Our Staff

Zay C. Smith, Jr., Executive Director

Zay has graduate training in Psychology and several years of experience providing emergency shelter services to homeless populations. In his previous position at another agency, he developed a new model for and managed an emergency shelter program for adolescents, where youth and their families were provided with intensive case management, crisis intervention and counseling. In addition, Zay has overseen programs providing long-term housing and life skills education for state dependent youth, as well as experience providing youth and family counseling and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. In addition to direct service experience, Zay brings expertise in grant-writing, evidenced-based practices, technology and program development and management. Zay is very excited about the opportunity to lead a new organization and is thrilled to be working in Anacortes. Zay may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (360) 293-2993, ext. 114.

Nicole Finley, Case Manager

Nicole has extensive experience working with homeless individuals and families, both in Northwest Washington and all over the world. She has provided intensive case management services to youth and families in various residential and shelter environments. In addition to case management, Nicole has experience developing and providing life skills education over a variety of domains. Nicole may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (360) 293-2993, ext. 111.

Karen Yost, Administrative Assistant / Volunteer Coordinator

Karen brings a multitude of experience to her work as Administrative Assistant / Volunteer Coordinator. Her career has been dedicated to the children and families of Anacortes, where in the past she served as Director of the early learning program. Karen brings her experience in community collaboration and volunteer development to her role as Volunteer Coordinator. We are very glad to have her experience and enthusiasm. Karen may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (360) 293-2993, ext. 112.