Meet the Team

She/Her

Hi everyone! My name is Haley, and I am the Director here at Next. I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Next family in different roles and Next is truly where my heart and passion is! I enjoy providing oversight to the programming and staff here at Next, and love seeing our young adults reach their goals. My favorite thing about Next is all of the services that we can provide and the amazing team we have here! Outside of work I stay busy coaching my son's sports teams, I love cooking, and cheering for the Seahawks.

My Favorite Quote:
``The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart`` - Helen Keller

haley.h@nextsuccess.org
360-787-3339

She/Her

Hi there! I'm Christy, the Office Manager at Next. I am thrilled to be a member of this fantastic team of individuals who are dedicated to providing young adults with the chance to shape and create a future they can take pride in. I am active in organizational management and document creation, social media platforms, am safety program manager, and I oversee our onsite GED testing program supported by partner, PAX Learning Center.

I have resided in Vancouver for the last six years and am a proud mom of five adult kids (one being my son-in-law). I enjoy the mountains, fall weather, spending time at Disneyland, indulging in roller coasters, playing Skyrim, and I am currently in the process of designing a steampunk-themed office at home that reflects the essence of my persona as an airship captain! Little secret – you never really grow up completely.

My Favorite Quote:
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin

christy.w@nextsuccess.org
360-207-2628

She/Her

Hello all! My name is Allora Maxey, and I am a Business Navigator at Next. I moved here recently from Olympia, so I am still getting to know the area. I will take any and all recommendations on restaurants or fun things to do! I have really enjoyed the warm and inviting space that Next has created. I think that Next has a great mission and good people that do their best to help this community.

I really enjoy my role as Business Navigator because I get to talk to others about their life goals. I like being creative in how to help others achieve those goals. I love to be able to help customers create a positive professional identity that is true to who they are.

Outside of work, you can usually find me playing games of all types. I am typically playing video games or board games. Even though games have my heart, I have a wide range of interests and love learning about new things.

My Favorite Quote is a story in symbolism:
``Rather than waiting out the storm or running away from the storm, the Bison charges into the storm, taking it head-on and running right through it.``

Be a buffalo!

allora.m@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7419

He/Him

Hey! My name is Ryan and I’m the Outreach Specialist at Next for Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. I love being able to give back to the community that I was raised in and help the youth and young adults eliminate barriers and evolve as human beings! My favorite thing about Next is that we get to use a holistic approach with our youth and young adults, with the intentions of deeper healing, as we coach them toward quality jobs and careers!

Outside of work I am a spoken word poet and conscious hip hop artist. I am also a father of three beautiful children. I enjoy sports, working out, gaming, and watching movies!

My Favorite Quote:

“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
-Booker T. Washington

ryan.r@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7768

Hi everyone, my name is Steffanie and I am a Business Navigator for Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. I love my role as a business navigator because I have the opportunity to grow youth professionally and help them meet their employment goals.

I believe that music is the food for the soul. I sing, dance, hoop, flag, and spin poi. I enjoy kayaking and hiking with my dog. In rainy weather nothing is better than curling up with a book by the fire with a purring cat on your lap.
A favorite quote of mine is:
``If music be the food of love, play on`` - William Shakespeare

steffanie.p@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7759

He/Him

Hi, my name is Jered and I am a Career Coach at NEXT. I am thrilled to be part of this amazing team.

Prior to my time here I worked as a Technology Navigator assisting and educating individuals in all aspects of computers with the goal of boosting their skills and using those skills to secure good jobs.

I live to serve my community and will continue to find new ways to do so. In my free time I love spending time and traveling to fun outdoor destinations with my wife and daughter. I’m also obsessed with superhero movies and hip hop.

My Favorite Quote:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” - The Great Dr. Suess

jered.k@nextsuccess.org
360-820-5683

She/Her

Hi, my name is Isabella, and I am a Career Coach at NEXT. I’m looking forward to supporting youth in reaching their education and career goals. That includes breaking down barriers and connecting youth to support services they need to succeed. I appreciate that NEXT has cultivated a space and community where people can feel safe to be their authentic selves.

In my free time I enjoy exploring new food carts and coffee shops around the metro area. At home I love watching animated movies and playing games on my Nintendo Switch.

My Favorite Quote:

“It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices.” -Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

isabella.a@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7762

They/She

Hello, I'm Megan! I went to Eastern Washington University and received my degree in social work. I have a passion for helping others! Whether it's helping you set goals or just being there as a cheerleader, I'm your person! I'm excited to collaborate and help inspire youth through Next Success. I love that Next has so many opportunities and encourages growth. I look forward to meeting so many diverse people and helping along the way!

Outside of work I love makeup, coffee, friends, and my cat, Olive! I also enjoy exploring the PNW and finding new places to eat at! I can usually be found trying something new to try to spark my creativity.

My favorite quote:
``I knew you were light as soon as you graced my presence. And my flowers began blooming one by one as if they'd seen the sun.`` -leo

megan.s@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7765

She/Her

Aloha! My name is Lisa, and I'm a Career Coach here at Next. I was born and raised in Hawai'i, where I grew up in a large, close-knit family. Eight years ago, I made the move to Washington.

My professional background is in customer service, where I've held various leadership roles, including trainer and mentor for both new hires and existing employees. I've also spent several years involved in community service, particularly with youth programs that serve diverse communities. I'm passionate about working with my community and helping people reach their full potential, and I'm excited to do just that with all the resources our Next Success program has to offer.

When I'm not working, I cherish time spent with my 'ohana—my wonderful husband and our four amazing children. Whether we’re attending a sporting event, enjoying a barbecue, playing cards or board games, or just hanging out and listening to music, we love making the most of our time together. And whenever we can, we head back home to Hawai'i to relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

One of my favorite quotes:

``Life is like a Camera...
Focus on what's Important.
Capture the Good Times.
Develop from the Negatives.
And if Things Don't Work Out
Take Another Shot.``

lisa.r@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7766