Erin Carlsen
Program Director

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.

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
Executive Director ​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.    

Shana Powell; PSS, THW
LiFEBoat Services Peer Support Specialist Lead

Shana has spent most of the last 30 years in Clatsop County, excepting education received out of the area. She has a passionate love for our community and is honored to be in a position to support and contribute to its betterment. Shana is a Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist in Adult Mental Health and a Licensed Traditional Healthcare Worker through the state of Oregon. She is extremely enthusiastic about non-clinical Peer Support and believes that it has the power to change lives in the best way possible.

"No need to hurry, no need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but yourself."
                                                                    - Virginia Woolf