Featured Volunteers
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JC
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2024
Volunteer Start Date: July 2024
Time Served: 128 Hours
JC is in their last semester at Chico State as a Psychology Major. JC chose Catalyst for their school internship because they are passionate about helping people who have experienced domestic violence & sexual assault.
JC shared, “As someone who has gone through both, knowing that I can help someone in their time of need makes everything worth it. I absolutely love Catalyst and everything they offer, and I feel so privileged to be a part of it!”
JC answers crisis hotline calls on the phone and does various daily tasks at HAVEN Shelter. They have helped Catalyst staff prepare for welcoming new people into our shelter and organizing donations. They bring their love of crafts to HAVEN participants and their children through a weekly craft group. JC helped with event preparations and volunteered during the HAVEN Halloween Carnival event. One of JC’s favorite parts of volunteering with Catalyst is watching their fellow volunteers take their first crisis hotline call (and seeing them grow). JC also loves to spend time with the shelter cat, Mango.
Thank you, JC, for choosing to intern with Catalyst and for the positive energy you bring to our shelter team!
Fun Facts: JC loves to make earrings out of polymer clay and gift them to friends and family. They also enjoy singing, playing the piano, and making art. JC’s favorite foods are sushi and ramen. Their favorite places to eat out in town include Big Tuna and Coco’s Ramen restaurants. JC loves to spend their free time playing with their dog and enjoying quality time with their partner and friends. JC values self-care and practices it by watching shows they love, taking baths, and bringing a fidget toy with them wherever they go.
JC
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Stephanie
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2024
Volunteer Start Date: January 2024
Time Served: 204 Hours
Stephanie recently graduated from Chico State with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. This fall, she’s continuing her education in Chico State’s Master’s program for Public Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Stephanie’s passion for supporting survivors of intimate partner violence stems from personal experience—several of her family members are survivors. Witnessing the barriers they faced due to a lack of accessible resources inspired her to volunteer at Catalyst and advocate for others in her community.
During her internship, Stephanie has answered countless crisis hotline calls, providing essential support to those in need. She’s also taken part in community outreach events, raising awareness about Catalyst’s services. Her favorite volunteering moments have been helping with special events for participants in the HAVEN Shelter, including their children. Stephanie was instrumental in the success of both the recent Water Day and HAVEN Olympics, where her hard work and dedication shone through.
From all of us at Catalyst: thank you, Stephanie! Your incredible volunteer efforts are deeply appreciated.
Fun Facts: Stephanie is a music lover, with last year’s Spotify Wrapped clocking in at nearly 100,000 minutes of listening time! She also enjoys watching Korean and Chinese drama series and attending live concerts. One of her favorite foods is her mom’s homemade tamales, especially during winter. In her free time, Stephanie loves to relax by reading a good book or spending quality time with loved ones. She’s also currently learning Italian!
Stephanie
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Madison
Featured Volunteer of the Month: August 2024
Volunteer Start Date: January 2024
Time Served: 188 Hours
Madison (Maddie) is in her 4th year of school at Chico State. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. Maddie decided to volunteer at Catalyst to make a difference in her community and to gain more field experiences that will help towards her future goal of becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist. Maddie spends her time at Catalyst answering hotline calls and facilitating a weekly craft group for HAVEN participants and their children. In this group, everyone is invited to learn beginning crochet techniques. Maddie is always coming up with creative new weekly craft activities for the children. In honor of Earth Day, Maddie had the kids use their imagination to create their own plants to proudly display around HAVEN. Maddie’s positive and upbeat personality bring joy to the children every time she volunteers at HAVEN, and they often ask when she will be back. She is a reliable volunteer at Catalyst who consistently shows up for HAVEN events where volunteer help is crucial. We are so grateful for the AMAZING volunteer work she does every week for Catalyst and for sharing her creativity!
Fun Facts: Maddie loves to ballroom dance (her favorite dances are the Waltz and Bachata). Her favorite restaurant is Mikuni’s in Sacramento which she believes to have the best cucumber sushi rolls. Maddie enjoys spending her free time crafting (especially crocheting projects) with her friends and loved ones.
Madison
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Amber
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2024
Volunteer Start Date: January 2024
Time Served: 233 Hours
Amber recently graduated from Chico State with bachelor degrees in Health Science (Health Services Administration) and Psychology. She plans on getting a master’s degree in the future and hopes to always be learning no matter what stage of life she is in. Amber says, “my inner child brought me to Catalyst. Domestic violence had a profound impact on me as a child and now I seek to have an impact combating it and its effects on individuals and families in our community.”
Amber’s favorite part about being a Catalyst volunteer is working with others to do meaningful work. She greatly enjoys providing weekly childcare at HAVEN. She comes up with many engaging activities to do with the children (often bringing in her own supplies for different craft projects). Amber has taught the children how to propagate their own plants. Her next project planned is having the kids create fairy homes out of recycled plastic bottles. Her goal is to provide a safe and caring connection with the children to have a lasting positive impact on their future.
Amber plans on volunteering with Catalyst for a long time. Catalyst wants to thank Amber for all the amazing volunteer work that she has done. We appreciate her help answering crisis hotline calls, attending community outreach tabling events, being an on-call Sexual Assault Advocate, volunteering at the HAVEN shelter, and assisting the HAVEN Children’s Program.
Fun Facts: Amber enjoys crafting and wood burning as hobbies. She loves eating Thai food, seafood, and sushi. Amber is a Taurus and considers comfort food as one of her love languages. Her favorite way to spend her free time is on a paddle board, getting a massage, or listening to music.
Amber
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Caprice
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2024
Volunteer Start Date: January 2024
Time Served: 272 Hours
Caprice recently graduated from CSU Chico with a degree in Psychology. During her Spring 2024 internship with Catalyst, she was a standout volunteer, known for going above and beyond expectations and always with a cheerful attitude. Throughout her internship, she gained valuable experience in various areas, including tabling at community outreach events to provide educational information, answering crisis calls on our 24-hour Hotline, and assisting the Children’s Program at HAVEN with events and field trips.
Caprice’s dedication and hard work were recognized when she received the staff nominated Up-and-Coming Advocate Award at our 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Event. Her decision to volunteer at Catalyst was influenced by the domestic violence experiences of many of her friends and family members. Her favorite volunteering activity is answering hotline phone calls. She says, “It feels good to use my knowledge about domestic violence to help people who are in need or even if they just need someone to talk to.” We extend our gratitude to Caprice for her outstanding and reliable volunteer work.
Fun Facts: Caprice’s favorite foods are sushi and chicken wings. She loves spending time with her friends, family, and pets. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and reading books. Caprice currently works at a doggy daycare as a Canine Coach and greatly enjoys training dogs.
Caprice
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Kascha
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2024
Volunteer Start Date: August 2023
Time Served: 250 Hours
Kascha received Catalyst’s Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023-2024. She says that she decided to volunteer with Catalyst because she wants to “break generational curses by helping survivors of domestic violence.” Kascha graduated from Chico State with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is now a registered nurse on the Telemetry Care Unit at Enloe Hospital.
Kascha’s favorite part of volunteering with Catalyst is providing outreach during community tabling events. She also provides support to the community by answering phone calls on our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline and by volunteering for on-call shifts to accompany survivors of sexual assault at the hospital as a trained Response Advocate. She has volunteered 64 hours of on-call response advocacy to the hospital. Kascha would like to become a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (S.A.F.E.) Nurse in the future to continue her role in comforting and supporting those impacted by sexual assault. We are very lucky and grateful to have Kascha as a part of our Catalyst team!
Fun Facts: Kascha loves to travel and has been to 13 countries and every US state (except Alaska). She would like to visit Spain and Portugal next. She also enjoys reading novels in her backyard hammock, watching movies, eating snacks, and participating in outdoor activities (like camping, hiking, or swimming).
Kascha
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Emma
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2024
Volunteer Start Date: August 2023
Time Served: 111 Hours
Emma joined Catalyst as a Child Development Intern. Emma spends the majority of her time supporting families receiving emergency shelter services. She helps with welcomes, performs daily safety checks, and sorts donations. She has also been involved with outreach during community tabling events. Emma provided support during Domestic Violence Awareness Month helping with Flowers on the Creek and the Safe HAVEN Showcase. She also helped collect donations during our annual KZFR Radio Phone Pledge. We are thankful for Emma’s investment of time and her willingness to grow in the field of domestic violence!
Fun Facts: Emma loves to cook, watch movies, read a good book, and go on Pinterest. When she is not interning, she enjoys spending time with her partner and her twin!
Emma
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Maria
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2023
Volunteer Start Date: January 2023
Time Served: 160 Hours
Maria is passionate about supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. Growing up in a home where domestic violence was present, she was saddened by the lack of services available to support her mother and family. This inspired Maria to volunteer at Catalyst and provide safe services to members of the community. As a volunteer, Maria helps answer the crisis line. She provides a listening ear to people needing someone to talk to. She also enjoys tabling for community events and informing the public about Catalyst services. Maria has poured her heart into this work and we are thankful to have her on the team.
Fun Facts: Maria grew up in the Philippines. She plays the saxophone, loves horror movies, and has a special interest in Filipino food. Her favorite restaurant is Ramen Yamadaya in San Francisco, yum!
Maria
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Anissa
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2023
Volunteer Start Date: August 2023
Time Served: 223 Hours
Anissa is a current Public Health intern. She hopes to establish a career as an Ultrasound Technician. She joined Catalyst as a way to support others experiencing and healing from trauma. As an intern, Anissa answers calls on the crisis line and helps welcome families into shelter. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Anissa provided community outreach to local salons and Mexican restaurants. Her favorite part of interning has been tabling at different community events. Anissa participated in the Veterans Stand Down event and Día del Campesino. She loves being out in the community and hearing survivors share how Catalyst has impacted them.
Fun Facts: Anissa’s all-time favorite food is Italian. She adores homemade chicken fettuccine pasta, however, her favorite will always be pizza. When visiting Fort Bragg, she likes to dine at D’Aurelios, which of course serves all types of delicious Italian cuisine.
Anissa
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Evelyn
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2023
Volunteer Start Date: August 2023
Time Served: 153 Hours
Evelyn joined Catalyst as a Public Health intern. She heard about Catalyst during her first semester in college and has since looked forward to applying. As an intern, Evelyn helps answer calls on the crisis line and provides court accompaniment to survivors seeking restraining orders. She also tables for community events, most recently the Butte County Veterans Stand Down, Día Del Campesino, and Alternative Education’s Mental Health and Wellness Expo. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, she has also provided outreach to hair salons and Mexican restaurants in the county. Her favorite part has been the diversity of the experience and that no two days are the same.
Fun Facts: Evelyn loves homemade ceviche. She has it on her birthday every year. It is also her favorite summertime meal – she finds it very refreshing. Yum!
Evelyn
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Leo
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2023
Volunteer Start Date: September 2023
Time Served: 173 Hours
Leo has a strong passion for this work. Growing up in a home where domestic violence was present, supporting survivors has brought them a true sense of peace. They have enjoyed making authentic connections with survivors and watching them grow in resiliency and strength. At the shelter, Leo spends the majority of their time connecting with kiddos, organizing donations, and tending to Mango (Catalyst’s very own cat advocate). They have also provided support with outreach during LGBTQ+ events in the community. Leo has tabled for the Stonewall Trans Month Pop-Up event and recently the Chico Pride Teen Dance and Downtown Pride Festival.
Fun Facts: Leo loves mac n’ cheese and would bathe in it if they could! They also enjoy Thai food, Indian cuisine, and the classic PB&J sandwich! Yum!
Leo
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Alexa
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2023
Volunteer Start Date: January 2023
Time Served: 140 Hours
Alexa recently graduated from Chico State with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Diversity Studies. She has always been passionate about social justice and advocating for social issues. Catalyst provided her the opportunity to work hands-on in the community while earning internship credit through school. Throughout the semester, Alexa spent her time tabling at events all over Butte County. She also helped answer calls on the hotline and participated in special events at the shelter. Her favorite part about volunteering is connecting with survivors and their children. It is inspiring for Alexa to see positivity and strength in families despite the hardships they face.
Fun Facts: In her free time, Alexa likes taking trips to the beach, thrifting, and enjoying a nice bowl of pasta – Italian food is her favorite!
Alexa
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Angela
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2023
Volunteer Start Date: September 2022
Time Served: 296 Hours
Angela is a Chico State public health intern. She joined Catalyst excited to start a new learning experience. As an intern, Angela provides support and advocacy to people in her community. She helps callers on the hotline, makes referrals for counseling and restraining orders, and performs housing assessments. At the emergency shelter, Angela conducts safety checks, organizes donations, and runs a weekly baking group. She also provides support at the Chico Business Office, where she answers the phone line and assists with walk-ins. Angela’s favorite part is tabling at community events. She loves any opportunity to engage with the public. It is rewarding for her when survivors recognize Catalyst and share their own stories and experiences. She enjoys the work and make a difference in the lives of others.
Fun Facts: In her free time, Angela likes to watch movies, read, and when the weather is nice, go on walks. She also loves spending time with her niece, who is always full of energy and makes her day!
Angela
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Julissa
Featured Volunteer of the Month: April 2023/p>
Volunteer Start Date: January 2022
Time Served: 92 Hours
Julissa is passionate about supporting domestic violence survivors. She is inspired by her mother, who survived domestic violence and raised three children as a single mom. She hopes to build a career as a lawyer and in the future work for an agency like Catalyst. As an intern, Julissa answers calls on the hotline, tables at community events, provides childcare and participates in special events at the shelter. She was recently a part of the Valentine’s and Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, making them that much more fun!
Fun Facts: Julissa spends her free time getting creative in the kitchen. She likes making meals and enjoying them with the people she most cares about. Last month Julissa made the most delicious enchilada dinner for everyone at the shelter to enjoy. She loves that food has a way of bringing people together.
Julissa
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Talia
Featured Volunteer of the Month: March 2023
Volunteer Start Date: January 2022
Time Served: 70 Hours
Talia has a passion for social justice and activism. In January, she joined Catalyst as a Multicultural and Gender Studies intern. Talia helped out with Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. She tabled at Fairview, Las Plumas, and Oroville High School promoting healthy relationships. She recently applied and was offered the position of Outreach Coordinator. We are excited to have her on the team and to elevate our social media efforts!
Fun Facts: Talia loves photography and has photographed many weddings and births. She has also written and directed plays for the local community theatre and has taught children’s acting classes. Talia enjoys expressing herself creatively!
Talia
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Chloe
Featured Volunteer of the Month: February 2023
Volunteer Start Date: June 2022
Time Served: 115 Hours
Chloe believes every person deserves to feel loved and supported. She joined Catalyst hoping to give back to the community in a special and meaningful way. As a volunteer, Chloe helps out at the emergency shelter. She does safety checks, organizes community donations, and her personal favorite is helping the Children Advocates with toddler time.
Fun Facts: Chloe has a passion for cooking. In her spare time, she enjoys finding new and exciting recipes. Her favorite food is soup, as there are so many yummy variations!
Chloe
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Amber
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2023
Volunteer Start Date: June 2022
Time Served: 128 Hours
Amber is currently working towards her bachelor’s hoping to build a career in social work. She joined Catalyst as a way to connect with people in her community and gain field experience. As a volunteer, Amber supports callers on the crisis line, organizes community donations, and tables for local outreach events. Amber most enjoys helping shelter participants with transportation and the unique opportunity that creates to spend individualized time connecting with and getting to know survivors.
Fun Facts: Amber is a proud Harley-riding vegan. She has been on the road with her bike since last summer and has had a vegan lifestyle for over a decade. Her favorite restaurant in town is Aonami sharing that they have the most delicious and elaborate vegan sushi. Yum!
Amber
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Elisa
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2022
Volunteer Start Date: September 2022
Time Served: 99 Hours
Elisa is a past Catalyst participant, and is open about her experience living in the cottage and emgerncy shelter. Secure confidential housing allowed Elisa the opportunity to keep her children safe and within her care. Reflecting on her interactions with staff, she remembers feeling seen and heard and made to feel worthy. Through counseling, support group, and years of healing, she has built on her strengths. She now works for the City of Chico and is passionate about empowering people to live secure and wholeheartedly authentic lives. Elisa rejoined Catalyst this year hoping to support a program that supported her and be an inspiration to other survivors.
As a volunteer, Elisa attends community events throughout Butte County, helping educating the public about Catalyst services. However, what truly fills her cup is building connections with shelter participants. She enjoys interacting with the families that are welcomed into shelter and being a safe supportive listener. She has also participated in several special events, including the Halloween Carnival, HAVEN Thanksgiving, and the Annual Food Drive. Elisa is active in all aspects of our volunteer program.
Fun Facts: A few years ago, Elisa had a myopathy that hospitalized her for weeks. It took months for her to relearn to walk. Now she exercises most mornings, seeing it as a blessing to be able to walk and jog. Having healed through that experience, she tries not to take anything in life for granted!
Elisa
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Madisen
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2022
Volunteer Start Date: June 2022
Time Served: 111 Hours
Madisen is a recent college graduate. She studied psychology and was encouraged by her academic advisor to join the Catalyst program. As a volunteer, Madisen spends the majority of her time at HAVEN supporting callers on the hotline. She also interacts with shelter participants and enjoys getting to know the families receiving services. Madisen has tabled for several outreach events and has helped educate the community about Catalyst services. Madisen plans on attending graduate school to earn her master’s degree in counseling. She hopes to apply her learning experience at Catalyst to her future career and educational journey.
Fun Facts: Madisen has been to over 20 concerts. She is a huge Dolly Parton fan and even has a miniature shrine dedicated to her favorite musician. Music is Madisen’s passion and she is willing to travel for a great performance!
Madisen
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Lucia
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2022
Volunteer Start Date: June 2022
Time Served: 108 Hours
Lucia joined Catalyst as an intern in June of this year. She has a passion for helping survivors in the community. She provides support on the crisis hotline and at the emergency shelter. Her favorite aspect of volunteering, however, has been outreach events. She has participated in the Chico PRIDE Teen Dance, National Health Week, Chico State Lavender LGBTQ+ Welcome Reception, and El Dia Del Campesino. She enjoys the opportunity to inform the public about healthy relationships and Catalyst services.
Fun Facts: Lucia loves to run, and prior to an injury, she participated in 7 marathons, 30 half marathons, and number of smaller races. Apart from running she enjoys eating food, especially a fresh home-cooked Mexican meal from her father’s kitchen. Now she is exploring a pescatarian diet and discovering new favorite dishes.
Lucia
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Joseph
Featured Volunteer of the Month: September 2022
Volunteer Start Date: June 2022
Time Served: 80 Hours
Joe is currently a senior majoring in Psychology and Sociology. He joined the internship program to expand his skill sets and gain firsthand experience in social work. At Catalyst, he spends time tabling at community events, helping the prevention team with social media outreach, answering calls on the hotline, and supporting survivors at the shelter. Joe enjoys staying active and having a diverse learning experience!
Fun Facts: Joe loves reptiles. He owns his own boa constrictor named Rose. When he is not caring for Rose, he is working out or spending time out in nature.
Joseph
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Violeta
Featured Volunteer of the Month: August 2022
Volunteer Start Date: August 2021
Time Served: 145 Hours
After graduating with her Bachelor’s in Psychological & Brain Sciences, Violeta decided to devote a year to volunteering and exploring her interests. She immediately thought of Catalyst! She wanted to directly support domestic violence survivors and help create safe spaces for them in the community. Violeta spent the majority of her time volunteering at the emergency shelter and answering calls on the crisis line. Recently, Violeta has shifted to tabling at outreach events and bringing Catalyst’s message to the community. Violeta starts graduate school this summer and is excited to earn her Master’s in Forensic Psychology!
Fun Facts: Violeta is half Ecuadorian and growing up she spent the majority of her school breaks in South America. She’s is grateful for the memories she created traveling and visiting with family.
Violeta
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Brenda
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2022
Volunteer Start Date: June 2021
Time Served: 145 Hours
Last summer, Brenda joined Catalyst as an intern. She has since graduated with her degree in sociology and plans to apply for the social work graduate program. While interning, Brenda spent the majority of her time at the emergency shelter interacting with housing participants. After fulling her internship duties, Brenda remained in the program as a volunteer. Now she primarily tables at community events. Recently, Brenda helped with the PRIDE Teen Dance and the Women’s Empowerment Day in Oroville. She enjoys connecting with the community and informing people about Catalyst services. We appreciate Brenda and her ongoing commitment to the agency.
Fun Facts: Music brings Brenda so much joy. She loves going to concerts and singing her heart out. When she is not rocking out, she loves to read, watch movies, swim, nap, and enjoy some delicious tacos. Yum!
Brenda
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Carly
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2022
Volunteer Start Date: August 2021
Time Served: 112 Hours
Carly graduated with a degree in political science and human rights and is pursuing graduate studies in public administration. She is hoping to build a career in non-profit management.
Carly joined Catalyst as a way to support her community. She is passionate about women’s wellbeing, empowerment, and the promotion of healthy relationships. She believes everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship. She loves helping with community outreach and connecting with the youth population. During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Carly attended high school events throughout Butte County to share information about Catalyst services.
Fun Facts: Carly is an avid reader and keeps a book log. In the Month of May, Carly read a total of five books! When she is not reading, she likes to paint, bake, and spend time with her partner and dog out in nature.
Carly
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Juliette
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2021
Volunteer Start Date: June 2021
Time Served: 114 Hours
Juliette is currently in graduate school working towards a career in counseling. She volunteers at our shelter answering calls on the crisis line. She provides survivors a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space to process. She is compassionate and has a natural ability to connect with survivors and validate their experiences.
In addition to her work on the hotline, she is also involved in community outreach. She recently volunteered for Flowers on the Creek, an event to honor survivors that have passed away due to intimate partner violence. She has tabled at many events to help raise awareness about domestic violence and Catalyst services.
Fun Facts: Juliette appreciates all forms of art. She collects music records, art prints, and loves admiring tattoos (she even follows several tattoo artists on Instagram). Juliette also enjoys spending time outdoors. Bidwell Park is one of her favorite spots in town to de-stress and connect with nature.
Juliette
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Brooke
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2021
Volunteer Start Date: June 2021
Time Served: 105 Hours
Brooke recently graduated from Chico State with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and minor in Child Development. She has always been passionate about empowering and helping others which is what drew her to Catalyst. At the shelter, Brooke enjoys answering the crisis line and making meaningful connections with participants. She has also been a big help with community outreach, tabling at various events including the Pride Teen Dance and Pop-up Art Fair. She also helped distribute Catalyst flyers to local businesses during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We appreciate her hard work and endless energy!
Fun Facts: In her free time, you will find Brooke reading – she is well into her 15th book this year! Brooke is also into astrology. She enjoys studying birth charts and understanding the ways the planets and stars affect people’s lives on a daily basis. She also loves to cook, mostly plant-based meals. Her favorite dish is vegan mac and cheese with a ton of delicious veggies, yum!
Brooke
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Molly
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2021
Volunteer Start Date: June 2021
Time Served: 85 Hours
Molly was inspired to apply for Catalyst after hearing her mother’s experience working at a domestic violence shelter. Her mother shared how important and meaningful the experience was for her and joined hoping to have an equally rewarding experience. At Catalyst, Molly helps answer the 24-hour crisis hotline and spends time getting to know shelter participants. She enjoys building connections and understanding people’s life experiences. She hopes to brighten their day as much as they brighten hers through their daily interactions.
Molly volunteered at the HAVEN Olympics, a special event hosted at the shelter earlier this year. She also served as a member of the volunteer panel in the August 2021 training. She is scheduled to table at a community event this week to educate the public about Catalyst services. Molly is approachable, compassionate, and eager to help in any way possible. We are grateful to have her on the team!
Fun Facts: Molly loves to draw and paint and has even begun teaching herself how to do digital art. She takes road trips whenever possible– she once drove to Nashville with her sister and had the best time. She is hoping to continue the fun by going to the West Coast with her best friend next spring. When she’s in town, she loves going to Thursday Night Market, checking out different local thrift stores, journaling, writing short stories, and playing with her cat Jinx!
Molly
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Carol
Featured Volunteer of the Month: September 2021
Volunteer Start Date: June 2021
Time Served: 74 Hours
Carol is a student at Chico State majoring in Public Health. She spends most of her time at the shelter supporting survivors on the hotline. She also enjoys helping out with childcare and spends time interacting with kiddos whenever possible. Recently, Carol participated in the volunteer panel and spoke to the incoming volunteer training class about her experience. She loves the flexibility and variety of volunteer opportunities offered and that every day at HAVEN is a new adventure!
Fun Facts: Carol has a passion for cooking and is always trying new recipes. She loves seeing the smile her food brings people when they try her meals. She loves all types of Asian noodle dishes but her favorites are pho and khao piak. Yum!
Carol
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Charish
Featured Volunteer of the Month: August 2021
Volunteer Start Date: January 2021
Time Served: 113 Hours
Charish joined the volunteer program during the pandemic to make the most out of her time and to give back to the community. She primarily works at HAVEN and has enjoyed customizing welcome bags to meet the individual needs of each family welcomed into shelter. Whenever possible, she also likes to help out with special events. Most recently she was a huge help at HAVEN’s Celebrate You Day! Charish has also done a lot of community outreach, she contacted Computers For Classrooms to get a working computer for HAVEN participants. She also reached out to Chico businesses to gathered donations to raffle out at the Chico Pride Teen Pride Dance & Carnival event. Charish has done so much and we appreciate all her hard work!
Fun Facts: Charish lived in Brazil for a year and speaks fluent Portuguese. She loves to travel both near and far. She enjoys hiking at Upper Bidwell with her pup, camping, paddle boarding, and skiing. She is up for any and all adventures!
Charish
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Sebastiana
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2021
Volunteer Start Date: January 2021
Time Served: 133 Hours
Sebastiana recently graduated from Chico State with her bachelor’s in Sociology. When she was attending school, her guidance counselor informed her about Catalyst. She joined the agency wanting to expand her knowledge on domestic violence and provide support to survivors. At Catalyst, Sebastiana spends her time working on projects for upcoming events. She designed a welcome board, helped create a holiday banner, and has even designed flyers to advertise upcoming community events. She loves being able to express her artistic side and we appreciate her creativity!
Fun Facts: Sebastiana is left-handed, has a cat named Patchy, and is part of a large family with 7 siblings. When she is not volunteering, you can find her going on road trips and exploring different hiking trails!
Sebastiana
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Alika
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2021
Volunteer Start Date: January 2021
Time Served: 115 Hours
Alika is currently attending Chico State and majoring in psychology. Volunteering at Catalyst was recommended to her by an advisor. She was excited about the opportunity to get hands-on experience and learn more about domestic violence and how to support survivors. Alika spends most of her time at Catalyst connecting with people on the crisis hotline. She also really enjoys working on projects and helping clean and organize spaces to make the shelter a more welcoming environment.
Fun Facts: Alika’s favorite way to spend free time is with her loved ones. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing board games, or having conversation, she cherishes that time. Alika also loves music and plays the piano, guitar, and ukulele. She enjoys creating all different kinds of art, she crafts and paints, and lets her creative energy flow!
Alika
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Allie
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2021
Volunteer Start Date: January 2021
Time Served: 80 Hours
Allie is passionate about language and teaches literacy classes in the community. She commonly shares information about community resources with her students, including services from Catalyst. In January of this year, Allie joined the agency as a way to support victims and survivors impacted by the shelter in place order. As a volunteer, Allie works hard to create a safe environment for families welcomed into shelter. She also helps organize donations and restock the hygiene closet, but her favorite part of volunteering is interacting with participants.
Fun Facts: Allie is passionate about thrifting. Most of her furniture and clothing are purchased second-hand. She loves discovering hidden gems in unlikely places and finds thrifting infinitely rewarding! When she is not shopping, she spends lots of time misting her houseplants and tending her beautiful outdoor garden.
Allie
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Hunter
Featured Volunteer of the Month: April 2021
Volunteer Start Date: August 2020
Time Served: 139 Hours
Hunter recently graduated from Chico State and was accepted into a clinical graduate program in Los Angeles. He shared that a close friend of his works at Catalyst and was inspired by the agency’s mission to empower survivors. Having little experience with direct service, Hunter admits he was nervous when he first joined the volunteer program. After completing nearly 140 volunteer hours, Hunter says his most memorable moments come from building connections with the participants. At HAVEN, Hunter assists with hotline calls, helps staff with projects, and provides survivors a safe space to open up.
Fun Fact: Hunter identities as Irish, Italian, Native American, and African American. He is proud of his diverse heritage and ethnic background. He loves going out with friends, making TikToks, and enjoying delicious food at Wing Stop – Mango Habanero is his favorite!
Hunter
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Marisol
Featured Volunteer of the Month: March 2021
Volunteer Start Date: August 2020
Time Served: 117 Hours
Marisol is a psychology major at Chico State. She joined Catalyst as a way to gain experience while helping people in the community. At the shelter, she most enjoys organizing and has done great work in our donation closet. She loves leaving spaces looking nice and clean. She also really enjoys decorating and always has a great time making the shelter look festive for the holidays (her personal favorite is Halloween).
When Marisol is not at Catalyst, she loves to swim and play video games. Right now, she is pretty obsessed with Minecraft and has built herself a beach house, a greenhouse, and a cattery (a home just for her virtual kitties). She not only plays by also knows how to write code – Java, Python, and CC+ is just a little of what she knows.
Fun Fact: Marisol calls herself a foodie. She is a big-time fan of sushi, her favorite places include the Raw Bar, Japanese Blossom, and Aonami. She loves to experience food and when she is feeling particularly brave, say she tries to make it herself!
Marisol
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Hayley
Featured Volunteer of the Month: February 2021
Volunteer Start Date: August 2020
Time Served: 110 Hours
Hayley is currently a senior at Chico State. She is a psychology major working towards becoming a mental health counselor. Hayley has openly shared that close friends of hers have experienced domestic violence. This allowed her to understand the predominance and seriousness of domestic violence in our community. She joined Catalyst as a way to learn more about domestic violence services, to better support friends and future clients.
At Catalyst, Hayley spends most of her time supporting callers on the hotline. She listens to people in crisis and provides resources to empower victims and survivors. She has witnessed stories of restoration and is inspired by watching people take courageous steps in their healing journey.
Fun Fact: When Hayley is not volunteering, she enjoys engaging in her artistic and creative side. Most people do not know this about Hayley, but she loves to write music and poetry, paint, and write calligraphy. She’s pretty impressive!
Hayley
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Maya
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2021
Volunteer Start Date: August 2020
Time Served: 91 Hours
Maya is currently a senior at Chico State studying Psychology. She is in the International Honor Society and the CSU Neuroscience Journal Club and is in the process of applying to P.H.D. programs. She is someone who loves to help others and joined Catalyst as a way to get more involved in the community. She enjoys welcoming families into the shelter and getting their living space ready. She works diligently to update the job and housing board, hoping it helps individuals secure a safe new start.
Fun Fact: Maya absolutely loves to shop, saying “a girl can never have too many shoes or bags.” Fashion is Maya’s favorite form of self-expression… it is what makes her, her!
Maya
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Aubree
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2020
Volunteer Start Date: August 2020
Time Served: 95 Hours
Aubree graduated from Chico State with her Bachelors in Psychology and is currently applying to the Chico State MFT graduate program. She is passionate about the work Catalyst does and joined as a way to help people in the community. She spends most of her time on the hotline and helping participants at the shelter. She loves that every day is a little different, saying it keeps things exciting!
Fun Facts: Aubree loves the outdoors – spending time at the lake, swimming, hiking, and camping (outside is where you will find her). She also loves to read and recently joined a book club with some of her friends. They just finished reading Where the Crawdads Sing and enjoyed it tremendously!
Aubree
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Annabelle
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2020
Volunteer Start Date: August 2020
Time Served: 109 Hours
Annabelle is a senior at Chico State majoring in Child Development. She is also pursuing three minors, one in Multicultural Studies, the second in Gender & Sexuality, and the third in Family Relations! She joined Catalyst as an intern and has been a big support to our children advocates. She has helped the children’s program come up with fun and creative activity kits for little ones and their families to enjoy. She also helps answer the hotline and provide support to participants seeking services.
Fun Facts: Annabelle is the president of Chico State’s Ultimate Frisbee team! She has played for the last three years and has met the most amazing people because of it. Apart from playing Frisbee, her favorite way to spend any free time is being outside with people she loves (and of course her adorable cat Weasley).
Annabelle
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Kassidi
Featured Volunteer of the Month: September 2020
Volunteer Start Date: January 2020
Time Served: 89 Hours
Kassidi graduated from Chico State in May with her Bachelor’s in Psychology. Now that she is out of school, Kassidi admits to missing it…but only a little! She joined Catalyst as an intern and has appreciated learning how to support people on the 24-hour hotline. She also enjoys interacting with participants at the shelter and, prior to the pandemic, tabling at community events.
Fun Facts: Kassidi’s favorite restaurant is Lucille’s BBQ in Rocklin, CA, yum! In her free time, she likes to hang out with her friends and boyfriend. During the summer, her favorite thing to do is float down the river!
Kassidi
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Christina
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2020
Volunteer Start Date: May 2018
Time Served: 191 Hours
Christina recently graduated from Chico State with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She is actively exploring opportunities to attend graduate school and earn her MSW. Christina joined Catalyst as a way to give back to her community and gain hands-on experience in the social work field. Christina has volunteered at Catalyst for over two years and feels a strong connection to the agency’s values and beliefs.
Christina has been a huge support at the emergency shelter. She enjoys providing resources on the hotline and interacting directly with participants. She particularly enjoys tabling at community events and telling people how awesome Catalyst is!
When she is not volunteering, her favorite way to spend time is with her daughter. They love animals and live in the foothills where they are visited by a lot of wildlife including deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and rabbits! They have even put out feeders for birds and squirrels to watch them from their porch. Of course, they also have indoor furry friends! She and her daughter have one dog and two cats.
Fun Facts: Christina lived in Japan for three years. She tutored Japanese students at a private English school. Japan holds a very special place in her heart, as it is where her daughter was born. It is also where she developed a deep love for sushi!
Christina
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Caitlyn
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2020
Volunteer Start Date: January 2020
Time Served: 161 Hours
Caitlyn graduated from Chico State last fall with a degree in psychology. She joined Catalyst wanting to learn how to support people in the community experiencing domestic violence. She spends the majority of her time helping survivors on the crisis hotline, validating their feelings and experiences. She describes it as both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Fun Facts: Caitlyn loves going to the beach, listening to the waves, and collecting sand dollars. She loves trying new restaurants, her favorite places include Souley Vegan and Homeroom, both in Oakland, CA and Heirloom in Monterey, CA.
Caitlyn
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Fiona
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2020
Volunteer Start Date: June 2019
Time Served: 147 Hours
Fiona just graduated from Chico State this semester! She double majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Fiona joined Catalyst as a way to get more involved in the community. She enjoys getting to know participants at the shelter and making a positive impact. When she is not volunteering, she loves to read and hang out with her friends and family.
Fun Facts: Fiona has a pet hedgehog! His name is Bolt and he is only 2.5 years old (awww). Her favorite place to eat is Zachary’s Pizza in Berkeley.
Fiona
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Lilithanny
Featured Volunteer of the Month: April 2020
Volunteer Start Date: January 2020
Time Served: 72 Hours
Lili is a Chico State student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Child Development. She was encouraged to apply for the volunteer program by her college professor Gloria Wetterson. Lili is an amazing volunteer. She most enjoys tabling for community events, she said: “it warms my heart when people come up to me and thank Catalyst for the work they have done for someone they know.”
Fun Facts: In her free time, she most enjoys spending time outside. Lili loves to go hiking with her family and cliff jumping whenever she’s near a waterfall! Her favorite food is Asian food…yum! She doesn’t have a favorite place because she likes to try a new restaurant every time (so adventurous!)
Lilithanny
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Chyanne
Featured Volunteer of the Month: March 2020
Volunteer Start Date: August 2019
Time Served: 165 Hours
Chyanne graduated from Chico State last May with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She feels inspired to help survivors start a new life free of domestic violence.
Chyanne spends most of her time at the shelter, answering hotline calls and working directly with participants. She also loves helping out with community outreach events. Her favorite part is being able to provide education and build a stronger partnership with the community.
Fun Facts: Chyanne plays the violin, she loves to be outdoors and read by the water. Olive Garden and the T-bar are her favorite places to eat…yum!
Chyanne
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Marilyn
Featured Volunteer of the Month: February 2020
Volunteer Start Date: June 2019
Time Served: 145 Hours
Marilyn graduated from Chico State last May with a major in Criminal Justice. She came to Catalyst to support and help build the confidence of survivors of domestic violence.
Marilyn has spent most of her time at the shelter, connecting with participants and answering hotline calls. She has helped out with child care as needed, which was her favorite.
Fun Facts: Marilyn collects healing crystals and loves hiking in Upper Bidwell Park with her dog. Her favorite food is dim sum.
Marilyn
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Maria
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2020
Volunteer Start Date: August 2019
Time Served: 145 Hours
Maria is graduating this month with a double major in Psychology and Child Development. She came to Catalyst as an intern through the Child Development Program.
Maria is the first to jump in and help out whenever there is a hotline call or project at shelter. She is happy to lend her creativity to the children’s advocates whenever it’s needed.
Fun Facts: Maria is a die-hard 49’s fan and watches every game. She also loves Disney and has been binging on the new Disney+ app.
Maria
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Cynthia
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2019
Volunteer Start Date: June 2019
Time Served: 130 Hours
Cynthia graduated from Chico State with a Criminal Justice degree and a Paralegal Certificate. She is hoping to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.
Cynthia spends most of her time at HAVEN taking crisis calls and supporting participants. She likes to decorate and help clean up around the house to make it feel safe and comfortable to live there.
Fun Facts: Cynthia is OBSESSED with Harry Potter (she’s a Gryffindor) and has a big collection of Harry Potter memorabilia. She loves Chinese food and enjoys CrossFit/weight lifting at a local gym.
Cynthia
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Christy
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2019
Volunteer Start Date: June 2017
Time Served: 125 Hours
Christy is taking an advanced herbalism course, challenging her to learn about the chemistry of plants and how they interact with the body. She also takes violin lessons and loves playing Celtic music.
Christy feels a need to serve her community and wants to participate in working to confront intersectional systems of oppression. She recently facilitated an aromatherapy group for HAVEN, which was greatly appreciated by participants and staff.
Fun Facts: Christy doesn’t have TV or the internet, and instead loves to spend her free time painting, reading, & working with herbs.
Christy
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Patty
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2019
Volunteer Start Date: May 2018
Time Served: 165 Hours
Patty is in the last year of her Social Work program at Chico State University. She was drawn to volunteer at Catalyst due to personal experiences as a child, which led her to want to help and be a part of the crucial services offered.
Patty spends most of her time answering the hotline at HAVEN. Her favorite part of volunteering is interacting with the people living in shelter.
Fun Facts: Patty loves fishing, reading, and hiking/exploring new trails in the wilderness. She has a cute baby bearded dragon named Amy.
Patty
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Tara
Featured Volunteer of the Month: September 2019
Volunteer Start Date: August 2018
Time Served: 190 Hours
Tara graduated in May from Chico State with a major in Sociology. She started as an intern through her program, and has continued on as a volunteer.
Tara was inspired to volunteer by her grandmother, who also volunteers in the domestic violence field. Tara loves meeting the resilient people living in shelter who are working to rise above their painful situation.
Fun Facts: Tara loves doing yoga and eating anything from Live Life Juice Co. She used to Irish Dance and once performed at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco!!!
Tara
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Chrissy
Featured Volunteer of the Month: August 2019
Volunteer Start Date: January 2019
Time Served: 123 Hours
Chrissy graduated in May with a BA in Psychology from Chico State. She is excited to start the MFT program in the fall.
Chrissy spends her time at the shelter connecting with participants and answering the hotline. She is motivated by the desire to help people who are in high stress or traumatic situations. She hopes to support their process.
Fun Facts: Chrissy enjoys spending time with friends, especially outside. She recently started kickboxing and loves it!
Chrissy
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Allison
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2019
Volunteer Start Date: August 2018
Time Served: 160 Hours
Allison attends Chico State as a Health Science major, with an emphasis in education. She was inspired to volunteer with Catalyst due to her own experience with IPV.
Allison spends her time answering hotline calls and building relationships with participants. She strives to remind victims they are not alone and tries to make their time at shelter a little easier.
Fun Facts: Allison also helps out at prison counseling inmates on alternatives to violence. She is a vegetarian and loves spending time near the water.
Allison
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Jimmy
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2019
Volunteer Start Date: January 2019
Time Served: 148 Hours
Jimmy just graduated from CSU, Chico with his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. His goal is to become a clinical psychologist after earning his PsyD.
Jimmy spends most of his time at the shelter, answering hotline calls and helping out around the house. He enjoys connecting with the residents and hearing their stories.
Fun Facts: Fun Facts: Jimmy was a gymnast and loves spending time outdoors. He listens to music as much as he can. His favorite food is the double double with animal fries from In-N-Out.
Jimmy
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Esmeralda
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2019
Volunteer Start Date: January 2019
Time Served: 290 Hours
Esme is a graduating senior at Chico State majoring in Public Health, with a minor in Ethics, Justice, and Policy Studies.
Esme was brought on as a staff level intern in the Community Outreach & Education program. Her main focus was to help facilitate Catalyst’s annual Youth Empowered Conference. She was awarded Catalyst’s Go-Getter Award for 2019.
Fun Facts: Esme loves to spend her free time outdoors, practicing self care, and values deep conversations and lasting friendships.
Esmeralda
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Sarah
Featured Volunteer of the Month: April 2019
Volunteer Start Date: August 2018
Time Served: 154 Hours
Sarah is in her fourth year at Chico State as a Criminal Justice & Women’s Studies major, minoring in Gender & Sexuality.
Sarah volunteers with Catalyst to help build awareness about domestic violence in our community. She is often the first to sign up for outreach to the Latinx community, as well as spending much of her time answering hotline calls and helping at HAVEN.
Fun Facts: Sarah loves to travel, and often drives to and from Mexico to visit family. She loves watching the Simpsons while snacking on popcorn.
Sarah
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Odalis
Featured Volunteer of the Month: March 2019
Volunteer Start Date: August 2018
Time Served: 283 Hours
Odalis is a Social Work major at Chico State. She has been a staff level intern with Catalyst since August.
Odalis has taken on many roles: she helps at the business office providing drop-in services, offers translation for counseling services, offers child care and Advocacy at HAVEN and has spent time at court, offering support to participants.
Fun Facts: Odalis loves painting with acrylics and can even make her own canvases. She loves spending time with family and enjoying her mom’s enchiladas.
Odalis
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Carmen
Featured Volunteer of the Month: February 2019
Volunteer Start Date: May 2018
Time Served: 137 Hours
Carmen graduated from CSU, Chico in 2018 with her BA in Criminal Justice. She is currently working as a Mental Competency Trainer. Carmen is bilingual and regularly participates in outreach to the Spanish speaking community to help minimize barriers to service. She loves connecting with participants on the hotline or at shelter, empowering and lending a kind ear.
Fun Facts: Carmen loves nature outings, traveling to experience the world through a different perspective, and going on adventures with friends.
Carmen
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Cassandra
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2019
Volunteer Start Date: May 2018
Time Served: 120 Hours
Cassie is a senior at Chico State, studying Child Development. She was drawn to volunteer with Catalyst to help people in our community more.
Cassie has spent much of her time with the children’s program at HAVEN. She offers child care and decorates the shelter for holidays. She also answers crisis calls on the hotline and tables events.
Fun Facts: Cassie plays ultimate Frisbee for Chico State club sports and is surprisingly competitive when it comes to card games, but loves playing with family and friends.
Cassandra
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Vanessa
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2018
Volunteer Start Date: August 2018
Time Served: 187 Hours
Vanessa is in her 4th year at Chico State studying Social Work. She is an intern with Catalyst because it aligns with her values and is the work she wants to do. As a social work intern Vanessa helps out with many different Catalyst programs. She provides court accompaniment, offers support at the Chico Business Office, helps at HAVEN with advocacy, child care, and special event planning.
Fun Facts: Vanessa is very athletic and has played soccer and danced since she was 8. Working the drive-thru at In-N-Out taught her to be a fast talker.
Vanessa
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Emma
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2018
Volunteer Start Date: January 2018
Time Served: 272 Hours
Emma is an intern at HAVEN, working closely with staff to learn advocacy skills and how to support participants who are working to rebuild their lives. She is a huge help facilitating the weekly house meeting and activity.
Fun Facts: Emma has been dancing for a few minor league teams for 4 years! She loves sushi and relaxing at home, watching scary movies.
Emma
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Mandy
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2018
Volunteer Start Date: January 2018
Time Served: 110 Hours
Mandy is a student at Chico State, working towards her BA in Psychology. Her plan is to continue her education through the Social Work masters program.
Mandy came to Catalyst to support those in need and gain experience in her field. She volunteers primarily at the shelter and enjoys any opportunity to connect with participants and see how they are doing.
Fun Facts: Mandy is a crafter or “DIY Diva”, who will always try to make something before buying it. She loves sewing and crocheting while watching Friends and How I Met Your Mother.
Mandy
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Shaianne
Featured Volunteer of the Month: September 2018
Volunteer Start Date: August 2017
Time Served: 157 Hours
Shaianne graduated from Chico State with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Music. She came to Catalyst to gain experience before continuing towards her MFT degree.
You may have gotten a chance to meet Shai at our Chico Drop In office. She is often found covering the front desk, supporting drop-in participants and staff. She loves seeing the growth in others.
Fun Facts: Shai loves to dance, compose music, create vlogs. She is a photographer and parent to two orange cats.
Shaianne
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Jackie
Featured Volunteer of the Month: August 2018
Volunteer Start Date: January 2018
Time Served: 165 Hours
Jackie is getting her BA at Chico State in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also has two minors: Criminal Justice and Diversity Studies.
Jackie recognizes the importance of supporting and validating survivors, as well as providing a sense of empowerment. She answers crisis calls, participates in community outreach, and helps with group childcare. Her favorite part of volunteering is helping out with the Children’s Program, facilitating group play and one on one pretend play.
Fun Facts: Jackie loves bike rides, hiking and sightseeing. In her free time she goes to the gym, journals and reads.
Jackie
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Ginny
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2018
Volunteer Start Date: August 2017
Time Served: 214 Hours
Ginny is a community member who was inspired to volunteer with Catalyst after reaching out when a family member was in an abusive relationship. Catalyst was such a help she wanted to give back.
Ginny spends time at shelter, our Chico office, and tabling at community events. She loves interacting with participants and doing what she can to support the success of Catalyst programs.
Fun Facts: Ginny is the busiest retired person ever: she loves reading, volunteering, traveling, writing, theater, yoga, and time with family!
Ginny
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Hannah
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2018
Volunteer Start Date: January 2018
Time Served: 166 Hours
Hannah graduated from Chico State this May with a BA in Psychology and Child Development. She was drawn to intern with Catalyst to gain hands on experience and strengthen skills in trauma informed practice.
Hannah spent most of her time taking calls on the crisis hotline and connecting with participants at shelter.
Fun Facts: Hannah eats chocolate and banana every single day. She loves reading, writing, cooking with her boyfriend, and going on hikes in.
Hannah
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Jessica
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2018
Volunteer Start Date: January 2018
Time Served: 287 Hours
Jess is graduating from Chico State in May with a BA in Health Science Education. As part of her major she is required to complete a 300 hour internship.
Jess has spent time at shelter answering hotline calls and offering childcare, but her main role has been helping out at the CBO and helping to coordinate the 5th Annual Youth Empowered Conference.
Fun Facts: Jess does yoga every day and loves going to music festivals. She makes her own toiletries/beauty products/cleaning supplies! She loves being out in nature and traveling.
Jessica
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Nick
Featured Volunteer of the Month: April 2018
Volunteer Start Date: June 2017
Time Served: 150 Hours
Nick is graduating from Chico State in May with a BA in Social Work. He is hoping to continue with his Masters next year.
Nick spends most of his time at the shelter answering hotline crisis calls. He enjoys connecting with and empowering participants. It’s important to him to show people that men can be sensitive, kind and open.
Fun Facts: Music is a huge part of Nick’s self care, specifically Punk Rock, death metal and Grindcore. He loves having adventure days with his wife.
Nick
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Ksa
Featured Volunteer of the Month: March 2018
Volunteer Start Date: June 2017
Time Served: 153 Hours
Ksa will be finishing up her Psychology degree next year at Chico State. She wanted to volunteer with Catalyst to gain real world experience in her chosen field.
Ksa spends most of her time at the confidential shelter, answering crisis calls and supporting participants. She loves problem solving to help callers get to the resources and services they need.
Fun Facts: Ksa directs children’s theater and loves salsa dancing because it’s fast, challenging and fun. She loves learning new things and feels there is always something new to learn. She spends her free time exploring nature and new places.
Ksa
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Diana
Featured Volunteer of the Month: February 2018
Volunteer Start Date: June 2017
Time Served: 164 Hours
Diana is graduating in May from Chico State with a focus in Criminal Justice. She wants to use the information she has learned volunteering to help people who are experiencing domestic violence.
Diana spends most of her time at the shelter, but has also helped with Adopt-A-Family during the holidays and community outreach by tabling at events.
Fun Facts: Diana loves reading and is a big comic book fan. She is a photographer and loves spending time with her dogs. Her favorite food is pizza, specifically veggie gourmet.
Diana
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Laura
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2018
Volunteer Start Date: August 2017
Time Served: 180 Hours
Laura is a certified Life Coach trained in relationship, grief & loss, hope coaching, and crisis pregnancy. She is continuing her training to continue to grow as a support for others.
Laura is a survivor of childhood abuse and domestic violence abuse, which has given her the heart and motivation to help others going through something similar. She spends most of her time at HAVEN answering the crisis line and supporting participants, but has also prioritized outreach to the Latin@ community through tabling events.
Fun Facts: Laura loves hiking and hunting for crystals in the mountains. She loves the ocean because it brings her peace and joy.
Laura
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Maly
Featured Volunteer of the Month: December 2017
Volunteer Start Date: June 2017
Time Served: 148 Hours
Maly is a double major in Psychology and Multicultural & Gender Studies, with a minor in Gender & Sexuality. She will be graduating from Chico State in the Spring.
Maly witnessed domestic violence as a child. Volunteering was her way of helping to break the cycle and bringing more information back to the Hmong community. She has volunteered at HAVEN and the Chico Business office. She likes tabling the most, because she believes community education is very important.
Fun Facts: Maly likes thrift store shopping, catching up on YouTube, taking pictures of nature and reading.
Maly
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Colin
Featured Volunteer of the Month: November 2017
Volunteer Start Date: June 2017
Time Served: 115 Hours
Colin is in his fourth year at Chico State, studying Psychology and Criminal Justice. He chose to intern with Catalyst to get “out in the field” and gain experience.
Colin says whether it’s answering crisis calls, tabling at events or helping out around HAVEN, any time spent at Catalyst is his “favorite”. He feels no matter what he is doing, representing Catalyst is a joy.
Fun Facts: Colin grew up racing dirt bikes. He loves camping, working out at the WREC and relaxing, watching movies.
Colin
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Allison
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 160 Hours
Allison graduated from UC Davis in 2015 with a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior. As an aspiring doctor she felt Catalyst would give her experience helping others and help her learn more about how relationships and family life can impact overall health.
Allison supports participants at shelter, answering crisis calls and offering child care, as well as participates in community outreach by tabling at events.
Fun Facts: Allison was a competitive hip-hop dancer for 11 years! She loves breakfast food and taking long walks in Bidwell Park with friends.
Allison
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Brianne
Featured Volunteer of the Month: September 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 157 Hours
Brianne wanted to get more involved with helping her community and felt that volunteering with Catalyst was a good fit. Her favorite part is connecting with participants and listening to their stories.
Brianne spends most of her time at HAVEN, answering hotline calls and supporting participants, but has also participated in community outreach through tabling at events.
Fun Facts: Brianne is a published poet. She loves veggie sushi and could eat it every day. Hiking is her favorite way to de-stress.
Brianne
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Heather
Featured Volunteer of the Month: August 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 122 Hours
Heather is finishing up her prerequisites this semester and is hoping to get into the Nursing program at CSU, Chico. Keep your fingers crossed for her!
Heather helps out at HAVEN and loves working community events. She enjoys talking to people, hearing their stories and sharing information and resources.
Fun Facts: Heather grew up in a town with only 200 people. She has 2 fun-loving, energetic boys & fills each day with adventures, traveling and playing! She has two Beatles tattoos: “Let it Be” and the Yellow Submarine, to remind her not to take life too seriously.
Heather
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Bailie
Featured Volunteer of the Month: July 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 122 Hours
Bailie is majoring in Psychology with a Criminal Justice minor at CSU, Chico. She has only one more semester before graduating.
Bailie would like to focus her career on counseling and victim advocacy, so volunteering with Catalyst felt like a good way to get started. Her favorite part is getting to know the participants and seeing them succeed.
Fun Facts: Bailie lives in a house with 4 cats, loves pizza (for breakfast, lunch and dinner!) and enjoys discovering new coffee shops.
Bailie
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Schylar
Featured Volunteer of the Month: June 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 155 Hours
Schylar just graduated (congrats!) from CSU, Chico with a BA in Psychology, and two minors in Career & Life Planning and Gender & Sexuality Studies.
Schylar spent her internship helping out at our confidential shelter and our business office, answering hotline calls, and providing a great deal of childcare for participants.
Fun Facts: Schylar loves Italian food and Italian Cottage is her favorite restaurant. She enjoys meditation, hiking, and watching documentaries.
Schylar
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Justine
Featured Volunteer of the Month: May 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 240 Hours
Justine is a Health Education Intern and is graduating from Chico State next month!
Most of Justine’s internship has focused on helping with Youth Empowered, an annual conference for youth (check out her amazing photos on Facebook!). She has also participated in community outreach by giving presentations and tabling at events. She has enjoyed working at the business office and learning from staff.
Fun Facts: Justine loves yoga, walks in Bidwell Park, photography, and YouTube videos of animals.
Justine
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Yarlin
Featured Volunteer of the Month: April 2017
Volunteer Start Date: August 2016
Time Served: 347 Hours
Yarlin is a Social Work major at CSU, Chico. She will be graduating this year with her BA.
Yarlin spends her time offering drop-in services at our Chico & Oroville business offices, legal support, and answers crisis calls at HAVEN. Her ongoing goal is to offer one on one support for people during hard times.
Fun Facts: Yarlin loves doing make-up for people; for her it is art.She loves the sound of waves at the beach, eating Hot Cheetos, and going to Disneyland every year with her family.
Yarlin
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Madison
Featured Volunteer of the Month: March 2017
Volunteer Start Date: January 2017
Time Served: 85 Hours
Madison is a Theater Arts Major and Women’s Studies Major at CSU, Chico, with plans to graduate in Fall, 2017.
Madison has helped out at Catalyst in many different ways. She answers crisis calls on the hotline, helps out with child-care and offers drop in services and administrative support at our Chico Business Office. Check out the Positive Message Basket she created at the front desk!
Fun Facts: Madison’s grand-parents were in the circus, so she took a flying trapeze class over the summer.
Madison
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Alex
Featured Volunteer of the Month: February 2017
Volunteer Start Date: August 2016
Time Served: 112 Hours
Alex completed her BA in Psychology from Chico State in 2015. She came to Catalyst to expand her education about IPV and learn how to support victims at Catalyst, and in the world.
Alex spends most of her time volunteering on the hotline and supporting participants staying in shelter. She also tables at community events and helps with child care.
Fun Facts: Despite being scared of flying, Alex loves to travel and explore new places. She also loves curling up on the couch with a good book.
Alex
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Ali
Featured Volunteer of the Month: January 2017
Volunteer Start Date: August 2016
Time Served: 94 Hours
Ali just completed her AA at Butte College (Congratulations!!!) and is excited to begin her BA in Sociology at Chico State in the spring.
Ali spends most of her time volunteering on the hotline and supporting participants staying in shelter. She appreciates working alongside and learning from her fellow volunteers.
Fun Facts: Ali loves to longboard, it’s her favorite way to de-stress, and spend time with friends outside. She went to a circus & performing arts camp as a kid and can walk a tightrope.
Ali
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