Board

The Board is designed as a forum to bring together representatives from a variety of backgrounds to strategically examine issues, to generatively create a vision for the organization, and foster collaboration and partnership, to collectively strengthen Thurston County's many diverse communities.

Meet Our Board

Board of Directors

President

Katherine Flynn (she, her)

"I am a retired pediatric nurse who dedicated my career and free time to supporting all youth to have their best life possible. I joined the TOGETHER! Board because I am drawn to their core value of community, school, and family mobilization. I am honored to serve with leaders who base their decisions and programs on the latest research, best practices and evidence-based programs."

Treasurer-Secretary

Lauren Clinton, M.Ed (she, her)

Lauren Clinton is a school counselor at Chinook Middle School and has been in North Thurston Public Schools for eight years. Lauren earned her BA from University of Washington, Seattle, her M.Ed from Seattle Pacific University, and her administrative credentials from University of Washington, Tacoma. Her passion in education surrounds restorative justice and implementing community school programs. She is excited to collaborate with TOGETHER! to further the development of these programs in schools.

Board Member

Massiel Aspron (she, her)

Massiel Aspron, Psy.D. is an East Coast transplant who fell in love with the West Coast in her original move in 2005. Dr. Aspron’s career has always focused on the study of human behavior and commitment to service in her community. As an undergraduate, she double majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice & Criminology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Aspron completed a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology in Washington, D.C. and subsequently moved to California to complete a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, San Diego. Dr. Aspron has two decades of experience providing therapeutic and assessment services to individuals, families, and children. Most recently, she works as a multilingual clinical supervisor for Wraparound services in Thurston County. Dr. Aspron’s interests in mental health research and developments include trauma resilience and diversity, accessibility, and de-stigmatization of mental health services in vulnerable populations.

As a military spouse, she is also dedicated to cultivating relationships with military communities and is involved in several veteran fitness groups and organizations. Dr. Aspron is a self-described fitness junkie. She is a life-long runner and registered power yoga teacher. Her other most favorite things in life include creating art with her spouse and children, longboarding, reading memoirs, and attending live music shows. Dr. Aspron is excited to bring her energy, education, and experience to help improve the lives of youth and families in Thurston County.

Board Member

Nicolette Slaughter (she, her)

Nicolette Slaughter has earned a Bachelor's in Health Science at California State University of Fullerton and her MBA in Healthcare Management at Western Governs University. She was drawn to join the Board of Directors of TOGETHER! because of their long-standing commitment to serve young children and marginzlied communities in our Capital region. She is looking fowrard to giving back to this community and growing with the TOGETHER! team and families. Her background is in Behavioral Health. She has a strong passion for community and is on a mission to ensure all young people have access to alternateive health care that best serves that individual. She is a Community Engagement Manager at MultiCare -- serving communities across the state of Washington. Outside of work, Nicolette runs a nonprofit called Black Fitness EVents, which focuses on ensuring BIPOC populations (in Seattle-Tacoma area) have access to wellness events in spaces where they feel a sense of belonging. She enjoys outdoor walking, hiking, and lifting weights with her husband who is a firefighter and their 11-month old son. "Thank you TOGETHER! for allowing me to join your team and helping to serve this community!"

Vice President

Nicole Colgan (she, her)

Nicole earned her BA in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame with a concentration in Human Resources/Organizational Development. She brings over a decade of diverse experience in human resource adminsitration in financial services, hospitality, manufacturing, education, and state government.

Currently, Nicole is Vice President of Human Resources for Ideal Option, a national leader in office-based medication-assisted treatment for addiction to opioids, alcohol, and other substances. Her passion for mission driven organizations that serve our youth, senions and families drew her to join the Board of TOGETHER!.

Board Member

Raul Rodriguez, Jr. (he, him)

My name is Raul G. Rodriguez Jr., I work as a FBH Certified Peer Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional Trainee.

I am a strong advocate for Social Justice, Disrupting and Dismantling Systemic Barriers, and Dversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I “stand” in the gap for those still learning to “stand” on their own.

My professional interests include continuing my education and obtaining my BA and MA in Cultural Psychology, Activism through Action, and Volunteering in Community Outreach events. In addition, I serve on the Board of Directors for TOGETHER! and I am a member and participant of a few other Nonprofit Organizations in the Community.

My personal hobbies include hiking locally, martial arts, gardening, working out, and most recently, raising a puppy.

PHOTO HERE

Position Vacant

Name (pronouns)

Consider joining us! Reach out to find out how...

position vacant

Currently the TOGETHER! Board has more than one vacant position. Interested in applying? Service terms are 3 years long, and service is limited to 3 terms (9 total years). Questions? Email us at info@watogether.org to connect.

Ready to apply?Complete and submit an application, and email it to info@watogether.org.Let's partner to help you utitlize your knowledge, passions and life experience to further our mission, vision, and values.

Honoring our Late Board Member José S. Gutierrez Jr, M.Ed, MIT (he, him)

José S. Gutierrez Jr. was a cherished community member, servant and educator who believed in and dedicated his life to peace, healing, and justice. He pursued these commitments as a scholar, professor, cultural ambassador, public servant, and business leader. José was a volunteer with TOGETHER! since 2009, and served on the TOGETHER! Board of Directors August 2016 until his passing in fall 2021.

Ready to roll up your sleeves?

If you’re ready to advance the health and wellbeing of all young people, join TOGETHER! on our mission. To apply to join our Board of Directors, please fill out the Board of Directors Application and email to:
info@watogether.org

APPLY HERE

Ways to Support Our Mission:

What past Board Members have to say about TOGETHER!

"The work TOGETHER! does in Thurston County is extremely important. TOGETHER!’s programs have a 20-year history of making meaningful, positive change in the lives of at-risk children. Every child who is touched by TOGETHER! has a substantially better chance of leading a productive, healthy life."

- Rick Hughes

"The organization’s mission is critically important for our community’s positive future."

- Celia Nightingale

"North Thurston Public Schools has partnered with TOGETHER! in the prevention of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse among our youth. ... I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the TOGETHER! program has made on the students in Thurston County. I am honored to work collaboratively with a community-based organization such as TOGETHER! ... ."

- Karen Johnson