Meet The Team

 

In his twelve years as a Juvenile detention officer with four of those years being a supervisor, Marcus saw the need and benefit of playing a supportive role in youths' lives. On top of being Bev’s Kids Founder and CEO, Marcus continues his work as a mentor and empowers youth to find their unique purpose and sense of belonging. Marcus is committed to being, "a positive chapter in the book of their life. Someone who cares and is there for them, genuinely, authentically, flaws and all.”

 

While obtaining her bachelor's degree, Michaela had the opportunity to work with at-risk youth and decided to pursue a path that would allow her to continue to do so. As a Bev’s Kids mentor, she recognizes that youth can often feel alone, unsupported or have difficulty expressing themselves. “Mentors can play different roles and be whatever a youth needs at that moment. I hope to make sure they feel seen and understood. I want them to know that they matter and their feelings are valid."

 

As a Grants Pass, Oregon native, Judith enjoys being of service to her community. As someone who benefited from having a mentor growing up, she has a strong passion to help youth that are in the system or are just in need of basic support. She hopes to assist youth on a path towards success and see them be the best versions of themselves. Along with being bilingual in Spanish and English, Judith is currently learning American Sign Language when she has the opportunity to. 

 

As a born and raised Oregonian and avid traveler, River enjoys the outdoors and loves an opportunity to share that passion with the youth she serves. In her role as a mentor, River feels it is, “important to learn what works for you on an individual basis on how to overcome obstacles in our lives. To one individual they make look like hills and to another they may look like mountains. And yet both views are valid and true…Sometimes, we need a little connection and compassion in the process of growing and adulting."

 

With a background in dance education and teaching grades Pre-K through 12, Alyssa has a passion for building long-standing relationships with youth. While Alyssa’s roots are in Castle Rock, Colorado she has been an educator in Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon. In her role as a mentor, she loves the opportunity to hear a youths goals and dreams and be by their side and watch them do it! Any chance Alyssa gets to dance she takes it and she looks forward to sharing that joy with any youth who share the same interest!

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As an adoptee who benefitted from mentorship, and with a background as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for youth in foster care, David brings firsthand experience to his role as a mentor. Quoting the late Chadwick Boseman, David shares, “'An offering from a sage and a king is more than silver and gold, it is a seed of hope, a bud of faith.’ That’s what we are as mentors. Sages that can provide hope to our youth.” David is grateful to be able to have an opportunity to return the gift of mentorship that was given to him.

 

Natalie has spent the better part of a decade as an Oregonian and is grateful to call Portland home. With a background in the medical field and as an Executive Assistant, Natalie enjoys being in a supportive role and ensuring Bev's Kids goals are met. As the Administrative Coordinator, she handles all the behind the scenes details so that mentors can focus on the youth they serve.

 

 

Lesly was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. As someone who has benefitted from having a mentor, Lesly feels it is important to have someone you can count on and who can set good examples, as many kids do not have access to that kind of support. While she will continue to play a supportive role at Bev’s Kids, come fall 2023, Lesly will be pursuing a bachelor's degree in business and product design - she was recently accepted into University of Oregon’s Product Design program and the Bev’s Kids team can't wait to see all the great things she will accomplish!