We provide a safe space where young adults can connect and socialize, get something to eat or access health services, and find help with their education and career.
Young adults want to succeed in their careers and their lives. Yet, many young people may not have a clear pathway to work, training or post-secondary education, even if they have their high school diploma.
That’s why Next offers a place where they can take charge, walk up to opportunity’s door—and kick it wide open.
Next is an initiative of community partners and businesses, led by Workforce Southwest Washington.

Our Team

My name is Brittney and I am the Director at Next. I am here because I believe it is never too late to live your dreams, whatever they may be. At Next, our doors are open to any youth ready to move forward in life. We model healthy relationships, provide access to education, and connect youth with people and businesses in our community. I am proud to be a part of a team that values everyone. During my free time I enjoy backpacking in the mountains, exploring tidepools, watching and playing sports, and spending time with my family.
A quote that I believe in is “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead
360-207-2772
brittney.m@nextsuccess.org
Brittney Mills

My name is Sara and I am the Media and Marketing Office Manager at Next. Supporting others so that they can reach their goals is my passion, and I am so excited to be part of an organization that helps young adults achieve their dreams. I work at the front desk, so keep an eye out for me and say hi!
When I'm not at work I enjoy reading, going on long walks with my dog, crocheting, trying out new board games and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
One of my favorite quotes is ``To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly`` - Dr. Brené Brown
360-890-7768
sara.a@nextsuccess.org
Sara Asberry

I’m Matt and I support students in making important decisions to help achieve their education and employment goals. At Next, I can help you with enrolling in the Open Doors program, understanding your transcripts, discussing the difference between a GED and a high school diploma, and creating a customized pathway to graduation. When I’m not at Next, you can find me on a playground with my toddler daughter or playing pool with friends.
My favorite quote is: “Don’t talk about it, be about it.” – Bob Burns
360-952-3613
matthew.s@nextsuccess.org
Matthew Stephens

My name is Haley and my job is to help young people achieve their education goals and support them in taking the next step after graduation, whether that is college or a career. I’m an animal lover, I enjoy watching sports, and I love hanging out with my friends. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my son.
One of my favorite quotes is, “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” – Steve Jobs
360-952-3456
haley.h@nextsuccess.org
Haley Hansen

My name is Jenna and I work with the Open Doors program at Next. I support students on the road to academic success by implementing a plan to best fit each student's needs to accomplish their education goals. When I am not at work, I enjoy running outdoors, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my Pomeranian Niko.
One of my favorite quotes is, “If you have a dream, fight for it. It’s not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or get beaten up. It’s about how many times you stand, are brave and keep on going.” – Lady Gaga
360-949-1551
jenna.m@nextsuccess.org
Jenna Millett

My name is Keely and I love assisting others to discover and embrace their best possible version of themselves. I left corporate healthcare management to live my own dream and have done that by being an educator, instructor and life-coach for the past 5 years.
I am a mom, grandma, wife, sister, daughter, team-member, musician, artist, writer, nature lover and above all, a life long learner. I am here to serve you in living your best life.
Favorite quote: ``Our history is not our destiny.`` - Alan Cohen
360-890-7769
keely.c@nextsuccess.org
Keely Christ

Hi! I’m Natalie, a Talent Development Specialist at Next. I am excited to be working with an organization that is passionate about helping young people become successful. I have a passion for helping youth and young adults reach and achieve their goals that they set for themselves. During my free time I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my dog Cooper, riding my two horses and hanging out with my friends and family.
One of my favorite quotes is “Don’t count the days, make the days count” - Muhammad Ali
(360) 890-7762
natalie.k@nextsuccess.org
Natalie Karnath

Hi, my name is Crystal Wink. I am a Talent Development Specialist for Next. I greatly value this
position because it allows me to provide youth with encouragement and assistance while they
meet their educational and career goals. I am extremely passionate about this work because it
wasn’t long ago that I earned my GED and received help determining my educational and career
path from supportive mentors. I have two kids and another one on the way! My family and I
enjoy shooting archery and spending time outdoors. I look forward to working with you!
A quote I appreciate: “No one belongs here more than you.” - Brené Brown
360-890-7752
crystal.w@nextsuccess.org
Crystal Wink

My name is Lyn, and I love being a part of Next. I really want to help young adults find direction and improve their lives. Outside of work I enjoy working out to feel strong, reading James Baldwin and Toni Morrison over and over, and getting together with my friends!
One of my favorite quotes is, ``To make a dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream; the second is persistence`` - Cesar Chavez
360-890-7756
lyn.l@nextsuccess.org
Lyn Lopez-Smith

My goal as a Talent Development Specialist is to help young people in the pursuit of their goals by shedding light on their options and opportunities, and insight into what may not be obvious, although ultimately driven by the command of their own decisions and efforts, through my own education and life experiences, and effectively through the partners of Next. Keep going, we’re right here.
“When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.” - from Footprints in the Sand
360-890-7419
Charlene.s@nextsuccess.org
Charlene Stake

My name is Hunter, and I am thrilled to be a part of Next. My passion has always been to creatively help others find their own passions and achieve their dreams. On my off time, I enjoy creating music, getting immersed in a movie or a video game and cooking and baking comfort food from scratch.
``Life is a balance of fear and overcoming it.`` - Jimmy Iovine
(360) 890- 7766
hunter.g@nextsuccess.org
Hunter Gillam

Hello! I’m Jackie and I am the SummerWorks Program Manager. I am very excited to be part of Next. Working with youth and seeing participants succeed is something that I really enjoy. In my free time, I like to practice my calligraphy skills (I’m still learning!). I also like going on walks with my dog and watching sunsets.
One quote that I like is: No real social change has ever been brought about without a revolution ... revolution is but thought carried into action. - Emma Goldman
360-890-7765
jackie.w@nextsuccess.org
Jackie Wetchler

Hello! I have worked with students for over 10 years. I can help you if you have questions about school and help you get connected with a paid internship. I love to watch college football, play video games and hang out with my family which usually means playing with cars and trucks in the dirt with my 2-year-old son.
A favorite quote of mine is, ``It is in the knowledge of the genuine conditions of our life that we must draw our strength to live and our reason for acting.`` - Simone de Beauvoir
360-890-7768
nathan.a@nextsuccess.org
Nathan Abbott

I’m Becky and I have been able to do this type of work with young people for 28 years! I enjoy being around my family, gardening, walking, and spending time at home. I have 5 children, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and one more great on the way!
360-207-2628
becky.m@nextsuccess.org
Becky Mohagen

My name is Elias Valencia and I’m the Career Transition Specialist for Jobcorps. I have a passion in helping others and seeing them grow. I really enjoy working with a diverse population of people. My three favorite hobbies include working out, playing soccer and playing video games.
My favorite quote is “Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard and to have an effect. And as you move up and become successful, make sure also to be hungry for helping others.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
360-207-2756
elias.v@nextsuccess.org
Elias Valencia

Hey! My name is Alison, and my passion is working with young adults to help them achieve what they want out of life! If you work hard for me, I'll work day and night for you to make things happen. I am excited to meet you and hear your story, your passion, and the direction you want to be moving in. I am ready for the challenge whenever you are.
My hobbies are knitting, DIY projects, reading, playing Zelda, board games, hiking, backpacking, working out at the gym, and baking.
Reach out to me to find out how to make your future happen YOUR way.
Favorite quote: ``Who you are is always right`` ― Deng Ming-Dao
360-207-2747
alison.m@nextsuccess.org
Alison Moyer

My favorite quote is: “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
503-420-7555
Tyler Monk
Interested in joining the Workforce Southwest Washington team? Check out the newest job postings below:
Next Gen Council
Next youth are hungry for stability, success, and feelings of not being alone.
The staff are hungry for filling their brains with necessary wisdom and resources.
We, the Next Gen, will feed everyone with the motivation, positivity, and hope they need to succeed.
Partners and Donors
Next is a collaboration of organizations and groups working together.
Community Partners
Clark College
Clark County Food Bank
Columbia Bank
Columbia River Economic Development Council
Educational Service District 112
Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region
Job Corps
Partners in Careers
Vancouver Housing Authority
WA State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Washington State University Vancouver
WorkSource
Donors
Clark County Realtors Association
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Educational Service District 112
The Honorable Frank L. and Arlene G. Price Foundation
Pacific Premier Bank
Workforce Southwest Washington