Erin Carlsen; PSS, THW, CRM
Associate Director of LiFEBoat Services; Program Director of Beacon Peer-Support Services

Erin Carlsen grew up in Cannon Beach, Oregon. 
She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications
and Sociology from George Fox University, and her
Master's Degree in Sociology from Arizona State University.
She has been working in the fields of advocacy and non-profit
work for almost ten years; with 3 years in Director positions.

In 2020 Erin started the Beacon Clubhouse as a project of NAMI Oregon. A year later she transferred the program to LiFEBoat Services and shifted it to a peer support model. She not runs Beacon alongside LiFEBoat's other programs.

Erin believes in the power of connection as a means of healing.  "Mental health needs more than clinical attention; it needs light, creativity, camaraderie, expression, and community."

 Osarch Orak; PSS, THW, CRM
Executive Director of ​LiFEBoat Services

 Osarch was instrumental in getting Beacon Peer-Support Services up and running in 2020. He volunteered for the 1st year of Beacon Peer-Support Services’ inception when it was still a program of NAMI Oregon. Osarch is now the Executive Director of LiFEBoat Services, which now houses both Filling Empty Bellies and Beacon Peer-Support Services. His lived experience with houselessness, overcoming trauma, and mental illness inspires him to offer those suffering something that he wished that he had access to when he was on the street: low-barrier resources and services for all people. His direct, honest, consistent, and compassionate leadership is what keeps LiFEBoat Services strong.    

Amber Wilson; PSS, THW 
Peer-Support Specialist at Beacon

Amber Wilson started as a member at Beacon Peer-Support Services
back in 2020. Her lived experience with mental health challenges,
houselessness, and addiction have provided her with a unique ability
to connect with peers. She loves people and believes in the recovery journey
that is rooted in peer support and community, and connection.

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