The Heart of Valeo

CEO

Sherri Jensen has worked in the field of workforce development for more than a decade and believes meaningful employment not only provides a wage, but also a sense of self-worth.

Sherri began her staffing career in 2009, working as a staffing specialist, business developer and branch sales manager at a for-profit staffing company before leaving the private market to follow her passion into a helping position. In 2015 Sherri launched her non-profit career, beginning as a case manager and leading into program management of a SNAP E&T Pilot program, RISE (Resources to Initiate Successful Employment).

Sherri's for-profit staffing experience gave her the opportunity to learn sales, management and business development, which were invaluable tools when she launched Valeo Vocation. Sherri’s infallible business acumen learned in the for-profit world has allowed her to build an organization primed to scale and led by the compassion learned in her direct service roles.

Office Administrator

Andrea Austin brings over 25 years of experience in Management, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Customer Service & Sales, to help her manage the back-office operations at Valeo Vocation. Andrea also brings volunteer experience that includes mentoring young adults, PTA Treasurer Board Position, preparing & serving meals to people experiencing homelessness & several other positions that have given her experience in leading people & organizations toward the mission of serving the people they are passionate about.

Andrea’s passion is to serve people in need—to provide hope to people who desire the opportunity to make changes that allow for a better life for themselves & for their families. In addition to her back-office responsibilities, Andrea loves to invest time into establishing relationships with Valeo’s clients & seeks mentorship opportunities whenever she can.

Case Manager

Brenna truly found her love for non profit when she began working for Valeo as a temp worker in the shelters. She always knew she was meant to help others but did not know where to begin.

Brenna was raised in the Spanaway/Tacoma area from a very young age and is very familiar with poverty, addiction and mental health so when she started working in the shelters through Valeo she knew her passion was to dedicate her knowledge, empathy and experience in helping others become self sustainable and to be a part of the change in our community.

Pre-Trial Pathways Peer Liaison

Brian is a native of Tacoma, WA. Brian’s passion for the community came as a 12-year-old when he partnered with his local church to help clean up Hilltop every weekend with the program Adopt-A-Block.

Upon graduating High School, Brian enrolled at Oklahoma State University where he studied there for 2 years, before transferring and graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with degrees in Communications, African American Literature and Sociology. After graduation, Brian moved to Florida where he continued in non-profit work through his local church. As part of a food provision program, Brian participated in the adoption of local apartment complexes where they would bi-weekly provide food and household necessities to the residents.

Brian’s return to Washington State in 2021 saw him engage in non-profit work through the YMCA, before transitioning to us here at Valeo. While serving as the Transitional Employment Pathway program manager, Brian was able to reconnect with the neighborhood that he had been a part of more than 18 years ago, and continues to grow in his understanding and passion to continue to help members of our community.

Development Manager

Cat has always been an active participant in her community through volunteering and advocating for others- values that her parents and her lived experiences instilled in her from a very young age. She deeply enjoys learning about the stories of those around her that shape the ways that we all navigate the world. Cat believes that everyone is strategically placed and equipped to be of service to others in specific ways, which meant that her adaptability, creativity, and love of connection led her to begin her career as a second-grade teacher. After noticing the ways that systematic influences beyond the classroom were keeping herself and her class from thriving, Cat felt she needed to serve students and families in different capacities. She now has nearly a decade of experience supporting the back-end efforts of nonprofits and empowerment focused organizations in a variety of issue areas. As an accomplished and dedicated development professional, Cat works to nurture the relationships that uplift Valeo’s mission.

Facilities Manager

Calvin (CJ) is a native to Tacoma, Washington. From a very young age he experienced trauma and abuse, which led him to years of substance abuse and years of struggling with depression and anxiety. During which time he became homeless and lost everything he had. It was at this time CJ came across the New Life Program, a yearlong rehabilitation program at the Tacoma Rescue Mission in which changed his life forever. An electrician by trade, but after learning about himself and finding his true passion during the time of his recovery, he then knew he was meant to take all the tools he has learned and developed and instill them in others who are on the same road of recovery. CJ is an incredible peer and has dedicated all his knowledge and life experiences to help people in our community overcome substance abuse disorder and other barriers and challenges that he once had to go through and came out on the other side. CJ is now a certified peer support counselor and will continue his education in substance use disorder to continue supporting others. 

Employment Specialist

Calvin brings 34 years of State Government Service, with 27 of those years being employed at DSHS. This experience and his drive to assist those in need to better their lives and their families’ lives is what has always driven him in the field of social services. As a case manager within DSHS he was successful in accomplishing this goal and was able to see how his efforts combined with the people/families he served lead to gainful employment, secured housing, education, and a clearer path to reaching further goals in pursuit of self-sufficiency and overall better quality of life. His experience in case management lead to an opportunity to head a program called the Employment Pipeline within DSHS. He was the Program Manager for this employment and training program which was the first of its kind within DSHS. There is where he found his niche in Workforce development. Connecting job seekers to employers and employers to a readymade work force seeking gainful employment. Calvin attended the University of Washington studying Communication and Psychology as well as enrolling in Social Service courses.

Calvin was born in Panama; his father was a Master Sergeant in the Army and his mother was an Elementary School Teacher. He credits this as to why he is so adaptable within in so many diverse communities and embraces all ethnicities and races and cultures. His hobbies include Golfing, Fishing, and gaming on XBOX.

Olympia HIRE Crew Supervisor

I am a highly motivated individual with a passion for learning and growth. With a strong background in Case management, peer counseling anger management, I have developed a diverse set of skills that enable me to effectively communicate and collaborate with others. I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact and am always seeking out new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development. In my free time, I enjoy music movies and reading, and am dedicated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Sales Manager

Chris Gustafson comes to Valeo with a rich background in sales and operational management. A graduate of the University of Washington, Chris grew up working with the homeless through church and continued to volunteer in college as part of a capstone project. He went straight to work as a college grad in healthcare staffing as a recruiter, and was promoted to running his own branch within 15 months. There he developed as an award-winning organizational leader in the staffing world. He brings over 17 years of sales and operations management experience to the team at Valeo serving as our Sales Manager.

Chris has had a passion for serving the underserved since he was a child. With over 8 years of for-profit staffing experience he has made the transition to the non-profit world of staffing seamlessly. He has developed and nurtured partnerships for all of his career and continues to do so at Valeo. With a passion for both helping those that need it most and a growth mindset we look forward to what he can do at Valeo.

Business Development Specialist

Clayton is a Business Development Specialist at Valeo, where he began his journey in 2023 as the Olympia Hire Crew Supervisor. Driven by a profound passion for social justice and community development, Clayton dedicates himself tirelessly to empower marginalized communities by paving pathways to employment. His approach involves establishing strong customer relationships with employers, bridging gaps, and creating opportunities for those often overlooked.

At Valeo, Clayton brings a distinctive perspective, deeply committed to recognizing and valuing the diverse strengths and perspectives within the community. He firmly believes in the intrinsic worth and value of every individual, striving to instigate positive change and foster resilience among those he serves.

Clayton's journey exemplifies his unwavering commitment to making a difference, one that is rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to uplift others.

Building Services Supervisor

Donna was a Veteran Sous Chef when COVID-19 separated her from her Job at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Concerned about the current conditions in the restaurant and hospitality industry, she decided to move in a different direction, and began putting in applications for house keepers, when her son told her about the janitorial training program at Valeo. Donna joined the class and learned the basics of office cleaning and residential cleaning. Shortly after she graduated the program, she was offered a position at Valeo. She says, “I couldn’t be happier with my job here everyone has been so helpful and supportive, meeting them has changed my whole perspective on life. Valeo has changed my life for the better in more ways than one.”

Administrative Assistant

Erica was born in Tennessee, but moved around a lot staying in various shelters as a child. She graduated with her Associates in Business, Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Human resources, Sales, and Management. Erica has volunteered at various food banks, youth sport programs, and shelters in the Pierce County community.

One of the reasons Erica chose Valeo is her hands on experience of houselessness growing up. She wanted to give back in some way to the same community that helped raised her. Seeing that Valeo works closely with the houseless, so it was a perfect match for her to join the team. She can’t wait to see what kinds of skills she obtains while networking and working for Valeo. She is very excited to start a new chapter in her life with Valeo Vocation.

Staffing Coordinator

Judy Taylor is a native of Los Angeles, California and Graduated from Dominguez High School in Compton, California. She also has formal training and acquired a degree in early childhood education that she received from Pasadena City College. This degree led her to a position within the Tacoma Public School District as the involvement coordinator, as well as assisting faculty and staff members with day to day tasks after she moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1999 to create better experiences for her husband and three children.

One of Judy’s main passions include volunteer work. For the last 10 years, her volunteer experience includes Tacoma Rescue Mission, Adam Street Shelter, feeding the homeless every week, as well as distributing food and supplies to families in need. These experiences have led her to her current position at Valeo. She believes she has been put in this position to help people within the community to get back on their feet, and regain self confidence.

Beacon Shelter Manager

Kyle was born in Tacoma WA, raised by a single mother that fought addiction and alcoholism his whole life. With having no father at home Kyle turned to the streets at an early age for guidance and acceptance. There is where he learned a life of crime and substance abuse. This went on for years, addiction, homelessness, crime and incarcerations. It wasn’t until Kyle was offered Pierce County’s Felony Drug Court that he finally found his road to recovery. It was in this program that Kyle not only found his way to start the journey to his recovery, but also found his compassion in helping others on their recovery journeys. Kyle is now a Certified Peer Counselor walking alongside and empowering others in recovery. Kyle is looking forward to furthering his education in substance use and mental health disorders to continue to help those that may be in the same situation he once was in.

Human Resources Generalist

Lisa Oatts comes from an experienced background of medical billing, AR insurance management, and finance that extends past 20 years of impactful work. She began her career at Health Services NW in 2001 where she specialized in research and coordination when it came to financial and medical agreements with clients. Lisa continued her management and organization work with, what is now, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in 2010. Along with her vast professional experience, Lisa brings an abundance amount of volunteer expertise from her time serving as Treasurer for Bellarmine Preparatory School’s Parents of African American Students Association, as well as a committed volunteer for a number of Tacoma organizations.

As a Tacoma native, Lisa’s love for the city of Tacoma and service has led her to Valeo Vocation as a Human Resource Generalist where she assists in managing the back-office operations.

Case Manager

Marquetta contributes significantly to our team with an impressive background in Case Management and Outreach Assistance. Originally from a small town in Ocala, Florida, she was raised by a dedicated single mother who instilled core values such as compassion in her upbringing. Marquetta relocated to Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 10, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. She pursued further education in social work and psychology at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. Throughout her academic journey, Marquetta actively engaged in the medical field and dedicated her time to volunteering at homeless shelters. These experiences not only enriched her skill set but also underscored her commitment to aiding those in need within our community. Presently, Marquetta serves as a Case Manager at Shiloh’s Men’s Retreat, where she eagerly looks forward to applying her diverse skills.

Senior Accountant

Megan grew up in Redmond, Washington and graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in business administration/finance in 2021. She spent the first three years of her career with REI Co-op’s accounting department where she specialized in cash accounting and financial reporting while working toward earning her CPA license. Megan’s lifelong passion and involvement in animal rescue drew her to the nonprofit sector. As an animal shelter volunteer and adoptive pet guardian, she has witnessed the strong link between animal and human welfare issues as the housing crisis displaces people and the animals that they love. She is excited to use her professional skills as a CPA to build solutions that will help our community’s most vulnerable find compassion and stability.

Contracts Manager

Growing up as a military brat Sean moved around a lot ,but, was born in Walla Walla, WA. Sean lived in places like Germany, California, South Carolina, Maryland, Detroit, and North Dakota while his father was in the Air Force. During his elementary school years, Sean’s parents were divorced and him and his older sister went to live with their grandmother on the Hilltop of Tacoma. There, they became close friends while knowing they could depend on others. After a few years of living with their grandmother, Sean moved to Anchorage, Alaska.

During Sean’s travels, he experienced tough times. But, with a strong will to succeed in life and loving family that have hearts of GOLD, he was able to make it this far. That is why he tries to help and put out POSITIVE ENERGY into the UNIVERSE!

Director of Social Enterprise

Shannon Hassan has worked in Workforce Development for the past 10 years. She was born and raised in Eastern, WA and moved to Tacoma in 2013. This was a pivotal time in Shannon’s life due to overcoming obstacles similar to those faced by the population Valeo serves. She started her career participating in Community Jobs and AmeriCorps at the Goodwill of the Olympic and Rainer Region. Shannon worked in the Financial Education Program, providing soft skills training, coaching, and mentoring students as a Retention Case Aide.

Shannon has spent more than 8 years of her career working with Veterans, as she also worked as a Veterans Services Case Manager at Goodwill. There, she provided career navigation, job readiness and transitional support to transitioning military members. Shannon transitioned from Goodwill to MDC where she started their Employment program, supporting clients of their Education program and SVFF, which assists homeless Veterans and their families.

Since 2017, Shannon has worked under WIOA as an Employment Practitioner and, for the last 3 years, as a Program Lead/WorkSource Supervisor. There, Shannon fell in love with non-profit work and operational management. Wanting to be able to create a greater impact by serving more low income/high barriered workers, she is dedicated to the Valeo Employment continuum and “Employment First” model. Shannon obtained her Associate of Science degree in Business from University of Phoenix, in February, 2021 and Bachelor of Science in Business and Human Resource Management , Sept 2022. 

Shelter Lead

Susan was raised in a military family and moved a lot throughout her childhood. She was born in Germany but spent most of her teen and young adult life In Lakewood/Tacoma Washington. Susan eventually saw how quickly addiction can take over somebody’s life. For years Susan dealt with substance abuse. As a young mother of 2 daughters, addicted to drugs trying to get by, she knew this isn’t the life she wanted to live forever. When her and her soon-to-be husband Michael decided to get clean and make a transformational change, they decided to leave everything behind in Tacoma and move to California. On their journey to sobriety, she gave birth to two more daughters and finally moved back to Tacoma, leaving their struggles behind them. 

Susan has years of management experience but after her husband passed away in 2016, she knew it was time to switch gears and do what she is passionate about. She ended up in the healthcare field as a CNA in a rehabilitation center. When Susan had an opportunity to run the Covid Isolation center for Valeo, she felt like she was finally where she was meant to be. Since then, Susan has been the Shelter Coordinator for 3 different shelters with Valeo. She is now responsible for staffing the food banks and managing the Shiloh Retreat Center in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church. 

Employment Specialist

As a child, Taylar saw her parents open their doors for people who were struggling. From a young age, Taylar has always felt that it was her purpose in life to help others. With the support of her family, she worked her way through college graduating cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University in the fall of 2022. Taylar studied psychology and has an interest in obtaining her Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology. Taylar’s desire to provide dignity of work to high barriered individuals led her to Valeo. As an Employment Specialist, Taylar strives to put her best foot forward every day to help folks in need.

Beacon Kitchen Manager

Zhane is an Arizona native, growing up under parents who were involved in the community, volunteering to feed the community. Zhane graduated from high school, went to college to start a career in Criminal Justice, found her interest was more caring for people, then began a career in taking care of others and working in group homes for 10years. Now, Zhane is pursuing a degree in LPN to continue that care for others. She recently relocated to Washington while continuing building for herself and kids. She enjoys helping with the community and giving back to those in need.

Office Cat

Meow