Erin Carlsen
Program Director

Erin Carlsen grew up in Cannon Beach, Oregon. 
She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications
and Sociology from George Fox University, and her
Master's Degree in Sociology from Arizona State University.
She has been working in the fields of advocacy and non-profit
work for almost ten years; with 3 years in Director positions.

Erin believes in the power of connection as a means of healing.  "Mental health needs more than clinical attention; it needs light, creativity, camaraderie, expression, and community."

 Osarch Orak
Executive Director ​LiFEBoat Services

 Osarch was instrumental in getting the Beacon Clubhouse up and running in 2020. He volunteered for the 1st year of Beacon Clubhouse’s inception when it was still a program of NAMI Oregon. Osarch is now the Executive Director of LiFEBoat Services, which now houses both Filling Empty Bellies and Beacon Clubhouse. His lived experience with houselessness, overcoming trauma, and mental illness inspires him to offer those suffering something that he wished that he had access to when he was on the street: low-barrier resources and services for all people. His direct, honest, consistent, and compassionate leadership is what keeps LiFEBoat Services strong.    

Monica Gibbs
 Transitional Employment Employee

 Monica is a Beacon Clubhouse member and LiFEBoat Services’ very first Transitional Employment employee. She is a permanent employee of Filling Empty Bellies’ meal program and Navigation Center. She comes to LiFEBoat Services having faced, and overcome, many challenges in life. Her lived experience with houselessness, trauma, and mental illness gives her a unique ability to empathize with fellow members and Beacon and participants of Filling Empty Bellies. Monica is a mother, a partner, a survivor, an advocate, and steady helping hand to all those in need.

"No need to hurry, no need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but yourself."
                                                                    - Virginia Woolf