Email: alvaro@fara4kids.org

Alvaro Ortega (AKA Al) is the Dome Spe Program Manager & Shelter Supervisor and an Outgrowing Power, Anger, and Control (OPAC) facilitator. FARA holds a special place in Al’s heart as he was Robert Miller’s commuting buddy while they attended the university together. During that time Al and Robert had many conversations of a program that would meet people where they are at. In those conversations FARA was born. Al graduated from the College of Education at the University of Oregon with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Family and Human Services. Fast Forward to the present, when an opportunity came open to be a part of the team at FARA, Al could not be more thankful and delighted to join. Before joining FARA, Al spent 5 years working for a local Relief Nursery, working closely with high-risk families and children as a Bus Driver, Home Visitor, and Early Childhood Teacher in a therapeutic classroom. Al aspires to inspire families to be an agent of change for themselves by being understanding, empathetic, and encouraging as they are going through the “stormy” seasons in their life. Al is the father of two pre-teen daughters with whom he shares custody. While spending time with his daughters they enjoy being “fan-people” meaning they are avid fans of comics, books, Star Wars, Disney, and the Wizarding World. If you know you know. On top of nerd bonding, Al enjoys doing all the PNW stuff like hiking, camping, and river days. Al enjoys pretty much anything comedic from lighthearted humor to the “less tasteful” comedy. Al lives behind the motto of “There is always something to smile about.”

Dome Spe Shelter Supervisor

Chasteen Brazil is the Youth Shelter Supervisor here at Dome Spe. She has several years of experience in human services, working with youth, young children, families, and adults. Her background also includes addiction treatment, along with leadership in management and administrative positions.

Chasteen is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment and enjoys working closely with youth, children, and adults to support their growth and well-being.

Outside of work, Chasteen loves spending time with her 11-year-old son, Rylann. She is an avid Persian cat lover and treasures time with her niece, Oakley, and nephew, Hudson. A big Disney fan, Chasteen enjoys bringing joy and fun into both her personal and professional life.

Youth Advocate

Whitnee Ward is a dedicated Youth Shelter Advocate with a deep passion for supporting and guiding children and youth. With a heart for service, she works each day to create a safe and nurturing environment where young people can find hope, stability, and encouragement.

Outside of her work, Whitnee is a proud mother of three and has shared a lifelong journey with her high school sweetheart, now her spouse. She finds joy in playing guitar and baking, both of which give her opportunities to connect, create, and bring comfort to others.

Whitnee’s commitment to her community stems from her belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Kiana Diaz is a Youth Advocate at Dome Spe with over a decade of experience working with children, teens, and families. Her background includes roles in childcare, special education, and one-on-one mentoring, all of which have deepened her passion for helping young people feel safe, seen, and empowered. She is currently pursuing her degree in Art Therapy, blending her love for creativity and psychology to support healing, growth, and self-expression.

Outside of work and school, Kiana enjoys painting, dancing, practicing yoga, and spending time in nature. She finds joy in small, everyday moments - whether that’s sharing laughter with loved ones, sipping peppermint tea, or soaking up sunshine with her cat. She brings this same warmth, authenticity, and open-hearted approach into her advocacy work, hoping to encourage youth to embrace their strengths and discover joy in their own journeys.

Kaylin serves as a Youth Advocate here at Dome Spe. She holds an Associate of Arts degree with coursework focused in social and behavioral sciences and brings valuable insight from her previous work experience both as a CNA and as a classroom assistant in a Child Development Center.

As the oldest of five siblings, Kaylin has always had a natural role in guiding and caring for others. She is passionate about working with youth, believing that one genuine connection can have a pivotal impact in a young person’s life.

Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts and live music events, testing her knowledge at trivia nights, and playing disc golf.