Embedded Files
Our team is passionate about helping people connect with the support, resources, and opportunities they need. Whether we’re meeting community members at local events, helping someone navigate services, or working behind the scenes, we’re more than happy to help!
Connecting With our Community!
We enjoy getting out from behind the desk and meeting people face-to-face. Events like these give us a chance to introduce GOALS, answer questions, share useful information, and simply be a familiar, approachable presence for people who may need us later!
We Make the First Step Easier!
Reaching out for help can feel scary, especially when you're unsure where to start. Our team works to make that first interaction comfortable and judgment-free, so you can know your options without feeling lost or overwhelmed!
Better Together!
Our team brings different experiences, strengths, and perspectives to the work we do. What brings us together is a shared commitment to treating people with respect, working collaboratively, and helping each person move toward greater stability and independence!
Our team is always participating to be a helping hand at the community
Picture at the the International Overdose Day event!
We are honored to be a part of the Sound Pathways Program!
Alanna Lancaster
Founder and Executive Director
Alanna Lancaster is the Founder and Executive Director of GOALS. Driven by a lived experience similar to the individuals she serves, Alanna built GOALS on a simple yet powerful framework: dream big, hope big, expect big, and do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. A natural helper and visionary at heart, Alanna’s true passion lies in being a steadfast voice of support for her clients while building lasting, innovative programs that uplift the entire community.
For Alanna, the most rewarding part of her work is creating long-term impact and watching individuals begin to believe in themselves, step into their potential, and realize their dreams. At her core, Alanna deeply treasures her role as a devoted wife, loving mom, and steadfast friend. Beyond leading G.O.A.L.S. and actively volunteering, she loves traveling to new places, paddleboarding on the water, and playing in the snow. During her downtime, you can usually find her relaxing with her family and catching classic favorite movies like Armageddon, Transformers, Independence Day, and Fun with Dick and Jane.
She/Her
Cassie
Housing & Employment Specialist
I'm a Housing & Employment Specialist at GOALS supporting people as they work towards building more stable, independent and fulfilling lives period I love being able to meet people where they're at help them recognize their strings and be a part of those moments when they realize they're capable of more than they thought.
What I enjoy most about my work are the people. I genuinely love being able to make a difference, even if it's in a small way. I'm a big believer that sometimes people just need someone in their corner who believes in them, listens without judgment and reminds them that their circumstances don't define them, getting to be that person for someone is incredibly rewarding!
Fun Facts: I'm a mom of three and consider myself a professional adventurer! I love making memories with my family, exploring new places and finding the fun in just about any situation.
She/Her
Cailin Benes
The Lead Supervisor - Supportive Housing
I am a lead supervisor at Golden Opportunities and Local Support and I do supportive housing & case management when needed!
What I love most about being a supervisor with GOALS is being able to see the bigger picture of someone’s journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to support people as they work toward stability, whether that’s finding and maintaining housing, gaining employment, or rebuilding their independence. I also love being able to support my team and help them feel confident in the work they’re doing.
Outside of my professional life, my greatest passion is motherhood!
Mandie
Senior Housing & Employment Specialist
I help clients secure and maintain safe and stable housing, as well as competitive integrated employment.
I deeply value the trust I build with my clients, who know they can rely on me to follow through on commitments and support them in achieving their goals. It is incredibly rewarding to see clients progress from being nervous and anxious when they first enter services to achieving the stability that allows them to finally relax and step out of fight-or-flight mode.
Fun fact: I am in recovery and celebrate over 15 years clean!
She/Her
Bec
Supportive Housing Specialist
I do Supportive Housing at Golden Opportunities and Local Support!
The thing I enjoy the most about my job is when a client says they feel supported.
I enjoy doing art and photography. Currently attending UW Tacoma for my BS in Social Work!
She/Her
Brian
Supportive Employment Specialist
What I enjoy the most about my work? Focusing on the intrinsic rewards of empowering job seekers, fostering economic independence, and matching human potential with organizational needs provides a solid and authentic foundation.
In my free time, I write rap lyrics. It’s my favorite creative outlet because the intricate puzzle of matching syllable counts, internal rhymes, and cadence keeps my brain sharp and constantly thinking outside the box.
He/Him
Jami
Supportive Housing Specialist
What I love most is getting to walk alongside people during some of the hardest and most uncertain seasons of their lives. I know what it feels like to have life not go the way you planned, and I believe people deserve someone in their corner who will listen without judgment, keep showing up, and remind them of their strengths when they can’t see them for themselves. I love celebrating the little victories just as much as the big ones, because sometimes getting through the day, making the phone call, or taking the next step is a really big deal. Watching someone begin to believe in themselves again is one of the most meaningful parts of my work!
I'm a big believer that some of the best conversations happen over good food! I also have a soft spot for anything that brings people together and creates a sense of community.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with the people I love, listening to music, watching sci-fi, and getting creative. One of my favorite creative outlets is making beaded plants. They’re made one tiny bead at a time, and I love turning something simple into something beautiful that will last! I also enjoy serving my community, having meaningful conversations, laughing way too hard, and finding the little moments that make life feel good. I’m a big believer that we’re not meant to do this thing called life alone!
She/Her
Theresa
Supportive Employment Specialist
Theresa is an Employment Support Specialist at GOALS who is passionate about helping people recognize their potential and, move toward a brighter future.
What she enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to give people hope, encouragement, and support as they work toward their personal and employment goals.
Outside of work, Theresa loves to sing and enjoys any opportunity to express herself through music!
She/Her
Aubrey Quintana
Billing & Housing Specialist
I am the Finance and Billing Specialist at GOALS and am also a Housing Support Specialist for Pierce County.
I enjoy that my role allows me to make a meaningful impact in different ways. As the Finance and Billing Specialist at GOALS, I love being organized and helping ensure that the financial side of the organization runs smoothly. As a Housing Support Specialist, I enjoy helping people navigate challenges, watch their confidence grow as they learn new skills, and supporting them in obtaining safe and stable housing. I appreciate that my work allows me to use both my administrative skills and my passion for helping others.
In my free time, you can usually find me curled up in a blanket with a hot cup of coffee reading a book.
She/Her
Kara
Housing Specialist
I am a Supportive Housing Specialist at Golden Opportunities and Local Support!
The thing I enjoy the most about being a Housing specialist is being able to make a meaningful difference in people's lives!
I enjoy horseback riding and barrel racing competitions.
She/Her
Bruce A. Richey, M.Div.
Employment Specialist
I've worked in the helping professions all my life. Having recently closed a business of 25 years, I feel I'm coming full circle back to employment counseling with the added benefit of a proprietor's perspective to help others find their own career path.
A fun fact about me is I'm published in a little-known discipline called, Post-modern A/theology BUT I much prefer my creative writing projects.
I speak: a little German and French, in addition to the dead languages of Classical & Koine Greek.
Standby as we add the rest of our team members!
Page updated
Report abuse