Monique Patterson
Laura Etscheid
MEET OUR BOARD
MONIQUE PATTERSON
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Monique, an EMT and mother of nine, and her partner Brian experienced homelessness when the owner of the home they were renting decided to sell. Unable to find housing, the family lived in their cars and ultimately in a Catholic Community Services shelter.
During their eight months in shelters, Monique's case managers were often overwhelmed by their volume of clients. As a result, Monique took it upon herself to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities that exist.
LAURA ETSCHEID
Board President
Laura Etscheid is a Vice President, Commercial Lending Relationship Manager with 1st Security Bank in Tacoma. She has served clients throughout the Puget Sound region since she began her career in banking in 2008. Laura entered the banking industry in an entry level teller position, while struggling with single motherhood seeking greater opportunities and stability for her son. During her career, she held eight different positions in banking. That journey has led Laura to become the catalyst in her commitment to empowering women, personally and professionally. Additionally, Laura served as a board member with US Bank Women’s Business Resource Group and founded an internal mentorship network for Women in Business Banking. Laura’s mission is to enhance the future of women through empowerment, inspiration, and advocacy through growth opportunities. She enjoys spending time with her husband, their three boys and getting outside in the PNW. Laura has served as the board treasurer and now president, bringing her financial expertise and determination to educate and uplift women as they take the next step in their life journey.
JENNIFER ROBINSON
Board Secretary
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens and struggles of another."
My name is Jennifer Robinson and I try to live by this daily, by putting good vibes in the world. I’m a proud union Ironworker with Local 86, a daughter, a wife, a mother, and just someone who wants to bring more compassion, understanding, and love to the world. I also am a member of the sisters of 86, our goal is to empower women in a predominantly man's field, show them we can do anything, life brings our way. This November my wife and I will be bringing a beautiful little girl into this world, who will change the world herself.
MARK MELSNESS
Board Member & Treasurer
Mark is a Washingtonian who has lived in the South Sound area all his life. He grew up in Federal Way and Gig Harbor, serving in the US Army after graduation. Mark gained unique life experiences during his time in the military and served through the Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts. Returning to the area in ’91, Mark began his civilian career working in commercial sheet rock and steel stud framing. Two years later he would join his father’s residential management company. There, he began in yard work, over time rising to success as President of the company. In 2013, Mark transitioned away from this role, and with several partners, created a new company: Windermere Property Management. A few years later in 2016, Mark took full ownership of the company and recreated it into the Spinnaker Property Management that exists and thrives today.
As a property owner himself, Mark delights in caring for his client’s properties with the same level of attention that he has for his own. He credits his success to this connection he has with his clients – whether they be tenant or property owners. Mark prides Spinnaker’s ability to work seamlessly within the real estate and property management community members, even if it means referring out to others in the same line of work. Getting people into homes is the goal at the end of the day!
Now, as a 30-year veteran of property management in the South Sound area, Mark has become a fixture in local real estate and property management culture. When Mark is not working, you will find him taking road trips with the love of his life & daughter or hunting and fishing with other family and friends.
JIM HENDERSON
Board Member
A second generation real estate investor and residential property manager, Jim Henderson brings more than 20 years of housing industry and policy expertise to negotiating tables in legal and legislative affairs around the state. Jim currently owns and operates a private rental housing advocacy business; his first hand knowledge and grasp of the systemic housing issues strengthens his effectiveness as a landlord educator and lobbyist for several private housing organizations at the state and local level.
AMY YOUNG
Board Member
Amy is an Associate Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication at Pacific Lutheran University.
She leads Next Chapter's communications and development efforts. Committed to using her communication superpowers for good, Amy harnesses her abilities to empower women to move out of homelessness.
KATHRYN HEDRICK
Board Member Emeritus & Co-Founder
Kathryn metMonique met while serving as the volunteer coordinator of Tacoma's St. Patrick's Church FHN Shelter Program. The two formed a strong friendship and decided to fill a gap in the resources available to families in Pierce County.
ZACHARY A. KINNEMAN
Board Member Emeritus & Co-Founder
Zachary is a lawyer and the owner of Taft Properties, LLC.
Zachary joined Next Chapter with the vision of extending dignity and compassion to each participant of our program by treating each resident as a brother, sister, son, and daughter.
KATE KINNEMAN
Board Member Emeritus & Co-Founder
Kate is both the managing member of Taft Properties, LLC and the parent of a child with behavioral issues who has been intermittently homeless.
Kate's personal experience informs her recognition of the need, not only for housing for homeless women with children, but for services that consider a wrap-around, holistic approach to helping women navigate the hurdles to independence and self sufficiency.