Meet Board Members
Meet Our 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.
Governance Board (Board of Directors)
President
President
Dr. Melvin J. Fields Jr.
(he, him)
Dr. Melvin J. Fields Jr. has more than three decades of local, state, and government leadership experience in the military, public schools, collegiate level, and non-profit. He credits his spiritual connection for everything he’s achieved including his marriage of 35 years. Both of their adult children earned STEM degrees from the University of Washington. Dr. Fields earned his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies with a focus on Social Justice from Saint Martin’s University.
Melvin has traveled around the world in service to his country and earned military honors and achievements during combat. Despite having worked hard to earn all the personal and professional accolades; belonging, safety, and peace has yet to be realized for him and many others here in Thurston County and beyond. Melvin enjoys spending time with family, traveling, going to the gym, learning new things, and reading.
“The truth is found in the origin stories of those who experienced trauma and negligence is produced when one chooses to be willfully ignorant about the happening.” -Melvin, 2023
Vice President
Vice President
Dr. Sarah Lloyd
(she, her)
“for the past three decades, Dr. Sarah Lloyd has successfully led teams in k-20 education, social work, crisis support, workforce development, and public service.
With this broad range of experiences, there aren’t many organizational challenges she hasn’t faced…and overcome. as a systemically-marginalized human determined to change the world, she has extensive lived-experience navigating the impact of inequitable structures first-hand. every single day. in nearly every way.
With degrees in communication, educational leadership, and social justice leadership, she actively blends the theoretical with practical application, Dr. Sarah Lloyd is uniquely positioned to give guidance and insight that is as brilliant and innovative as it is effective.”
Secretary
Board Member
Krystchen Robinson
(she/her)
Krystchen Robinson is a dedicated community advocate and insurance professional with more than ten years of experience in customer service, communication, and building trusted partnerships. She’s deeply invested in supporting youth and families in Thurston County.
She is an active champion of the TOGETHER! mission to create safe, stable housing pathways for younng people experiencing crisis. Krytschen is know for her ability to connect with others, uplift community voice, and bring people together around menaingful work.
Her passion for service, relationship building, and collaborative problem-solving drives her commitment to helping local youth thrive.
Board Members
Jack George
Board Member
Jack George
(he, him)
Jack George is a creative based in Washington State, he has carved a unique set of skills that has allowed him to thrive on many different artistic fronts such as graphic design, photography, and videography.
Owner of Jackama graphics & media. Jack has been commissioned for logo designs for business startups and franchises alike. Jack has experience in the following photography styles: graduation, headshots, family portraits, event, sport, wedding, landscape, concert, street, product and fashion photography, with many more styes being shot every day. Jack films, edits, and color grades his videos using industry standard recording equipment and software, he has shot interviews, music videos, drone footage, events, and more as his career continues to develop. Jackama is a nickname given to him that refers to his affiliation and enrollment with Yakama Nation, one of many federally recognized tribes here in Washington State.
Jack currently works full-time with Nisqually Indian Tribe as a multi-media specialist, his skillsets mentioned above are put to full use in his day-to-day work schedule. Jack aspires to be the best he can be and applies himself full-time, on and off the clock practicing his craft. With a heavy focus on cinematography and videography methods, he hopes to tell stories for organizations and people, as we all have a story to tell.
Quentesa Garraway
Board Member
Quentesa Garraway
(she/her)
Quentesa Garraway (pronounced “Quin-Tessa“) is an overcomer! Born and raised in the PNW, Quentesa found her truth, value and life purpose through her lifelong battle with her own personal diagnosis of mental disorders, and trauma. This lived experience has been the driving force in her supporting, and advocating for the voices, needs, and lives of youth and young adults of underrepresented and marginalized communities being heard, valued and taken seriously. Especially when it comes to common and standard human rights.
Quentesa is a product of the work and reach of TOGETHER!, spending several years with TOGETHER! as a Youth Prevention Advocate and community leader. She is a compassionate youth and young adult focused peer with a long and vast social service, faith based and community leadership upbringing. Through this level of familiarity her lived experience brings, Quentesa continues to work through systems of care as the Health Care Authority’s Youth Liaison by advocating for the continued growth of understanding, and importance of youth mental health awareness/ needs, implementing of DEIB trainings and education, and racial injustice reform.
Most recently she had the opportunity and privilege of supporting and working in her community, and with some amazing young people recently with the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration through DCYF. She loves to smile, loves to share a smile, and boldly stands to do the work that is needed to be done.
Kevin Benjamin
Board Member
Kevin Benjamin
(he/him)
Kevin Benjamin is a financial advisor based in Thurston County. His diverse background includes six years in the Air Force Reserve and eighteen years in healthcare experiences that reflect his dedication, compassion, and resilience. In 2023, he further expanded his impact by becoming a life coach, strengthening his ability to guide and support others through life’s challenges.
Kevin is driven by a genuine desire to build meaningful connections and help people navigate their unique paths with confidence. His professional and personal experiences align closely with TOGETHER!’s mission to advance the health, education, and well-being of students and families throughout Thurston County.
As a board member, Kevin is particularly inspired by TOGETHER!’s collaborative approach, bringing schools, families, and community partners together to create lasting, positive change. He is passionate about supporting youth, strengthening families, and helping ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
A lifelong Washington resident, Kevin values being an active part of the community he serves. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, he enjoys skiing, traveling, photography, concerts, and theatre.
Interested in serving on the TOGETHER! Board of Directors?
TOGETHER! is currently seeking Board Members with diverse professional and lived experience, with current emphasis in the areas of Finance, Governance, Fundraising, Community Outreach and Long-term Fund Development. See the Board Member Role Description to learn more.
Next Step: Complete our Board Interest Form to tell us a little about yourself, your experience, and your interest in TOGETHER!
Other Ways to Support Our Mission:
From past Board Members
“Serving on the board was an incredibly fulfilling experience. The intentional collaboration among board members, staff, and partner organizations created a powerful space for advancing social, racial, and educational justice. TOGETHER!’s commitment to equity and inclusion is reflected in every decision, and I encourage those with intersectional life experience to join and help deepen the impact.” – Charli Terminelli
“North Thurston Public Schools has partnered with TOGETHER! in prevention [and more]… 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
“The work TOGETHER! does in Thurston County is extremely important. TOGETHER!’s programs have a [long] history of making meaningful, positive change.” – Rick Hughes
“The organization’s mission is critically important for our community’s positive future.” – Celia Nightingale