Maslow Project is fortunate to have such a committed and positive staff with diverse backgrounds – each bringing their own unique strengths and skills.
| Mary Ferrell is the founder and Executive Director of Maslow Project. Born and raised in Medford, Oregon, Mary graduated from Southern Oregon University and began working with homeless children and families through the Medford School District. After several years of street outreach and case management, Mary founded Maslow Project as a “youth centric” one-stop resource center where kids could access basic needs and supportive services all in one location. Maslow Project has received national recognition for its program model serving homeless youth and has been featured internationally in media outlets such as New York Times, BBC, 20/20, and MTV. Mary continues to serve the community on various task forces and is in Class XXIV of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon. |
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Mary Knepp is the Program Coordinator for Maslow Project. She began her work in social services as a volunteer with the Children’s Advocacy Center while earning her B.A. in Psychology from Southern Oregon University. After graduation, Mary worked as a Prevention Specialist with OnTrack, facilitating teen workshops and creating and running a behavior-improvement program for elementary school students. Mary then went on to become the Family Resource Worker at Jackson Elementary School, assisting at-risk students and families with accessing basic needs and resources, and coordinating the Student Attendance Review Team. As the Program Coordinator, Mary writes grants and reports for the agency, collects data, and ensures that Maslow Project is continuing to operate smoothly, so that the resource is always available to any youth or family in need. |
| Talia Matthias was born and raised in Eureka, California and attended Southern Oregon University. She was the site-director for an after-school program and girls’ group facilitator before coming to Maslow Project. As the Family Advocate, she works with elementary school students and their families to foster self-sufficiency and school success. Talia works tirelessly to enrich the lives of the Rogue Valley’s children; she is an active member of the Child Abuse Network and a “Darkness to Light” facilitator, providing education and training on the prevention of child abuse. As a mother herself, Talia enjoys spending time with her son playing Power Rangers and cooking for family and friends. |
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Fallon Stewart brings her dedication to promoting preventative health care and wellness to her position as Maslow Project’s high school case manager. Fallon pursued her degree in Psychology and Public Health from Western Oregon University. During her three years as a Resident Assistant at WOU, Fallon provided mentoring, mediation, crisis intervention, and wellness planning. She also educated students on substance abuse, nutrition, mental health, positive body image and health relationships.After graduation, Fallon worked for the Oregon Division of Child Support to strengthen the partnership between the program and the community in an effort to increase support for children.Fallon later took her efforts abroad and spent a year teaching middle school in China. She focused her lessons on social issues and preventative health care. As the high school case manager, Fallon assists students in accessing resources and removing barriers in education, employment, and housing. She helps them meet basic needs and set attainable goals that will open doors for a successful future. |
Lacey Renae, M.A. is Maslow Project’s Counselor/Art Therapist. Lacey was raised in Northern California and moved to Ashland, OR to attend Southern Oregon University, where she graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Art, Women’s Studies and Psychology. After graduation, she worked as an advocate and mentor for Not Straight Not Sure, which supports LGBTQQIA youth. Lacey also aided in the development of their larger vision of creating a non-profit, Lotus Rising Project. After working with Not Straight Not Sure for a year, Lacey was accepted to graduate school at Naropa University. She moved to Boulder, CO to pursue a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy. During her time in Colorado, Lacey mentored at-risk youth at the Naropa Community Art Studio and developed an Art Activities Program for seniors. Lacey also interned with The Denver Hospice as a Grief Counselor and Art Therapist for patients and their families. After graduating, Lacey relocated to Ashland, OR. Lacey shares Maslow Project’s vision of community building through collaboration, and in addition to providing mental health counseling and art therapy for at-risk youth and families at Maslow Project, she also serves as Volunteer Coordinator for Lotus Rising Project.
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Ashton Kayser is the friendly face that greets you when you come into Maslow Project. Ashton grew up in Medford and attends Southern Oregon University. She is a Ford Family Scholar and a National Horatio Alger Scholar. Ashton is pursuing a degree in Criminology and Psychology and hopes to work with teenagers in need of rehabilitation from drug or alcohol dependencies. Growing up, Ashton saw the devastating effects of drugs firsthand, which inspired her to pursue a career helping people who suffer from addictions.Ashton adores animals and volunteers for the Southern Oregon Humane Society. She enjoys spending time with her cat, playing fetch and taking him for walks. |
| Matt Northrop grew up right here in Medford and graduated from South Medford High School. After graduation, he attended Oregon State University, studying Cultural Anthropology. Matt became a volunteer at a youth drop-in center so that he could better apply his education to the real social issues faced by at-risk and marginalized youth. After his time spent volunteering, Matt felt compelled to continue his work with this population. For the last five years, he has been working with youth social service agencies in Medford and Eugene. He is happy to be back in Southern Oregon now, contributing to the community he grew up in and serving as a Maslow Project case manager. |
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As the Resource Coordinator and Street Outreach Worker, Jacob Stecher collaborates with local businesses, individuals, and organizations to keep the pantry stocked, bicycles in the back, and donations coming in. Jacob was born and raised here in Oregon and attended Rogue Community College. Jacob has worked for the regional food bank and various youth-serving agencies. Jacob is also involved with Living Opportunities, where he works with adults with developmental disabilities in employment settings.Jacob is a backyard mechanic; he takes pleasure in various types of motor vehicles, adventures, enjoying nature and consuming coffee. He likes thunderstorms, mountains, long walks on the beach and spending time with those close to him. |
| Alicia “Ali” LaJeunesse grew up in a small town near Portland, OR. After studying studio art at Portland State University for one year, she moved to Ashland in 2008 to attend Southern Oregon University. While at SOU, Ali pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Psychology, worked in after school programs for the Ashland Family YMCA and served as a leader in the SOU Residence Hall Association. In 2009, she studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa for four months where she interned as an English teacher in a rural orphanage and as a grant writer and advocate for the Ghana Association of the Blind. While in Ghana she was able to take a spontaneous 10 day trip to Egypt which she also remembers fondly.In 2011, Ali graduated with her Bachelor’s degree and spent time working with social change entrepreneurs as a copywriter before landing her position as Case Manager with the Maslow Project. Ali spends her time at Maslow working with Central Medford High School students and at Ashland schools serving the Ashland School District.Outside the office, Ali enjoys traveling and spending time with her growing family. She takes joy in just about anything, but especially appreciates sunny days, hot coffee, and getting crafty with art projects. |
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