Office Staff Bios
ZACHARY WHELAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Zachary Whelan has worked on criminal justice reform for over a decade leading community-based organizations focused on creating innovative solutions to heal the impacts of incarceration on children and families. He was the Program Coordinator of a violence prevention program on Boston's North Shore, Director of the Orleans County Community Justice Project in Vermont, Associate Director of Restorative Resources in Sonoma County, and is currently the Executive Director of Project Avary.
KELLENE VANBRACKLE, PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Kellene VanBrackle found her calling to serve children back in 2006 when she started working at residential treatment centers. She is committed to forming deep relationships with youth and families, a necessary step in healing trauma. As noted by Kellene’s colleague "Kellene’s attention to detail and devotion to the little things add up to the most magnificent experiences for the Avary community. She consistently goes above and beyond to produce small acts of kindness. For example, I remember her staying up late before a retreat to personally make little care packages for the kids, which in her eyes (and heart) was just as important as making sure the lunches were packed.” When she’s not busy making care packages for the Avary community, she enjoys zooming around San Francisco on her e-bike with her husband (aka “Chef Will”) and 4 y.o. kiddo, and taking advantage of all the city has to offer. She is an avid baker and sweet treat connoisseur, and is constantly perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe. In addition to her tie dye projects with Project Avary youth, she has become passionate about up-cycling and gives new life to old garments with the magic of dye.
DAVID SIEGEL, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
David Siegel has always been inspired by the enthusiasm for life which children seem to posses in abundance. He has dedicated his life to learning from young people, and has done so within a variety of clinical, academic, and community settings. He has worked as a preschool teacher, preschool director, behavior therapist, researcher, and is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. David is a child of a previously incarcerated parent, and is honored to bring his personal insights to Project Avary as Director of Program Development. When he’s not working, David loves to practice yoga, hike the trails of Marin County, sing on youtube, and travel California in his self-converted camper van. He is filled with gratitude for being able to learn, play, and grow with the beautiful adults and youth within the Avary community.
AMY DELEON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Amy DeLeon grew up in the South, spending her time playing outdoors under the Georgia pine trees. After moving all over (from Nashville to Asheville to New York City), her love of the outdoors brought her to the Bay Area where she lives with her husband and young son. She claims serendipity led her to Project Avary, as she was kismetly introduced to the organization through a neighbor at the exact time a position opened up. Shortly after, she began working for Project Avary and uncovered her passion for self-discovery & growth, therapeutic healing modalities, children, social justice, and connecting people to the heart of this important work. She loves telling rich stories, designing beautiful graphics, and spending time in community with the Avary Family. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking and relaxing outdoors (especially near a body of water or in a forest), yoga, dining at amazing restaurants, and planning her next adventure.
AMBROSIA PHOUMMATHEP, OFFICE MANAGER
Ambrosia Phoummathep-Winspear has been working in the public for the past 10 years with experience in finance and office management. She has a true passion for working with youth and helping them to create brighter futures. She is a Bay Area native who enjoys spending time with her family & friends, trying new foods and volunteering in her community.
WILLIAM GUILLEN, FAMILY ADVOCATE
William Guillen is a bilingual Bay Area native and current Family Advocate for Project Avary. Having experience working with children of various ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses has helped him learn to effectively bridge programming goals for the Avary youth. In addition to his experience, he also has formal training in various areas of education and youth development and has participated in vast training aimed at relationship building, youth development, overcoming obstacles, and addressing the needs of our communities.
ALEX ESCALANTE, FAMILY ADVOCATE & Program Manager
Originally from Los Angeles, Alex Escalante spent the last decade using trauma informed practices and social-emotional learning to work with at-risk youth in the New York City public schools. As a teaching artist, Alex utilized drama therapy based techniques to facilitate workshops that directed its participants towards self-awareness and empowerment. With a degree in dance from SUNY Purchase, he also worked/works as a choreographer, dancer, photographer and carpenter. A father of 2 amazing girls, Alex is an avid nature enthusiast enjoying surfing, biking and camping amongst many other things.
BETH BALDWIN, FUND DEVELOPMENT
Beth Baldwin has been working in finance for nonprofit organizations since 2005. She has a BS Degree in Sociology and has studied financial accounting at WCC in Washington State. Her interest in restorative justice began in her youth as the daughter of two magistrates. She is committed to maintaining the financial health and stability for organizations which foster sustainable values and quality of life for all community members.
