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
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 successful workforce system.
[email protected]
Amy Snow
TC Futures Administrator
My name is Amy Snow, 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]
Felipe Zavala
TC Futures Administrator
I have been with TC Futures since it's opening in 2019. I began as a case manager to support the Kennewick School District and later as a regional coordinator where I supported our regional districts: Ki-Be, Columbia, Finley, Connell, and Prosser. I now supervise the TC Futures Open Doors case managers and assist with additional administrative responsibilities. I'm passionate about supporting the staff and working to create continued success for our students. When not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, a round of golf every now and again, and going for a run. Go Seahawks and Huskies!
509.537.1750 | [email protected]
Rosa 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
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]
Zachary "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]
Matthew 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 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
TC Futures Specialist
Hey, I'm Chad Stephens, TC Futures Specialist. 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!
[email protected]
Mariana 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]
Adreana Gonzalez
Migrant Program Re-Engagement Specialist
Hi, I’m Adreana Gonzalez, a Migrant Re-engagement Specialist at TC Futures. I joined the team in May 2024 and have the privilege of working closely with out-of-school youth, helping them reconnect with the education, employment, and resources they need to move forward in life.
I was born and raised in the Tri-Cities area, and as a mom of one, I’ve developed a strong passion for supporting young people—especially those who may be facing similar challenges to the ones I experienced earlier in life. My goal is to be a trusted resource and mentor, offering not only practical support but also encouragement and understanding. I bring an outgoing and approachable personality to my role, which helps me build strong, authentic connections with the youth I serve.
Rocio 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 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 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 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 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]
Charlette Gilbert
TC Futures Case Manager
My name is Charlette, and I have been working with students for over 10 years providing support, mentorship, and resources. With a background in Business Administration, I initially explored a career in business but found my true passion for helping others while staying home with my kids. This experience led me to focus on working with youth, where I am able to make a direct and meaningful impact in their lives.
I have a lot of empathy and am committed to helping others succeed. I thrive on creating environments where students feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals. I enjoy helping the youth with problem-solving, always with a focus on fostering personal and academic growth.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, playing games, and indulging in my love for thrifting.
[email protected]
Ryan Harvey
TC Futures Instructional Coach
Ryan Harvey joined TC Futures in August 2024, bringing decades of experience in teaching, coaching, and mentoring. Raised on Orcas Island as one of six siblings, he values the power of relationships in motivating others to achieve their goals. With 20 years as a football coach and nine years as a social studies teacher and behavior interventionist, Ryan is dedicated to helping individuals build confidence and realize their potential. As a certified mental performance coach, he equips clients with strategies to develop habits for lasting success. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys time with his wife and three sons.
[email protected]
Gustavo Gonzalez
Youth Employment Specialist
Hello, my name is Gustavo Gonzalez, and I am a Youth Employment Specialist at TC Futures. With a background in working with underserved youth, I am passionate about helping young people reach their full potential by providing guidance and resources that enable them to succeed in their education and careers.
In addition to my role at TC Futures, I am also the Head Coach for Hanford Boys and Girls Soccer, where I use the sport as a tool to teach life skills such as leadership, perseverance, and comradery in our program.
In my position, I focus on connecting youth with employment opportunities, vocational training, and educational support to help them achieve their goals. My dedication to empowering youth drives me to support them through their challenges and celebrate their successes as they work toward a brighter future!
[email protected]
Juana Rodriguez
TC Futures Bilingual Case Manager
Hi! My name is Juana. I am a TC Futures Bilingual Case Manager, working with youth in the regional districts. Prior to this role, I worked as a bilingual paraprofessional at TC Futures, gaining valuable experience in supporting students.
My goal is to reduce barriers that may prevent teens/young adults from achieving their personal and academic goals, empowering them to thrive. By offering a compassionate and resourceful approach, I strive to make a positive impact on their journey towards success.
[email protected]