Meet Our Team

MELANIE

Melanie Olson

TC Futures Director

Hello! My name is Melanie Olson. I am the TC Futures Center Director. I have over 20 years of working in the field of human services, focusing on person-centered care. I have a master's degree in education, Counseling. I am a Licensed Behavioral Health Counselor (LMHC) and Substance Use Disorders Professional (SUDP). I am highly invested in the improvement of our community and the people that live here. I have served on various boards and committees and am excited to continue service through my position at TC Futures!

509-537-1710 | [email protected]


Heather Woodruff

Heather Woodruff 

Program Operator

My name is Heather, and I work for Career Path Services overseeing employment and training services at TC Futures and WorkSource Columbia Basin. I have 10+ years’ experience in workforce development as an Employment Specialist and Program Manager, and am currently Program Operator of several Title 1b and discretionary grants in Benton and Franklin counties. I am also a Certified Business Engagement Specialist. I believe that high performance and effective partnerships are the pillars of a success workforce system.

[email protected]


Amy Baxter

Amy Baxter

TC Futures Administrator

My name is Amy Baxter, and I am the Program Administrator for TC Futures. I enjoy helping students and clients reach their goals. I assist the team to help remove any barriers which may be in the way to success! I have a daughter and two dogs and have lived in the Tri-Cities my whole life. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, reading, and going to CrossFit.

509-537-1710 | [email protected]


Rosa CardenasRosa Cardenas

Customer Service Specialist

Hi, my name is Rosa Cardenas. My position at TC Futures is as a Customer Service Specialist. It is an honor to be a part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of young adults. My background is in customer service. Coming from a disadvantaged background myself, I put myself in other people’s shoes. I make it a point to make sure that everyone walking through our center feels welcomed and know they are not just a number. We are here to help, and we care for the success of every individual. My reward is seeing the smiles of our students when they accomplish their goals!

509.537.1710 | [email protected]


Marla McMackin Marla McMackin

TC Futures Employment Specialist

Hello, my name is Marla McMackin, and I am the Lead Youth Program Employment Specialist Case Manager for TC Futures. My background is in business management and leadership, which allows me to connect effectively with both youth participants and employers to assist youth and young adults in continued training, education, and employment opportunities. I enjoy learning about what motivates our participants, understand their barriers, and helping them gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to obtain their educational and employment goals. 

The youth program offers many benefits including employment opportunities, occupational skills training, apprenticeship opportunities, GED and continued education assistance, young adult mentoring, and additional support services. The best part of my job is witnessing our participants learn, grow, and achieve their goals to enhance their daily lives.

509-342-5129 | [email protected]


ZacZachary "Zac" Shileika

Youth Employment Practitioner

Hi, My name is Zac. I am a Youth Employment Practitioner at TC Futures and the hospitality sector representative for the WorkSource Columbia Basin’s business solutions team. My background includes experience in the aerospace, warehousing, supply chain management, construction, general crime victim advocacy, domestic violence advocacy, juvenile rehabilitation, and workforce development industries. I also have experience with non-profit governance and working with state legislators to educate them about the needs of crime victims in our great state. My experiences have taught me to never quit and that anything is possible. TC Futures is a great place to figure out where you want to go and how to get there while getting assistance with overcoming any barriers.

 

509-342-5124 | [email protected]


Felipe ZavalaFelipe Zavala

TC Futures Regional Coordinator

As the TC Futures Regional Coordinator, I support the Columbia, Finley, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, and Prosser School Districts and their GED students. Our program offers the same GED support to students residing in the districts mentioned as those residing in the Tri-Cities. We cover the cost of the GED tests and students can test here at TC Futures. Students from the districts I work with also have the opportunity to take their GED tests remotely if certain prerequisites are met. If you or someone you know resides in one of these districts and is interested in graduating with their GED, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Aside from my time at TC Futures I love spending time with my family, finding time to watch a good football or basketball game, and the never-ending quest to find a good golf swing.

509-537-4103 (call or text) | [email protected]


MatthewMatthew Russell

Guest Resource Specialist

I have a diverse professional background in a variety of fields, from cook to illustrator to Class B CDL driver. My background, personal journey, and experience allows me to guide my clients as they explore employment and educational opportunities. I enjoy assisting our customers with job search and interview skills, identifying industries of interest, researching continuing education opportunities, and helping them develop their own unique career path.

509-824-1963 | [email protected]


Augustine Gonzalez

Augustine Gonzales (He/Him)

Case Manager/Housing Case Manager

Hello, my name is Augustine, but most call me Augie. I am a GED plus Case Manager/Housing Case Manager. I spent my last seven years working as an Outpatient Behavioral Health Case Manager and Care Coordinator. I have experience with assisting individuals of all ages navigating the various community resources which can be confusing and overwhelming. I am excited to be part of the TC Futures Team! I look forward to working with our team at TC Futures in providing the support to our students to attain their GED and attaining any goal they wish to achieve.

509-537-6268 | [email protected]


Chad Stephens

Chad Stephens

Testing Specialist

Hey, I'm Chad Stephens, Testing Specialist at TC Futures. I know firsthand how hard it can be growing up with unfavorable circumstances and want to show our clients they can succeed and TC Futures is here to help. My focus is on providing testing services, mainly GED tests for at-risk youth. I aim to create a supportive and stress-free space for them to excel. Beyond the exams, I enjoy connecting with these individuals and showing them we care about helping them reach their goals. Join me in making a positive impact through education and testing services at TC Futures. Let's open doors together!


Malorie KahlMalorie Kahl

Regional Attendance and Re-Engagement Coordinator

My name is Malorie Kahl, and I am the Regional Attendance and Re-Engagement Coordinator. The program supports our ESD 123 region to help students attend school regularly and succeed academically through professional development and direct service to youth. I support the TC Futures case managers and students as a certified teacher through individual support and consultations. My background is in upper elementary and middle school, and I am passionate for reducing barriers for youth to succeed in their education and life.

 509-544-5781 | [email protected]


Mariana GaminoMariana Gamino

Migrant Program Re-Engagement Specialist

Hello! I'm Mariana Gamino, the Migrant Program Re-Engagement Specialist, and I joined the team in September 2023. After earning a BA in psychology with a major in criminal justice from WSU Tri-Cities, I spent two years as a victim advocate supporting survivors of various crimes. As the first in my family to attend college, I understand the challenges that may arise from balancing education, work, and other life obstacles. My goal is to provide support and encouragement to the youth throughout their journey at TC Futures. I'm thrilled to be part of the team and am looking forward to working with everyone.

509-544-5724 | [email protected]


AlessandroAlessandro Llamas Ibarra

Youth Employment Specialist Case Manager

Hi, my name is Alessandro Llamas, I am a Youth Employment Specialist Case Manager for TC Futures. A little bit about me: I graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor’s of Science of Integrative Studies: Psychology & Communications. Before TC Futures, I was in the Kennewick School District as a District Wide Behavior Interventionist for about four years. My role there was to work with students K-12 who had social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. I deeply enjoy working with the youth in our community to create positive relationships to help them succeed in whatever they want to do. Outside of work, I also coach soccer here in the community, so I’m constantly involved with the youth.

I am very excited to be a part of TC Futures as I believe what we do here is great and very resourceful for the youth in our community. What I like the most about our program is that it’s self-driven and allows for individuals to take responsibility, learn accountability, and acquire a variety of transferable skills that can open up a lot of opportunities in order for them to succeed. There is a great feeling in watching others grow and succeed in both personal and professional level.


Rocio MarquezRocio Marquez

TC Futures Case Manager

Hi! My name is Rocio. I am a TC Futures Case Manager, working with the students in the Richland School District. Prior to working at TC Futures, I worked as a Victim Advocate and found my passion in working with youth. Being at TC Futures, I hope to be a positive contributing person in the lives of the students, help them overcome any barriers they are facing, as well as connect them to resources that will help close those gaps. I hope to celebrate every milestone and encourage young adults to reach the goals they have set for themselves. I am a proud first-gen who graduated from WSU, so GO COUGS!!! I am a huge foodie, love taking naps, and enjoy burying myself in a good book.

[email protected]


Mitzy RodriguezMitzy Rodriguez (she/her)

TC Futures Case Manager

iHola! My name is Mitzy! I am a bilingual TC Futures Case Manager. My goal is to help individuals define success for themselves and help them achieve it. I understand that success can look very different for every person, so I am adaptable and willing to follow your plan if that is what it takes. Remember that you are in control, and we are here to provide the resources to get you where you want to be. Although I will be working closely with individuals in the Pasco School District, I am also happy to be a resource to all. Let’s get started today!

[email protected]


Joshua HawesJoshua Hawes

TC Futures Case Manager

Hello, my name is Joshua Hawes, and I am an Open Doors Kennewick Case Manager. I have many years of experience working with individuals who need assistance navigating social service resources within their communities. Prior to TC Futures, I spent the last two years working as Foundational Community Supports Referral Specialist for Compass Career Solutions. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, lifting weights, hanging out with my family/dogs, and eating! I am excited to be part of the TC Futures Team! I look forward to working with our team at TC Futures in providing the support to our students to attain their GED and attaining any goal they wish to achieve.

509-827-1529 | [email protected]


Sara ElkinsSara Elkins

TC Futures Case Manager

Hello! My name is Sara, and I am a GED Case Manager at TC Futures. I have lived and worked in the Tri-Cities community for over 20 years. I have experience working in public education and social service organizations where I have provided support to individuals of all ages to help them achieve their educational and employment goals. I am excited to be part of the TC Futures Team. We have an amazing team of professionals who are passionate about supporting youth as they work toward their goals. I look forward to helping the youth in our community to learn and grow, whether it be providing tutoring assistance, connecting youth with community resources, or helping students plan next steps after attaining their GED.

509-975-0880 | [email protected]

Gabriella ClarkGabriella Clark

TC Futures Case Manager

Hola! I am Gabriella Clark. I am a GED Plus Case Manager working with youth in Kennewick School District. I am fluent in three languages and hope to keep our team and clients connected and informed! Excitement best describes my personality and the spirit of perseverance my attitude. I look forward to becoming a pillar of support at TC Futures for all our Kennewick enrollees’ needs.

[email protected]

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