STAFF

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SHARON HERRERA

Founder and Executive Director

Sharon is a United States Air Force Veteran and leader in the Tarrant County LGBTQ community. She works closely with organizations to help educate on LGBTQ issues.

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BERTINAND GARDNER

Community Outreach and Marketing Manager

Bertie is an LGBTQ+ advocate who seeks to empower youth through community development. He seeks to provide encouragement and resources to those seeking safety while pursuing education.

Michelle Redmond

MICHELLE REDMOND

Program Coordinator

Michelle is a scientist and mom who believes everyone should be loved and appreciated for who they are. She identifies with the struggles of our youth and connects them with local resources.

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EVELYN KINCAID

Marketing and Communications Assistant

Evvy has been striding for progressive causes by utilizing safe protests, media coverage, and more ever since she graduated high school. She now hopes to help youth in her community feel safe and heard through her professional life, too.

PROGRAM LEADERS

FELIX BUI

Felix’s goal is to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth without fear of judgement for their identity while building relationships with the youth. Additionally, Felix produces graphic designs to highlight SAVES’ program and encourage positivity throughout the LGBTQ+ community. 

REBECCA MCDONELL

Rebecca is a mother of three and the grandmother of six. Her belief is what we pour in to our children is what they will pour out to the world, why not pour in unconditional love? Rebecca's adage is to have the courage to be your own kind of beautiful.

LAURA PITILLO

Laura is a an elementary educator who has a passion for working with youth. She wants to help LGBTQ+ kids feel safe to be themselves and connect with each other by building queer community.

LISA EARLEY

Lisa is a tireless educator and proud mother of two LGBTQ daughters. She provides a safe space for students and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work.

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SHALYA PAYTON

Shayla is a parent and an advocate who believes everyone deserves a safe space to simply be themselves.   Shayla is working to get into medical school so he can advocate for our underserved communities and connect them to the quality care they deserve.

AMBASSADORS

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JOHN BARNES

John is a lawyer who works primarily with estate planning and probate matters. Recipient of the “Straight for Equality Award” in 2008 from the Fort Worth PFLAG chapter.

GREG HUGHES

Greg connected us with the Lockheed Martin Pride organization. Their members serve as examples of having survived adolescence and having prospered afterward.

TYLER LONG

Tyler is an educator and LGBTQ advocate that is passionate about supporting our queer youth through mentorship and bridging the generational gap in our community.

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KATHLEEN DISALVO

Kathleen is a community member that wants to help LGBTQ youth have a safe place to go, have fun and feel accepted. She has helped with other homeless youth organizations.

SARA HERRERA

Sara is an artist and educator. Sharing her love and passion for the arts, especially with youth, she feels is truly an honor and an opportunity not to be taken for granted. 

PAPI SALGADO

Papi became involved as one of our youth and has stayed to become a leader. Papi has a heart for others and is currently studying to become a Sign Language Interpreter.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHRIS BARTLEY

Director

Chris is a lay church professional and divinity school student.  He is an advocate for inclusion and justice, and he wants our LGBTQ youth to have every possible opportunity to flourish.

SARA FAIRLEY

Director

Sara serves on the board to support Tarrant County youth and to challenge her hometown to love all those who call this city home. She is a global citizen and change agent.

NATHANIEL LEANDER

Youth Director

Nate is a civil engineer who is continuing school in pursuit of his Masters. He came out in 2017 as a transman and since then has been living as his authentic self in DFW.

MARY MCMAHON

Secretary

Mary is a United States Air Force Veteran and retired Occupational Therapist. She wants to support youth as they explore and discover what brings them joy.

DIANE VERSOCKI

Director

Diane was inspired by the passing of a friend during the AIDS crisis to get involved and wants to help provide housing, community resources, and loving support for all LGBTQ youth. 

CHERYL FARMER

Treasurer

Cheryl has a background in school district purchasing and served in leadership roles, including treasurer, at her church. She loves camping and backyard get-togethers.

BARBARA HEPTIG

Board Chair

Barb is an attorney and ordained minister. She is passionate about LGBTQ inclusion in all areas of society and the church since she was a student at Brite Divinity School.

SANDY MARTINEZ

 Director

Sandy Martinez Russell believes that love comes in many different forms and should be expressed in a variety ways. Whether it’s a smile or a random act of kindness, do it with a full heart. No one should go a day without expressing some form of gratitude before the end of the night, because moments in life are precious. 

LASHONDA THOMAS

Director

LaShonda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has experience with LGBTQ youth support groups. She encourages acceptance, authenticity, and honesty.

TARA WILSON

Director

Tara is an ER nurse and community advocate that wants to create a world where all youth including her own kids get to be their full authentic selves.