Staff - Acres of Diamonds

Jennifer Paddock

Executive Director

Jackie Siochi

Senior Director of Programs

Kerstin Grant

Director of Operations

Doug Engberg

Director of Donor Engagement

Robbin Hastings

Finance Director

Hannah Alemayehu

Associate Director of Operations

Chase Pickett

Office and IT Coordinator

Paula Bordenet

Executive Assistant

Calvin Song

Volunteer Engagement Manager

Valarie Kemper

Operations Administrator

Megan Crawford

Senior Community Engagement Manager

Brittany LaBossier

Capital Campaign Manager

Taylor West

Development Manager

Shauna Lane

Bookkeeper & Program Administrative Assistant

Sarah Ryser

Senior Case Manager

Melissa Jackson

House Manager

Marnie Hancock

Intake Coordinator

Julie Reynolds

Senior Kids Program Manager

Christina Kobayashi

Kids Program Coordinator

Sophia Thomson

Young Kids Program Coordinator/Daycare Driver

Lauren Topp

Senior Facilities Manager

Pam Warnick

Interior Design Lead

Joe Butcher

Facilities Assistant

Executive Director

Jennifer Paddock

Jen was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington and currently resides in Redmond Ridge with her husband, Lee, and her two Great Danes, Holly and Kirby. Before coming to Acres of Diamonds Jen served as the Director of Community Outreach at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. It was in this role she discovered a passion to advocate for the homeless. After many years of supporting non-profit Executive Directors and investing in local charities, Jen decided she couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore and decided to jump into what God was doing on behalf of the homeless in King County. This decision led her to Acres of Diamonds in 2014 as the Executive Director and she still wakes up each day with a passion to help moms make lasting change in their lives.

Photo Credit: Amy Wimber Photography

Senior Director of Programs

Jackie Siochi

Jackie was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, with time spent overseas in the Air Force. After her military service, Jackie attended college and became a Certified Public Accountant, working in the corporate world for 10 years ending in Senior Management at Boeing Corporate Audit. After spending 5 years in small business, Jackie began to explore what God was calling her and her family into. Jackie decided to spend the next 10 years homeschooling her two smallest children. It was during this time of volunteering that Jackie found Acres of Diamonds. Her passion for helping all women, especially those at Acres of Diamonds, was a natural path from her own experiences with domestic violence and poverty. Jackie volunteered at Acres of Diamonds for about 4 years as a companion, budget coach, and finally as a Mental Health Counseling Intern while obtaining her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Jackie lives in Redmond Washington, has been happily married for almost 20 years, and has three kids.

Director of Operations

Kerstin Grant

Originally from Boston, Kerstin has lived all over the US and the world. While attending Hope College in Michigan, Kerstin and her friends formed a group studying issues of justice. She became impassioned to educate the church about the needs of the world, and upon receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Communications; she got a job at World Relief in Baltimore, telling churches about issues of health, poverty, and disaster. In that role, she had the opportunity to travel to World Relief’s program sites around the world. Eventually, she moved to Cambodia to take the lead on communications for the World Relief Asia offices. Desiring to move from communications work to designing transformational programs, Kerstin landed in Duvall to work with the youth ministry staff of Adventure Church. In that role, she experienced the joy of working with a team that shared mission, community, and watching God transform lives. She also started work on a Master’s degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is married to Dan, and they enjoy living in community, playing Frisbee, traveling, hiking, and camping.

Photo Credit: Tashina Rachel Photography

Director of Donor Engagement

Doug Engberg

Doug Engberg has been in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years working in senior management and development roles. Doug’s passion is to see nonprofits exceed in doing great work in the area of donor development. He has served on various boards such as Breakthrough Partners, Prodigals International and Lift Up Africa. Doug is married to Margo and they have four children: Gabe, Tycie, Jazzmyn and Mia. They are the owners of Pinkabella Cupcakes in six locations in the Seattle area.

Photo Credit: Amy Wimber Photography

Finance Director

Robbin Hastings

Robbin is delighted to serve Acres of Diamonds as Finance Director, providing financial leadership and promoting a culture of fiscal stewardship. She is responsible for the development and execution of financial systems, policies, and procedures. Her duties include funds management, forecasting and budgeting, and financial reporting and analysis. Robbin is a certified public accountant with extensive experience and a diverse background serving nonprofit organizations as well as individuals and corporations, most recently as the Finance Director of Center for Children & Youth Justice. Formerly an auditor with KPMG, Robbin is also a businesswoman, owning her own small firm since 1992.

Photo Credit: Tashina Rachel Photography

Associate Director of Operations

Hannah Alemayehu

Hannah Alemayehu graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and minors in Women’s Studies and German. As the Associate Director of Operations, she handles all resident and donor data – a passion of hers! At Acres she gets to combine her love for people and data at the same time. In her free time, she enjoys cycle classes and spending time with her friends and family. She and her husband Gabe have a very naughty labradoodle that fills their time as well.

Photo Credit: Tashina Rachel Photography

Office and IT Coordinator

Chase Pickett

Executive Assistant

Paula Bordenet

Paula is a native to the area having lived most of her life on the Eastside. Prior to working at Acres, Paula was with The Bear Creek School, before which she worked as a personal organizer and worked as a project manager for technology companies. She has made service a central part of her family’s life and has volunteered at the Hopelink foodbank and in the meals program at her church for many years. Paula first learned of Acres through Timberlake Church, and after attending the Acres of Diamonds auction a few years ago, she felt drawn to their mission of helping mothers and children and began volunteering. She is thrilled to be working at Acres and looks forward to supporting Christ’s mission of helping the families here.

In her free time, Paula enjoys time with her family and friends, traveling, finding new coffee shops and cafes, traveling, trying new recipes, getting outside with her dogs, and traveling. The more travel, the better.

Volunteer Engagement Manager

Calvin Song

Calvin grew up in the north Seattle area and currently lives in the Bothell. He has extensive experience working with kids of all ages through volunteering at his church and coaching basketball for almost a decade. One of Calvin’s passions is to help the next generation grow up in a healthy, safe and loving environment. He’s currently interning at his church in order to grow his skills and knowledge to sow good seeds into the Acres families. He enjoys exercise, bonfires and delicious food!

Operations Administrator

Valarie Kemper

Valarie has always been active and passionate about helping women and children. She recently retired from the insurance industry and is excited about being able to utilize her skills and experience to help women and children build a new, happy life.

Valarie lives in Duvall with her husband, Dale. She enjoys spending time with her family including her 5 wonderful grandchildren and her spoiled dog named Piper. She also enjoys camping, traveling and gardening.

Senior Community Engagement Manager

Megan Crawford

Megan is a long time Duvall resident. Wife to Dustin and mother to June and Jack, she is grateful to live and work in a beautiful, thriving community. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors with her family, beautifying her home or meeting friends for coffee. Megan’s path to Acres included her journey into motherhood. After having her daughter at 23, Megan discovered how critical it was for moms and kids to have support. That led to volunteering and contributing to local organizations whose mission is to serve moms and kids by sheltering, equipping, and empowering them. Megan’s passion translates into her work by connecting the community with moms and kids previously devastated by homelessness now residing and thriving at Acres.

Photo Credit: Tashina Rachel Photography

Capital Campaign Manager

Brittany LaBossier

Development Manager

Taylor West

Before coming to Acres, Taylor grew up and worked in Pierce County. She followed in her parents’ footsteps, attending school in Saskatchewan, Canada at Briercrest College and Seminary. There she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and returned back to WA to pursue her passion for youth with trauma backgrounds. After working with families in behavioral health, Taylor went on to pursue victim advocacy work with the local sexual assault center, and then with the Children’s Advocacy Center. She also spent time volunteering with Echo Glen Children’s Center and the Gratitude House for Clean and Sober Living. Throughout these experiences, Taylor became an advocate for the power of generational cycles within families. God has closed career doors she did not expect, but thankfully He has opened the door for Acres. She is grateful to be a part of a ministry that sees the family as a whole and believes in the hope of freedom from abuse and poverty. Apart from Acres, Taylor is married to the most amazing man named West, and enjoys health, the outdoors, and any excuse to celebrate!

Photo Credit: Amy Wimber Photography

Bookkeeper & Program Administrative Assistant

Shauna Lane

Shauna was born and raised in Montana on a farm where she competed as a barrel racer before moving on to cheer-leading as the top of the pyramid. She moved to the Tri-Cities area in Washington state with her husband after they graduated from Montana State University where she discovered you should avoid the orange (radio active) tumbleweeds. She received her masters degree in Elementary Education and after teaching kindergarten, third grade and Jr. High she used her skills to home school her own daughter thru high school. Now that her daughter if off to college Shauna is ready to get back to working hands on with kids to help them discover their full potential. She lives in Sammamish with her husband, her dogs Tabitha and Peanut, enjoys reading, walking, and fair weather motorcycle rides where her husband is a captive audience.

Senior Case Manager

Sarah Ryser

Before working at Acres of Diamonds Sarah was studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and working full-time as an EMT running 911 calls with local fire departments.

Sarah’s story started like many of the moms at Acres with a lot of family mental illness and domestic violence. What helped her get through those challenging times was supportive relationships that helped her to heal and change her life. At Acres Sarah has been the Kids Program Manager, Intake Manager and now the Case Manager for the women. Her Psychology background and her personal experience give her the skills and empathy to pay it forward and walk alongside the families as they heal and grow.

Photo Credit: Amy Wimber Photography

House Manager

Melissa Jackson

Melissa and her family moved cross country from North Carolina to settle in Duvall mid-pandemic. What originally started as a small volunteer opportunity quickly turned into the role of House Manager as God opened doors. Melissa has a Bachelor of Social Work from Spring Arbor University in Michigan and has a passion for creating safe spaces for people to develop deep and authentic relationships. Melissa and her husband LD were foster parents for five years and have four children by both birth and adoption. Their family also enjoys hosting exchange students in their home. Melissa enjoys traveling, being outdoors and absolutely loves vanilla lattes! She is so honored God has allowed her to be a part of what He is doing at Acres!

Intake Coordinator

Marnie Hancock

Born and raised in the greater Seattle area, Marnie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She initially started at Acres of Diamonds as the Younger Kids Program Coordinator and is now excited to step into the role of Intake Coordinator. Marnie loves listening to people’s stories, explaining the mission of Acres to those interested, and helping women figure out if Acres is a good fit for themselves and their young children. In her free time, Marnie loves watching movies with her fiancé Brian, going on adventures with her fiancé Brian, and exploring the outdoors with her dog Sadie and her fiancé Brian.

Photo Credit: Amy Wimber Photography

Senior Kids Program Manager

Julie Reynolds

Julie is a University of Texas alumnus with a BA in Psychology and Applied Learning and Development and MA of Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. She loves the challenge of creating spaces for kids of all ages to experience the joy and wonder of following Jesus! God has placed a clear vision in Julie to be “repairer of broken walls” (Isaiah 58) with the overlooked and outcast in our society. Nothing brings Julie more joy than walking alongside others into deeper trust in Jesus. Julie is passionate about social justice, honoring the image of God in all, and strengthening families. During her career she has worked in both childrens and youth ministry, with children and families in the foster care system, and served in international missions. Julie loves a great color scheme, theme parties, and traveling. Julie moved to the great PNW from Texas with her husband Trey, three amazing kids, and dog Maggie.

Kids Program Coordinator

Christina Kobayashi

Christina grew up in the Duvall and Monroe church communities and loves the small town, country life! She currently lives in Monroe, WA. Christina attended Eastern Washington University and has a B.A. in Children’s Studies with minors in Sociology and Applied Development Psychology. Since completing school, Christina has had experience working with children in a wide range of settings. This includes early education programs, medical settings, private childcare and behavioral health treatment, always with the goal of helping children and adolescents through difficult and hard times. She is passionate about caring for and supporting children and their family unit! In her free time, Christina loves to travel, spend time with friends and family, be outdoors with her animals, and drink a good cup of coffee!

Young Kids Program Coordinator/Daycare Driver

Sophia Thomson

I was born and raised in Japan by missionary parents along with my three siblings. I had the amazing opportunity to learn in the Japanese public school system from kindergarten through high school, and am fluent in English and Japanese. I moved to the states to attend college and graduate with my bachelor’s degree in communication from Seattle Pacific University. While helping my family with our non-profit organization, Flip Japan, I came to discover that I love serving kids and learning how they see the world from their eyes. Since, then I have learned how different cultures communicate and how we tell stories to one another. My hobbies include, hiking, dancing, eating food, and listening and telling stories to people. I am excited to serve both the children and the mothers at Acres of Diamonds and build relationships with one another.

Senior Facilities Manager

Lauren Topp

Was born and raised in Monroe, WA and currently lives in Snohomish, WA. Lauren has a B.S in Zoology from Washington State University. Before coming to Acres of Diamonds, Lauren volunteered as a Youth Group leader at the Duvall Church for many years. She also has experience managing staff, properties, and projects from her previous places of employment. Working alongside pastors and volunteers gave Lauren a passion to help equip and support those desiring to change the community around them. With her skills in organization, project management, and servanthood, Lauren connects the needs of the house and families with the gifts and talents of volunteers and donors well. On Lauren’s free days she enjoys hiking, reading, and laughing with friends.

Photo Credit: Tashina Rachel Photography

Interior Design Lead

Pam Warnick

Pamela Warnick is an interior designer with over 25 years’ experience in residential design. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Seattle Pacific University and went on to work for Masins Fine Furniture and Interiors before founding her own design firm, Warnick Design, back in 2001.

Pam strives to create unique interiors that will have a positive impact in her client’s lives. She is known for always collaborating with her client so that their style and personality shine through.

Photo Credit: Amy Wimber Photography

Facilities Assistant