Staff

Beatriz Lynch

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Beatriz is responsible for ensuring SafeSpace fulfills its mission to reduce trauma to child victims of abuse through multidisciplinary evaluation and advocacy in a safe and healing environment. With a BS in Social Work, Beatriz brings more than 20 years of working with children in various capacities.

She is passionate about the work SafeSpace does in the Gorge Community, and committed to providing the highest quality services to every child who comes to SafeSpace.

Beatriz gets really excited when the team is able to bring CAC services to new communities. She feels rewarded when a child leaves SafeSpace relieved they finally were able to tell their story, and someone was there to listen. She really likes the fact that SafeSpace has such a wonderful team to work with and great community partners that come together to help a child that has been abused.

When Beatriz isn’t advocating on behalf of kids, you’ll find her doing calming activities like knitting and reading, or active out on the water SUPing or kayaking. Her side passion is raising Scottish Highland miniature cattle!

Dr. Patrizio, MD

Medical Director and Medical Provider

Dr. Patrizio performs physical assessment exams to evaluate for evidence of abuse and holds specialties in Hospice & Palliative Care, Family Medicine, and Psychology.

Dr. Patrizio started performing mental health care, working with abused children and adolescents. Being exceptionally skilled at putting patients at ease, child abuse victims and their families feel comfortable discussing difficult health issues with him.

Dr. Patrizio is also passionate about connecting with patients and families regarding end of life issues as well as teaching and mentoring providers in end of life care. He has built palliative care programs and was voted Hospice Medical Director of the Year.

On a day off, Dr. Patrizio can be seen savoring a quiet morning. He also relishes a good snow day and going on adventures. His favorite ways of feeding his adventurous spirit while in the outdoors would be skiing, biking, climbing, or hiking.

Lynne, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Mental Health Director and Medical Provider

Dr. Frost is a designated medical provider performing medical exams to evaluate children for evidence of physical and sexual abuse. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with her doctorate in nursing, with over 30 years of pediatric experience. She is passionate about advancing healthcare to children, with an affinity working with underserved populations.

Dr. Frost has lived in the Columbia Gorge with her family for nearly 20 years. She appreciates partnering with community agencies to advance care to children in a collaborative manner. A professional accomplishment she is most proud of is the development of the school-based health center located on the HRVHS campus.

On a day off, you can find Lynne off in the woods biking or hiking with her husband and two labradors. You can also find her in the kitchen where she loves to cook and bake for others or out in the garden growing vegetables.

Dr. Henson, MD

Medical Provider

Dr. Robin provides medical exams, consulting, participation in MDT, and peer review of cases.

As an OB/Gyn, Dr. Robin ran a clinic in the community, participates in the clinical advisory panel for the Medicaid community, helps develop and promote programs that benefit the community at large, and volunteers on medical missions to Guatemala and Haiti.

She enjoys learning new things, working with other members of the community who are committed to taking care of all people, and making a difference in people’s lives.

In her free time, Dr. Robin enjoys hiking, biking, water sports, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.

Mayra

Program Director / Child and Family Advocate

Mayra has worked in social service programs for over fifteen years. Her comfort level is strong while working with families, community partners, as well as providing referrals and assistance. Dedicated and a good listener, Mayra has a high level of trust and dependability among clients and staff alike.

Mayra's passions include making a difference for victims of crime, and having the opportunity to work with other community partners to co-advocate. She's dedicated to working with victims of all backgrounds, and the positive impacts on others from social service work are a big driver for her.

Mayra's interests outside of work are being able to do things with her family like hiking, traveling, family dinners, family movies, etc. Her other hobbies are crafting and decorating. Making pretty things is one thing Mayra appreciates getting into during her downtime. She loves the sunshine most of all while savoring the outdoors.

Brenda

Forensic Interviewer

Criminal justice and children are two things Brenda enjoys immensely, and child forensic interviewing is where the two meet. As a SafeSpace Forensic Interviewer, Brenda finds meaning and pride in her contribution to helping child victims.

She's excited by the advancement of technology in the criminal justice field and how it can be applied at SafeSpace.

Brenda has worked in the administrative area of criminal justice, talking with children since 1999 (eleven+ years in Parole and probation and 10+ years at the Sheriff's Office). To say that Brenda is friendly and approachable is an understatement. She is also steadfast and willing to help wherever needed, bringing her supreme customer service skills, and great flexibility to SafeSpace.

In her personal time, Brenda likes to sew, take walks, and prizes her time with her children and grandchildren. In all areas of her life, children bring so much joy!

Meghan

Forensic Interviewer, Child and Family Advocate

As a Forensic Interviewer and Child & Family Advocate, Meghan is able to combine her interests in criminal justice and advocacy to better assist families through the process. She has always found passion in public service, and prides herself on being a strong support to her community when they need someone most.

Meghan started her career as a 911 dispatcher in Long Beach, CA and eventually relocated to Hood River, where she continued this work for over a decade. She is a dedicated listener, calm under pressure, and takes pride in helping others through their times of need. Her years as a dispatcher add a unique mindset to the work at SafeSpace.

In her free time, you will find Meghan hiking, SUPing, climbing, or trying to keep up with her child on the mountain bike trails. Most of all, she enjoys anything that brings quality time with family and friends.

Viviana

Billing Specialist

Viviana has experience working with the community: having served in the medical field for 9 years as a CNA for different companies around the Gorge. l. She prides herself in helping others and working with families of all backgrounds. She brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic and strives to provide children and their families with the help they need in a compassionate, honest, respectful and accepting way. She believes children should be the top priority and feels SafeSpace is here to do just that.

In her free time you will always find Viviana enjoying a good book, drawing, crafting, and/or spending quality time with her daughter.

Yoana

Finance Director

Yoana oversees all financial activities and human resource needs at Safe Space. Yoana brings to SafeSpace several years of accounting experience as well as 16 years of experience working for Hood River County Health Department in the Budget and Finance Department.

Yoana has worked with families in our community for many years and enjoys serving the public. She
takes pride in helping others, specially children. It was always Yoana's dream to work for an organization that helped children and families, and to make a difference in other's lives.

Yoana enjoys hiking, nature, listening to music, a good movie and most of all spending quality time with
her family.

Drew

Development and Volunteer Coordinator

Drew has been partnering with nonprofits in a variety of roles since 2003 and has been supporting youth development since 2001. With social services being at the cornerstone of his work, Drew has found a natural fit with SafeSpace's variety of programs and services. Building relationships has also always been important for Drew and he embraces the opportunity to do that with our supporters.

In his spare time Drew is often spending time deepening his connection with the earth and the communities where he's connected. He enjoys a variety of activities and finding ways to further community engagement.

Maja, MS LPC LMHC NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Welcome to Maja Addington PLLC, where healing and growth are at the heart of her offerings. Maja brings over a decade of experience in mental health, specializing in trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. With a compassionate and holistic approach, she integrates various therapeutic modalities to support clients on their journey toward inner peace and fulfillment.

Maja focuses on learning new creative hobbies to nourish herself. She is currently learning how to play the guitar and has a love for photography, journaling and cooking. Being outdoors in nature is how she grounds herself, as she walks mindfully in the forest with her dog Lola every morning.

Mercedes,

Administrative Assistant for Mind Body Youth Program

Mercedes is currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work with the end goal of becoming a therapist. She brings a wealth of experience from various healthcare settings, as well as with domestic and sexual assault agencies she has worked in.

With a deep commitment to community and family empowerment, Mercedes has always been passionate about enhancing safety, well-being, and support for those in need. Her passion for social justice aligns strongly with the mission of SafeSpace, and she is dedicated to contributing her skills to support the children and families served by the organization.

Outside of work, Mercedes enjoys being out in nature. Some of her hobbies are hiking, climbing, and skiing, as well as practicing yoga and experimenting with new baking recipes.

Ayme, LPC NCC

Licensed Meatal Health Provider

Ayme has been working with youth in schools for over 30 years. In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is also a Licensed School Counselor. Ayme received her Masters in Counseling from Idaho State University in 2000.

Ayme specializes in anxiety, grief and relationship challenges. Ayme uses a person centered approach along with narrative therapy in her work with youth. Having worked in the public school system for 25 years, Ayme is skilled in connecting with youth and supporting them in their journey.

Ayme is an avid knitter, trail runner and skier. These activities help her fill her own cup so she can be present with others working to refill their cups.

Becky

Administrative Asistant

More to come...