Staff
Erin O'Dell, Executive Director (she/her/hers)
Erin has led the Orcas Community Resource Center (formerly Orcas Family Connections) since 2007. She has worked as a Family Support Advocate, Program Administrator and now as the Executive Director. Erin also worked for San Juan County Health and Community Services for nearly 10 years as a Spanish Interpreter and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.
Before working at OCRC, she worked for the Orcas Elementary School in the ELL department and as the K-12 Spanish teacher at Orcas Island Christian School. She interned in Nicaragua and Ecuador working with families and children in crisis.
Erin graduated from The Evergreen State College in Political Science and Spanish. She is also certified in Family Support Studies at Edmonds Community College. Erin oversees all operations at OCRC as our Executive Director.
Jana Daniel-Webb, M.Ed., Programs Director/Case Manager (she/her/hers)
Jana joined the Resource Center in May of 2016 following a career as an Educator and Reading Specialist of 18 years. She and her husband, Eric, have two young adult children pursuing their professional degrees, and two rambunctious Airedales at home to entertain them as they continue to transition to an empty nest.
Jana’s educational background includes an MA in Education and Reading Specialist and a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Educating children on caring for our delicate planet, children’s ministries, literacy, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and establishing community and public school recycling programs have been her passion for over 30 years. Jana oversees our multitude of programs at OCRC.
“It is an honor to serve our Orcas Island neighbors as Programs Director of the Orcas Community Resource Center!”
Holly Southern, Programs Administrator (she/her/hers)
Seasoned administrator.
Hospitality and marketing professional.
Kayak enthusiast.
Dog lover.
Graphic designer.
Innkeeper, Kingfish at West Sound.
Megan Ehrmantraut, Development, Communication and Community Outreach Manager (she/her/hers)
Megan moved to Orcas in the summer of 2018 with long-time family ties to the island. She has worked in office administration for over 25 years and came onboard at OCRC working with clients as a Community Service Assistant in 2020. She transitioned to fill the role of Development, Communication and Community Outreach Manager in 2021. Megan is mother to two adult daughters and a Goldendoodle puppy. In her free time she enjoys kayaking, thrifting, reading, walking, painting and traveling. Megan is passionate about being a part of the Orcas Community Resource Center team working on development, fundraising and getting the word out to the community about our services.
Daniela Pereira, Bilingual Community Support Specialist (she/her/hers)
Traveler.
Ocean and wildlife advocate.
Art seeker, creator and collector.
Customer service industry, 10+ years.
Gastronomy-focused.
Community-oriented.
LOVES:
Nature, Books and poetry, Hospitality, culture and languages.
At OCRC, Daniela supports our community and is a major asset working extensively with our Spanish speaking clients.
Laura Leicht, Financial Manager (she/her/hers)
Laura has lived on Orcas Island since the 1980's. She has worked in Finance and Business Management for 30 years. Laura is active with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Color Guard. She has one adult daughter and two teenage grandsons. Laura lives with her two dearly loved dogs. In her free time she enjoys working in her garden and doing jigsaw puzzles. At OCRC, Laura manages our finances.
Cheryl Helm, Community Support & Energy Programs Specialist (she/her/hers)
Cheryl moved to Orcas Island in 2006 to intern at the Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead and learn about sustainable living and farming. Orcas enjoyed many delicious dishes as Cheryl opened the Catkin Cafe in Olga in 2015 operating until 2021. Her volunteer experience with the Orcas Island Food Bank and Island Rides led to a career change and becoming a part of the OCRC team. She enjoys helping others, being engaged with the community and making a positive impact. At OCRC, Cheryl oversees the administration of all energy/utility assistance programs available to islanders such as LIHEAP and Project Pal.
Claire Nollman, M.Ed., SUDPT, Unsheltered Case Manager (she/her/hers)
Claire grew up on San Juan Island and has lived on Orcas since 2010. She has a Master’s Degree in Adult Continuing Education and graduated from Whatcom Community College with her certificate as a Substance Use Disorder Professional. Claire has worked at Compass Health in the Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program for just over a year now and continues to work there part-time. Over the past 10 years Claire has worked for WIC, Lopez Island Family Resource Center and the Institute for Village Studies. She designs locally-sourced floral installations for weddings and events during the summer months. Claire enjoys adventuring, relaxing with family, art projects, walking, gardening and swimming. At OCRC, Claire works with unsheltered clients and those facing barriers to housing security assisting them with associated challenges such as access to food, showers, mental health services, medical care, and substance use treatment.
Kyra Dyer, Community Support & Health Services Specialist (she/her/hers)
Kyra grew up locally on Lopez Island. After living away in San Francisco, Portland and traveling to Central America, she returned to the islands to call home. Kyra loves gardening and has been busy working in and tending gardens around the Island while raising her four year old daughter. She is also a trained Birth Doula and has been blessed to be at births over the years supporting women and families. Kyra enjoys hiking, being on the water, paddle boarding and adventures with her daughter. At OCRC, she oversees healthcare related programs and services such as accessing medical financial assistance, applying for health insurance, Fresh Bucks and Farmer’s Market vouchers.