Our Team
Renew Northwest Staff
Steven Shetterly
Director
Steven led the launch of a refugee resettlement office in Bellingham and served as its manager for over four years. He has years of experience connecting with community organizations and faith groups to educate, mobilize, and coordinate services for immigrants. A Western Washington University graduate, he lived in Southeast Asia for six years while teaching English and gaining a Master’s Degree in TESOL. He has pursued advanced studies in theology at Regent College in Vancouver and has served in a staff position at a local church.
Charity Garza
Community Engagement Manager
Charity is a Whatcom County native who was deeply involved in the launch of refugee resettlement efforts in the community. Her professional background is in direct service to immigrant communities, and she is particularly passionate about caring for children and families. She spearheaded efforts to start a successful family literacy ESL program as well as a summer School Readiness Program for refugee students which served dozens of local refugee youth. Her new role at Renew Northwest is focused on increasing our community capacity to welcome and support immigrants.
Missy Schack
Direct Services Manager
Missy has previously served as a case manager for refugees being resettled in Whatcom County and is experienced at navigating services, collaborating with community partners and advocating for her clients. She was introduced to the world of immigrant services through her volunteer work with Houston Welcomes Refugees while living in Houston TX, and she was excited to find that the same sort of work was ongoing in Whatcom County as well. Missy graduated from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China with a degree in Chinese Language.
Advisory Board
Kevin Park
Advisory Board
Kevin is passionate about walking alongside those experiencing grief, trauma and loss, having launched and overseen a training program for chaplains after many years of serving as a chaplain himself. Kevin grew up in Suriname, has spent significant time in multiple countries, and desires to see Whatcom County continue to welcome and support our new neighbors wherever they come from. He has experience serving on multiple local nonprofit boards and leadership teams.
Lucia Zamora
Advisory Board
Lucia is a Salvadorian refugee that arrived to the US in 2022. She is a professional with a strong interest in education, personal growth and practical problem solving. She currently works with a state agency helping children and families in Washington to access childcare benefits. Lucia is also a member of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission and cares deeply about social justice, respect for all and sustainability issues.
Saed Abdou
Advisory Board
Saed Abdou came to the United States as an immigrant from Palestine and now calls Bellingham home. Drawing from his own journey and his work alongside the local Syrian and broader Arabic-speaking community, he has played a key role in helping new arrivals find connection and belonging. His insights highlight both the challenges and rewards of building a flourishing, rooted community together.
Shawn Dooley
Advisory Board
Shawn is a Whatcom County resident who spent his career in sales, marketing, and business development positions. He has worked with customers in 17 countries, consulting for food product exporters around the globe. His experience also includes time as the CEO and Development Officer for the Oregon FFA and an interim Executive Director position with the Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County.
Yrladis Rivas
Advisory Board
For Yrladis, the motivation toward social work comes from her personal journey and her love for family and community. Originally from Venezuela, she came to this country as a refugee, seeking safety and a better future for her family, and through that experience she learned firsthand what it means to have a strong network of caring and supportive people by your side. Yrladis is grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen support systems that allow individuals and families to feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Wendy Powell
Advisory Board
Bio and photo coming soon.