by Sam Skillern | Apr 8, 2025 | Blog
It’s been a great run. And the future is in great hands with Kyle. Thank you for the privilege of having my hand at the helm of SLF for these past 28 years. All my jobs – from Statesman-Journal paperboy to paint-company owner (college years) to Seattle Goodwill...by Sam Skillern | Oct 23, 2024 | Blog, Fancy Newsletter
For God has not given us a spirit of fear – but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…
by Sam Skillern | Jul 31, 2024 | Blog, Fancy Newsletter
The good news: Hardship can lead to positive outcomes if people come together with hope and determination. And stick with it…
by Sam Skillern | Jun 24, 2024 | Blog, Fancy Newsletter
What a blast we had last Friday at the Salem Convention Center downtown! It was a pivotal moment in SLF’s history…
by Sam Skillern | Jun 12, 2024 | Blog, Fancy Newsletter
Editor’s Note: Please notice for whom everyone is clapping! Without Jennifer none of the following takes place … If you’ve been to SLF’s Fancy Friday, you know I don’t mind the spotlight. In that space, I’m comfortable telling stories about our team, our partners...Kris has worked in education for 36 years as a science teacher, coach and administrator. She recently retired and is working part-time supporting Stephens Middle School. Kris has served as a church youth leader, Young Life leader, and Vacation Bible School director and currently worships at Our Savior’s Lutheran. She and husband Jeff reside in South Salem while their two daughters, Kara and Hannah, live in Portland and Pensacola respectively. Kris enjoys hiking, running, skiing, golfing, reading, traveling and entertaining.
Bio Coming Soon.
Erin is the owner of Phiz Spa. After 8 years in Denver she returned to her roots of Salem in 2008 pursuing all sorts of opportunities to serve the community. As a long time entrepreneur, Erin specializes in Advanced Skincare. Along with her skills in the administration of owning a business her true passion is being with her clients, enhancing their God-given beauty and creating an ahhhh moment.
Lana was born in Salem and attended Sprague High School. As a missionary-kid, she assumed she would call any place besides Salem “home,” but here she is, back in a town that she’s grown to love deeply. Lana attended Asbury University in Kentucky and fell in love with and married a boy that she met there named Chris. She joined a municipal insurance company before their story took them from Kentucky to Serbia, Belgium, and then to Germany for Chris’ job. Chris and Lana’s boy/girl twins (Maks and Lorelei) were born in Germany before work brought the family back to Kentucky for a 6-year stint. As fate would have it, Lana’s family moved back to Salem to be close to family. (Her only parenting hack is to live close to grandparents.) Lana now works for the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties in the Resource Development Department, and she loves it.
Bio Coming Soon.
Darcie Jones has worked as a Professional School Counselor and Counseling Department Lead for Salem-Keizer Public Schools. She is married to Bob Jones, also a career educator for the District. As a fourth-generation Salemite, Darcie has a passion for our community to be healthy and vibrant, and has seen firsthand the power of people-of-faith partnering with civic and community organizations to support children and families fulfill their highest potential. Bob and Darcie have been members of Salem Alliance Church for more than 30 years and have served extensively with Young Life. They were both raised in South Salem, currently reside in Keizer, and are the proud parents of four adult children.
Glen is retired from pastoring the Oak Park Church of God for over 27 years. He and his wife, LaRene, have two children, Aimee and John, both graduates of McKay High School, where Aimee is now a math teacher; and eight grandchildren, including four currently in the Salem-Keizer school district. He loves how SLF has so beautifully brought people of faith and good-will together to have such a positive impact in so many ways in the greater Salem community.
Bio Coming Soon.
Bio Coming Soon.
Bio Coming Soon.
Bio Coming Soon.
Bio Coming Soon.
Ryan is the owner and principal attorney at Collier law, a small firm focusing on Wills, Trusts, and Probate. Ryan and his wife Holly have three sons and live in the Wright neighborhood of South Salem. Ryan has been a board member since 2001 and President twice.
Irma Coleman is in love with Salem and grateful for all the blessings that Salem has given her. From being the City of Salem’s Neighborhood Program Manager, mother of four amazing humans and wife, her days couldn’t be busier. But, she still finds time to advocate for those in need, volunteer at her church, kids’ school, and is always eager to help SLF grow. If you see Irma around town or at a community gathering, say hi! She would love to meet you.
Brad is a CPA and passionate about buildings. He leads the finance team for a Salem-based construction company and is active with his family at Salem Alliance Church and Grant Community School.
Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in the mental-health field for 30 years serving disabled and often impoverished individuals. She is excited to follow a calling to serve on the SLF board so she can have a broader, faith-based impact on meeting the needs of her community. Linda and Warren live in the SWAN neighborhood in South Salem.
Boris is serving as pastor and church planter in Comunidad Cristiana Renuevo in Salem, OR. A little over 20 years ago the Lord called me to this region of the States from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I served as a pastor of an established church for ten years and afterwards the Lord led me to the church planting adventure in Salem where we planted CCR and continue helping and catalyzing the Hispanic work in the region. My involvement in ministry includes coaching, associational work, pastoral work, church planting and leadership development. It is an honor to be part of the leadership team of the Oregon Coalition where we will see a multiplication of churches in our region.
Steve is an attorney with Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP where he focuses on land use, business, litigation, and election law. He and his wife Sonja have four children. They are members of Evergreen Presbyterian Church of Salem and live in the Candalaria neighborhood.
Pamela is a proud fifth generation Oregonian, as well as an eighth generation Californian. Her two sons graduated from South Salem High, where she coordinated the college and career program for five years. She still lives near South, and has attended St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church for the past fifteen years, where her husband is the priest. She serves on the Truth and Racial Reconciliation Working Group, and on the Board of Trustees, for the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon; does research for Oregon Black Pioneers; and also contributes to the blog of American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston.
Quinn is a Salem native, graduate of South Salem High School, and MBA from Willamette University. He served four years as the VP of Union Gospel Mission of Salem, followed by two years as the operations manager for a residential development company, and is now a Principal Broker with Kithkin Real Estate. He and his wife, Katy, worship at Life Church in West Salem, live in the South Gateway neighborhood, and are proudly raising their family in Oregon’s best community.
Abby is our new Assistant Business Manager and comes to SLF with both office and youth-ministry experience. She and her husband Ryan are involved at Salem Alliance Church and they enjoy spending time outdoors, cooking and baking, reading, photography and hanging with their cat, Steve Purrwin, in the Englewood Neighborhood of North Salem.
Isaiah is SLF’s South Salem Lightning Rod. He recently worked with Safe Families for Children, another ministry that works with churches and serves vulnerable families. Isaiah, Holly and their four children live in the Morningside Neighborhood and one of his passions is health and fitness training. Isaiah is a proud McKay Royal Scot (2010) and Corban Warrior (Psychology, 2023).
I was born and raised in Salem and am excited to be part of a team working to bring peace to our city. I graduated from McNary High School and Keizer is still my neighborhood. Wife to John. Mom to Ollie, Eli, Aliyah, and Sam. Daughter to Craig and Jane. Sister to Jamie. I have the best family! Things I love: reading, book clubs, walking my dog Clovis, sitting in the sun, camping and being outside, eating nachos, singing at church, being still, time with my family and our friends who have become family.
I am a graduate of Corban University, where I pursued and received both a BS in Christian Ministries and my MA in Christian Leadership. I love Salem and the wonderful things this city has to offer. I am grateful to be a part of the SLF team during this season of life. My passion is discipleship and helping young adults know their identity and worth rooted in Christ. I attend Salem First Baptist Church and enjoy being outside, flowers, and people!
I’m a “Tex-pat” who has called Salem home for the past 5 years. My rockstar wife, two spirited daughters, and I have planted roots in the Sunnyslope Neighborhood of Southwest Salem.
Before joining the team at SLF, I had the honor of serving Salem Vineyard Church as their Senior Pastor.
As part of my role with SLF:
I was born and raised in Salem, OR and graduated from McKay High School in 2012. I attended the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) where I studied Nonprofit Administration and Public Relations. Shortly after moving back to Salem, I met my best friend, Hannah, and we got married in June of 2019. We bought a house in the Northgate Neighborhood 4 blocks from where I grew up, and we attend New Harvest Church.
I feel very honored to be a part of this SLF team. In my senior year of high school, I was placed on the SLF Board through the Inspire Foundation’s Leadership Youth program. I also had the opportunity to intern with SLF for a summer during college. Now, I get to serve as the McKay Area Lightning Rod. Hannah and I have a vision that all people in the McKay Community would thrive, and now I get to partner with SLF to bring Shalom to the McKay Community.
Here are some projects and partnerships I am a part of: Community and Partners of East Salem (CaPES) a Community Partnership Team (CPT), the McKay Community Podcast, McKay Commons, Hope Alive East Salem Task Group.
One of the best decisions in my life was marrying my wonderful wife Nicole. We have 5 amazing kids; Isabel, Araya Hope, Simeon, Samuel, and Marcelino. Nicole and I moved to Salem in 1997 to live close to her family, but we moved to West Salem in 2003. I started working with Salem Leadership Foundation in August of 2018 as a West Salem Lightning Rod, with a focus on the Straub Middle school area.
Some projects and partnerships I am a part of are: Edgewater Partnership, West Salem CaN Centers, Grass Roots After School Soccer Program (GRASSP), Street Psalm.
Education: B.Min, Crown College (Reach Training Institute)
I moved back to the United States in June 2018 after living / working in Jakarta, Indonesia as a teacher and school administrator for 18 years. I was born and raised in New Jersey and spent a bit of time in Oklahoma to attend University and to begin my teaching career. Although family are still living in Oklahoma, I’ve followed God’s leading to Salem because of connections with friends… and for the mountains, lakes, rivers, trees and BEAUTY of the PNW!
While visiting the States in March 2018, I was introduced to Salem Leadership Foundation as I helped serve at the Community Homeless Connect. I was drawn to the vision and mission of SLF… such a big purpose, big heart and great work!
What a privilege it is to now work as SLF’s CaN Coordinator and to serve alongside the AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL SOULS of the SLF staff, the many churches and community members as we endeavor to bring health, healing and hope to the children, families and neighborhoods of Salem- Keizer!
Born and raised in Salem, OR, Zyanya graduated from the University of Oregon in 2015 with a degree in International Development and Non-Profit Management. She graduated in 2019 with a Master degree in International Development from Brandeis University in Boston, MA. Zyanya has lived and worked in Mexico, Argentina, France and most recently, Tanzania.
Zyanya first joined the SLF team in the fall of 2016 as the Community Partnership Team (CPT) Coordinator. In the spring of 2018 she served as the Interim CaN Centers Coordinator. In the spring of 2019 Zyanya moved back to Salem and is now a proud resident of East Salem and excited to serve as the East Salem Lightning Rod!
Kyle Dickinson is the beloved son of the One Who Holds All Things Together. He is Joy’s husband and Mia and Nathan’s dad. He has a Bachelor’s degree in International and Intercultural Communications from Sacramento State University and an MBA from George Fox University. He has also studied at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Kyle has been a campus pastor, a small groups pastor, a development director, and a fundraising consultant. He loves to encourage, organize, and inspire people to get involved in Kingdom causes and to be generous with their time, talent, and treasure.
His favorite authors include Tim Keller, Henri Nouwen, KJ Ramsey, Brene Brown, Patrick Lencioni, Kate Bowler, Jemar Tisby, Soong-Chan Rah, and Justin McRoberts.
Kyle is a die-hard San Francisco Giants and Portland Trail Blazers fan. He loves good coffee, the Oregon coast, and fantasy football.
While I have been here at SLF, I finally heard what God wants me to do and that’s to become a middle school math teacher here in Salem Oregon! I have completed my Associates at Chemeketa CC this year, June 2017. This fall, I will be an AmeriCorps member stationed at the Boys and Girls Club of Salem on Summer Street for 2017-18. After that I will be attending Western Oregon University to obtain my teaching degree. Did I forget to mention I’m getting married this August 2017 to Danny Navarro? It’s been seven years and we are ready! I’m sure you will still see me around to volunteer and help SLF just as they have helped me. 🙂
First and foremost, I get to be Aaron’s wife. We have two boys, Andrew & Jonathan, and they don’t fall far from our tree: they love reading, music, adventures and laughter. I originally came to Salem (from Kauai, HI then Pacific City, OR) to study and play at Willamette… and I haven’t left this great city! My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Exercise Science and teaching, and while I use them seldomly, the Willamette experience has been invaluable. I held a teaching position at Stephens Middle School (2003) for 10 wonderful years before I “retired” to do youth ministry and media work at Calvary Chapel Salem (2013). From there, I transitioned to Salem Leadership Foundation (2017). My work as CaN Centers Coordinator at SLF is continually widening my view of this incredible city, the churches and brothers & sisters that serve it, and the one true God who loves everyone.
Carrie Maheu just recently retired from active duty with SLF after 11 amazing years as one of our original Lightning Rods (field staff) … but she is still very involved in neighborhood initiatives through her church and as an SLF Ambassador.
In 1976 Carrie moved to Salem where she met and married her husband Michael. Their daughter Katie attended school in Salem and graduated from McKay High in 1995. They have attended the Salem First Free Methodist Church for 22 years where she serves as the CaN Center Director supervising free after school programming – with a focus on Neighborhood Outreach.
Carrie enjoys being a part of the Community her past and current affiliations are: McKay Area Coalition for Student Success (MACCS), CaPES/McKay CPT, No Meth/Yes Foster Care Campaign, Reading for All Initiative, Fostering Hope Initiative, Coordinator of the East Salem Community Dinner, Friends of La Casita and Community and Partners of East Salem (CaPES) Treasurer. During her previous career in retail management she served as a Softline Manager, Corporate College Recruiter, Administrative Assistant and Regional Competition Price Coordinator.
Her favorite thing to do is babysit her grandson.
Proud father of two adventurous kids (Riley and Logan), three amazing step-kids (Tyler, Zachary, and
Kylie) and husband to a great wife (Melissa). Having spent most of my life in the Willamette Valley, I
moved back to Salem in 2004 as part of a church-planting team in South Salem, and then moved to the
Edgewater District of West Salem in 2008 to pastor Soma Church. I started working at Salem Leadership
Foundation as West Salem Lightning Rod in 2015 and moved into the role of Churches as Neighborhood
(CaN) Center Director in 2021. Here’s a snapshot of the People, Projects, and Partnerships I’m involved
with on a daily, weekly, and seasonal basis through SLF:
Education
Husband to Marsha Boes for 51 years. We have four adult children and eight grandchildren. I’ve been a Salem Leadership Foundation Lighting Rod Associate since 2007.
I enjoy serving Salem and Polk County in the following ways:
• Co-Chaired West Salem Neighborhood Association
• Received Salem’s Vern Miller Award
• Co-Chair of Community Homeless Connect in Salem, OR
• Founded and Co-Chaired Polk Community Connect in Dallas, OR
• Served on and Chaired Polk County Commission of Children and Families board
• Serving on Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Exec. Board
• Served on Salem Net pastors fellowship Leadership Team
• Served as Salem Dream Center Board Chair
• Chaired Emergency Food and Shelter Board for Marion and Polk County
Other background information about me:
• West Salem Resident since 1992
• Pastor from 1983 – 2006 in Portland and Salem
• Diesel Technician 1968 – 1982
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion with a minor in Greek language
• Master of Divinity Degree
I was born and raised in Seattle Washington. I grew up in the Richmond Beach neighborhood, North of Seattle. I have a Bachelor of Science in Clothing and Textiles from Seattle Pacific University and an Associate of Arts and Science from State University of New York/Fashion Institute of Technology in Advertising and Journalism.
Sam and I moved to Salem in 1996, answering God’s calling for Sam to be the Executive Director of the Salem Leadership Foundation. Sam and I have been married for almost 30 years. We have two college age sons, Samuel Charles IV, & Andrew McLean.
We currently worship at Salem Alliance Church and live in a 100 year old home in the Grant Neighborhood.
We are passionate about neighborhoods, advocating for the underserved, servanthood and old house restorations.
I have been on staff at SLF since June of 2015.
Texas Native, who moved to Salem in 2008. Graduated from Corban University in 2011. Husband to Kristine Herring since 2011. Has three sons, James Dean, Jordan Kent, and Jackson Cole. Attends and serves at the Salem First Free Methodist Church. On staff with SLF as full time Lightning Rod since 2015. My favorite part of the neighborhood is smelling the fresh baked bread as I ride my bike past Miranda Bros Bakery on Lancaster.
Serves the McKay Area:
• After School Programs at Salem First Free Methodist Church.
• Partners and Coaches for Grass Roots After School Soccer Program, GRASSP.
• Co-Chairs Communities and Partners of East Salem, CaPES.
• Parks Co-Chair for North Lancaster Neighborhood Association.
• Younglife McKay Adult Support Team
• Younglives childcare volunteer
• Interfaith Hospitality Network Coordinator for Salem First Free Methodist Church
• Community of Gardeners Coordinator at Brown Rd Park
• Supports the McKay Area CaN Centers: Salem First Free Methodist, Calvary Chapel Salem, New Hope Foursquare, Holy Cross Lutheran, Grace Community, New Harvest.
Married to Jerry Dolar, and we have two young adult children (Josh & Laura). Originally from Montana, but have lived in Salem since 1992. I live in the South Gateway Neighborhood, our kids attended schools at Sumpter, Judson and Sprague. I worked as Parish Administrator at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Salem for 12 years. I volunteer with Interfaith Hospitality Network, Battlecreek Elementary, and SKIT theatre. Enjoy playing the piano, hiking, family reunions, and OSU sports!
Jennifer is the coordinator of SLF’s Community Partnership Team (CPT) collaborative, which includes CPTs in east (CaPES), west (Edgewater Partnership), north (North Neighborhoods), south (South Salem Connect) and Keizer (Keizer United). Her background is in Christian Education (youth) and she has served for years in her church, Calvary Chapel Salem. She and her family are longtime Keizer residents and members of the Salem Academy academic and sports community.
Husband to Gabrielle (Gabi) for 16 years with two children (Kaden and Clara). I moved to Salem in 2003 to pastor and pursue my masters degree through George Fox Evangelical Seminary. I founded the Salem Missional Community Network; which has planted, coached and cultivated a dozen unique disciple-making churches in the past 10 years. I started working at the Salem Leadership Foundation as the South Area Lightning Rod in 2008. Here is a snapshot of the People, Projects, and Partnerships I am currently involved with on a daily, weekly, and seasonal basis through SLF:
• Chair of South Salem Connect (SSC) a Community Partnership Team (CPT) increasing neighbor livability through partnerships, one time projects and weekly programs.
• Team leader at Leslie Middle School and monthly events coordinator for Salem area Wyldlife.
• Founder and leader of the Salem Missional Community Network seeking out the broken and marginalized through forming families of missionary servants.
• President of the Co-Active Connections Board supporting its work to educate and advocate to promote awareness of the poverty experience.
• Poverty awareness coach and volunteer trainer for Community Connect, Salem Warming Center, and the annual Homeless Count.
• 10 year board member with Isaac’s Room supporting their work to help divested youth rise to the challenges of life through the IKE Box, IKE Quest and IKE House.
• Providing clubs and recruiting instructors for the After School Program at Leslie Middle School
• Champion for the Church @the Park & Room in the Inn efforts
• Supporting the South/Sprague CaN Centers: Emmaus Community Church, Capital Park Weslyan, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Trinity Covenant Church, Morningside United Methodist Church, and Gateway Foursquare Church.
Sam Skillern is the executive director of the Salem Leadership Foundation, a faith-based community-impact organization that was founded in 1996. SLF is known for its work building bridges between the faith community and the community at large, especially schools, government, business, the human services and law enforcement. SLF is also active working across the denominations and between different religions, helping people-of-faith practice the Sacred Art of Servanthood in service to others.
SLF is a strong partner in the Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers Collaborative, Community Partnership Teams (CPTs), Fostering Hope/Safe Families, Salem Warming Network, Church@the Park, Isaac’s Room/IKE Box, Family Promise/Interfaith Hospitality Network, and the GRASSP Soccer Network, among many other initiatives.
Sam is a Salem son who graduated from South High (1977) and Oregon State (1982) before heading to Seattle for a 14-year career in consulting and community-building ministry. Sam and his family live in a historic 1916 Craftsman home and worship (Salem Alliance Church) in the Grant neighborhood of north-central Salem, which is also the location of SLF’s offices.
Sam serves on the Marion County Children & Families Commission and co-chairs both the Grant Neighborhood Association and the North Neighborhoods-N2 Community Progress Team (CPT). In March 2005, Sam was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and City officials.