Schnizter CARES: Student Grantmaking

Kristen hails from Tucson, Arizona. After eight years of classroom teaching and nonprofit program management in the Bronx, she relocated to Portland with her husband, Tom. A twin love of visual arts and history informs her lifelong professional goal – to provide engaging experiences where young people can critically question and take action. In her free time, Kristen loves horror movies, international travel adventures, and making art.

Kelli is originally from Wisconsin, but she has called the Pacific Northwest home since 2012. Prior to Schnitzer Cares, she worked in nonprofits as a coordinator and facilitator of educational programs for refugee youth. She is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to lead and participate in their communities. In her free time, Kelli enjoys birdwatching, reading the latest in non-fiction, and exploring the local coffee scene.

Andrea grew up in Carbondale, Colorado, but has lived in the Pacific Northwest ever since coming here to attend college at Willamette University. Prior to Schnitzer Cares, she spent 14 years as a middle and high school English teacher and thinks reading, writing, and teenagers are an excellent combination. Andrea enjoys gardening, camping, running, spending time with her family, and playing the ukulele in her spare time.

Sami hails originally from northeastern and central Oregon and has spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest. Before joining Schnitzer Cares, she taught Middle School Language Arts and had the best of times exploring literature and writing with her students. Her favorite things to do include playing tabletop and video games, reading and writing novels and poetry, and getting outside with friends.