For information about registering a teen, volunteering, providing meals, or becoming a financial supporter, go to www.santiamteencenter.org.
