Our Amazing Team
Susan Kirchoff
Executive Director
Susan has lived in Shelton most of her life and brings a deep passion and commitment to her work at The Youth Connection. For most of her life, she has held a vision for supporting youth in our community. Whether serving as Case Manager, Director, lunchtime communicator, or janitor—Susan does whatever is needed to keep the organization running and meet the needs of the youth we serve.
With many years of experience working with young people and young adults, Susan also brings powerful lived experience to her role. As a former at-risk youth who experienced homelessness both as a teenager and later as a parent, she understands the challenges our young people face.
But she never let those hardships define her—and she helps youth understand that they have the power to shape their own futures through their choices.
She is proud to use her education, life experience, and passion to guide and inspire the next generation—believing that every young person has the potential to thrive.
Mission
Making Connections and changing lives of youth 12 to 24 years old.
The Youth Connection (TYC) recognizes that every young person grows and matures differently. Their approach focuses on meeting youth where they are, especially those who are homeless or at risk.
TYC offers a safe, welcoming space for individuals aged 12 to 24 to connect, learn life skills, and access resources. By building genuine relationships through simple acts of care—like conversations, games, and mentorship—TYC fosters hope, growth, and long-term transformation in the lives of youth.
Vision
The Youth Connection seeks to have a thriving Mason County, where youth are healthy, safe, challenged, and empowered, as the community connects to help them succeed.
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Michele Banker
Accountant
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Alex Banks
Outreach Coordinator
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DeQuion Barker
Housing Case Manager
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Heather Bissenas
Data Quality Specialist
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Theresa Camacho
Outreach Specialist
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Tracy Cota
Lead Case Manager
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Donna Duke
Human Resources
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Dina Guijosa
Housing Specialist
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Rachael Hall
Outreach Specialist
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Annie Havens
Outreach Specialist, Belfair
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KeJuan Johnson
Outreach Specialist
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Allias Krohn
Community Liaison
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Jenessa Shrum
Reception & Youth Advocacy Board Leader
Michele Banker
Accountant
Michele is the accountant at The Youth Connection, bringing over 15 years of expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, and audit preparation. Recognized for her integrity and keen analytical skills, she plays a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission through accurate reporting and strategic budgeting.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Michele enjoys camping, traveling to new destinations, and spending quality time with her family. A lifelong learner, she is always open to new experiences and knowledge. Her thoughtful balance between work and personal life underscores a strong commitment to both excellence and fulfillment.
Alex Banks
Outreach Coordinator
Alex is the Outreach Coordinator at The Youth Connection, bringing both professional dedication and personal insight to her work. Having experienced youth homelessness herself, Alex understands first hand the challenges that come with instability and the realization that sometimes, you have to be your own rescue.
As a teenager, she navigated unsafe living situations and periods of couch surfing while trying to stay on track with school — an experience that shaped her deep empathy and determination to support others. Today, she works alongside a committed team that shows up daily for youth facing similar struggles.
Alex is passionate about reaching young people who have endured the harder parts of life early on. Her mission is to remind them they’re not alone and that there is a path forward — one that leads toward hope, not darkness.
DeQuion Barker
Housing Case Manager
Quion serves as the Housing Case Manager at The Youth Connection, supporting youth in the shelter houses as they work toward independence.
As the youngest and only boy in his family, he brings a unique mix of empathy, resilience, and lived experience to his role. Having overcome his own hardships, he understands where many of our youth are coming from.
Known for his bubbly personality and signature motto, “peace and love,” Quion builds strong, trusting relationships that help youth feel supported, seen, and empowered.
Heather Bissenas
Data Quality Specialist
Heather is our Data guru working diligently to ensure our information is updated and correctly inputted into the HMIS system.
Theresa Camacho
Outreach Specialist
Theresa is a dedicated Outreach Specialist with over six years of experience in case management and direct services, including one year with The Youth Connection. She specializes in engaging youth ages 12–24 who are experiencing homelessness, serving as a consistent, compassionate presence in their lives.
With lived experience and a deep passion for serving her community, Theresa brings empathy, persistence, and a trauma-informed approach to every interaction — often being one of the few stable, caring contacts in the lives of those she supports. Her work focuses on building trust, forming meaningful relationships, and connecting individuals to essential resources such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment support.
Tracy Cota
Lead Case Manager
Tracy has been with TYC since the beginning, growing into the Lead Case Manager position. She leads her team with integrity and grace. Having lost her parents at a young age, she brings lived experience with street life and a deep understanding of the survival choices youth often feel forced to make.
Her ability to build trust and strong relationships creates a safe space for youth—many of whom are connecting with a stable adult role model for the first time. Tracy is passionate about being that person and watching young people grow when they know someone truly believes in them.
Donna Duke
Human Resources
Donna Duke is a people-first professional with a passion for helping others and a diverse background that spans human resources, inventory control, and executive support. She currently serves at The Youth Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless and at-risk youth. In her role, Donna’s responsibilities vary day to day, from managing HR tasks and overseeing inventory to ensuring the Executive Director has the support needed to lead effectively.
Before joining The Youth Connection, Donna worked as a GED tutor for high school students—an experience that deepened her commitment to education and mentorship. In addition, she has a strong background in bookkeeping and payroll, bringing valuable behind-the-scenes expertise to her work.
Donna thrives in dynamic environments where she can wear multiple hats, contribute to meaningful causes, and support mission-driven teams. She finds it especially rewarding to be part of the dedicated team at The Youth Connection.
Dina Guijosa
Housing Specialist
Dina brings powerful lived experience to her work, having faced homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and involvement with DCYF. She knows firsthand the barriers many of our youth face and what it takes to overcome them. After hitting rock bottom and losing everything, Dina began her recovery journey and within six months, regained her housing, children, and stability.
As housing case manager, she uses her story to inspire hope and show that real change is possible. No matter where someone is on their journey, Dina meets them with compassion, understanding, and zero judgment.
Rachael Hall
Outreach Specialist
With over 10 years of experience working with youth in local schools and the community, Rachael brings compassion, lived experience, and a deep commitment to empowerment.
At the Youth Connection (TYC) where she has served for nearly two years, she supports youth through mentorship, advocacy, and community outreach. Her past experiences with homelessness, mental health, and domestic violence fuel a passion to connect, inspire, and make a meaningful difference every day.
Annie Havens
Outreach Specialist, Belfair
Annie brings a unique and diverse background to her role, with experience ranging from heavy equipment operator to motorcycle mechanic. She also brings powerful lived experience, having overcome homelessness, substance use, and involvement with the juvenile system. Grateful for the gift of sobriety.
Passionate about serving her community, Annie focuses on outreach in schools and building strong connections with local businesses. She’s committed to meeting youth where they are with understanding, hope, and heart.
KeJuan Johnson
Outreach Specialist
KeJuan is an Outreach Specialist who is passionate about supporting at-risk youth involved in the juvenile court system, especially those facing addiction and the challenges of street life—experiences he personally understands. His background allows him to connect on a deeper level, offering guidance rooted in empathy and real-life experience.
KeJuan also takes pride in organizing cultural events and youth after-hours programs, creating meaningful spaces for connection and growth. For him, the most important part of his work is building authentic relationships—being someone the youth can be themselves around, and someone who will always be honest with them.
Allias Krohn
Community Liaison
Allias has been a dedicated team member at The Youth Connection since April 2024. Initially serving as a Care Coordinator/Case Manager, Allias now works as the organization’s Community Liaison, where they connect individuals to vital resources and build bridges between TYC and the broader community.
Allias holds degrees in Aeronautics and Sustainable Business, and brings lived experience in behavioral health and mental illness to their work—offering both empathy and practical support to those in need.
Known for a solution-focused mindset, Allias is committed to helping others: “If I can't help you, I’ll find someone who can.”
Jenessa Shrum
Reception & Youth Advocacy Board Leader
Jenessa is the receptionist at The Youth Connection and serves as the lead for TYC VOICE!, the organization’s youth advocacy board.
She has been a part of The Youth Connection team for nearly two years, bringing energy and dedication to both her front desk role and her work empowering young voices.