By addressing food insecurity with compassion and dignity, we help create a brighter future for Central Oregon.
Meet our Team
Working together to feed our neighbors in need.
Executive Director
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What do I love about TGP:
The thing I love most about being part of The Giving Plate is the incredible people I’m surrounded by—both my team and the families we serve. Every day, their stories, resilience, and kindness fill my heart in ways that drive me. It’s not just a “job” for me; it’s a calling, a passion, and an honor to walk alongside such beautiful people as we work together to create a community of hope and compassion.
Feeding Hope Means to Me:
For me, feeding hope means showing someone going through a difficult time that their circumstances don’t define them or their worth. Life can be incredibly tough, but that doesn't define who someone is. When we extend kindness, compassion, and a reminder that they’re not alone, we help people see beyond their current struggles. That hope, once ignited, is the foundation of resilience. Without it, it’s hard to see beyond the immediate struggles, and one will often stay stuck in them. But when hope is present, it helps people move forward and envision a future brighter than the challenges they face.
Random Fact:
Right out of high school, I traveled to several third-world countries with an organization called YWAM, including the Philippines, Japan, Nepal, India, Laos, and Cambodia. Cambodia, in particular, captured and broke my heart. I was deeply moved by the children I met, many of whom had been rescued from the streets and sex trafficking. That experience stirred something powerful within me—a deep sense of purpose in helping others. I returned on my own for four months to teach English and work with an organization that helped rescue children. Those travels shaped my life’s journey and showed me the true gift of giving back.
Executive
Assistant
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What I love most about working with The Giving Plate is that the emotional support we offer is just as important as the tangible work of providing food to those in need. It gives me the opportunity to share my heart, spread joy, and make people feel good!
To me, feeding hope is about showing people that they matter, regardless of their circumstances. Feeding hope is about lifting spirits, offering compassion, and reminding others that they are seen and cared for. No matter where you are in life, you always matter!
Random fact: Prior to the pandemic, I was a full-time international yoga teacher. I have had the privilege of traveling to 14 different countries to share my love of yoga.
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What do you love about working with The Giving Plate?
The camaraderie of the staff and volunteers. Bringing new ideas to a group of people who are always looking for better ways to serve our community.
What does feeding hope mean to you?
Knowing that we provide people the opportunity to take a breath. To be able to take a moment of stress and worry off of their shoulders so they can focus on something besides where the next meal is going to come from.
What is a random fact about you?
I took a 28 day cross country road trip with my son when he was 14. We saw so many amazing places and made some great memories!
Senior
Operations
Manager
Development
Lead
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In my time at The Giving Plate, I've gained a deep appreciation for the team I am honored to work alongside. They are compassionate, accepting, respectful, and open-hearted individuals who offer such unique gifts and come together for the common goal of fighting hunger and feeding hope.
To me, feeding hope means going beyond meeting the physical needs of our community. While we may not fully comprehend the depth of our guests' struggles, we acknowledge the incredible courage it takes to seek help and persevere. Feeding hope means offering acceptance, encouragement, empathy, respect, and support and fostering genuine connections.
Fun fact about me: I was born and raised in Massachusetts, but I have lived in Bend longer than I lived in MA.
Program
Lead
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I love working with a group of like minded people who truly are wanting to make a difference in our community. To have the opportunity to love people in some of their most vulnerable seasons of their lives, and remind them that they are worthy, loved and seen, is priceless.
Feeding Hope means to me, even if you have hit rock bottom, the only place to go is UP. There is hope for your future, and if that means that even one more day that we are able to encourage someone to get through- I am here for it!
A random fact about me is that I LOVE the Oregon Coast. My hubby and I were engaged in Pacific City, in 2008.
Program
Manager
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What I love most about working at The Giving Plate is the privilege of knowing our guests! I enjoy the simple things like a smile filled greeting from a child coming to Kids Korner or a story about a man’s best furry friend and I cherish the moments when our guests share their trials and their triumphs.
Feeding hope is about creating space for someone to express their story, it's about affirming them while reminding them that their current challenges are just one chapter, it’s about offering encouragement, so they can navigate their journey with renewed strength and optimism.
Hard to choose just one random fact about me…I am a quilter, more artsy than traditional. Perhaps best known for learning the rules of quilting only to break them!
Community
Engagement
Manager
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What I love most about working with The Giving Plate is the opportunity to serve my community alongside an incredible team.
To me, feeding hope means addressing not just hunger, but also the deeper needs of our guests.
A fun fact about me: In 3rd grade, my favorite teacher, Brian Horne, moved up to 4th grade to stay with students he connected with, including me. He nicknamed me "Ramona" after Ramona Quimby, Age 8, and we still keep in touch today.
Warehouse
Manager
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I love working at The Giving Plate. It is such a beautiful work environment working with the very best people. and getting to help people on top of that is the best feeling. We are truly a family here.
Feeding Hope means not just feeding people with food but feeding their hearts as well, meeting them where they are in the moment. Letting them know that they are cared for and loved.
A Random fact about me is I'm from Aurora Illinois and My parents and brothers and myself were all born there in the same hospital.
Warehouse
lead
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I love working at The Giving Plate because supporting the people around you is the best investment anyone can make, and that's what I enjoy doing! Not to mention all of my amazing friends I get to work with on the daily! Food is also an absolute necessity and giving access to grocery items, produce, dairy, and eggs, you’ve got yourself a full pantry at home and full bellies as well.
Feeling hope is something that no one wants to go through, let alone think about, until you are hopeless and you need support. For some people support comes easy from friends or family neighbors even, but for others it can be a bit challenging or seemingly impossible. Whatever the need is big or small, The Giving Plate can be that thing that fills those gaps or gives you a shoulder to lean on, or to just be present in the moment.
One random fact about me: Hmm, so many to choose from. If I had to pick one, it would have to be that despite being surrounded by confectionary desserts and pastries galore, I have in fact lost interest in sweet treats. But that’s ok, that means there’s more for you guys!
Volunteer
Manager
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What do you love about working with The Giving Plate?
I love connecting with so many people- from our volunteers, guests, to staff. I am so grateful to be a part of such a welcoming, kind community!
What does feeding hope mean to you?
Feeding hope means uplifting people when they need it most. With empathy and support, you can make others feel seen and valued.
What is a random fact about you?
I love to climb at Smith Rock!
Volunteer
Lead
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I love working alongside like minded individuals who share a genuine heart to serve. Together, we create a supportive and compassionate environment where making a difference in others' lives is our collective mission. It's inspiring to be part of a team that is unified by purpose and driven by the desire to uplift those facing a hard season.
Feeding hope means more than just providing food; it's about creating a supportive environment helping those in need get through these tough moments with dignity.
A random fact about me: I love being outdoors enjoying nature and spend my free time hiking whenever I can.
To contact a team member of The Giving Plate, please email info@thegivingplate.org.
Accounting Team
Paul Adams
Co-Owner of Deep Roots
Business Solutions
Nicki Zink
Co-Owner of Deep Roots
Business Solutions
Tracie Layman
Bookkeeper
(Volunteer)
