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OUR STAFF

ANTONIO BOWEN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Antonio was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and relocated to the great city of Las Vegas, Nevada at 8 years old. Antonio was raised by his grandmother, Virginia Bowen. He graduated from Rancho Magnet High School then attended Sierra Nevada Job Corps, graduating college with a degree in Business Administration. He furthered his education and also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Masters in Clinical Christian Counseling from Kingdom Builders Institute. Antonio will be graduating in 2024 with a Doctorate in Divinity. Antonio has served as the President of the Historical Westside Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the COO for its 501 (C)3  charity.  Antonio joined Together CD to support our youth, families, and school.

HAILEY CROCI
Deputy DIRECTOR

Hailey Croci is the Deputy Director of TOGETHER! for Youth and works in the Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education Program (YMPEP) and the Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program (CTPP) covering Chelan and Douglas Counties in the North Central Region of the state of Washington. In addition to her activities within those two programs, Hailey acts as the Wenatchee Substance Abuse Coalition Coordinator and oversees programs to prevent opioid use among local youth. Hailey has a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, a Minor in Business Marketing and a Masters in Teaching. She has worked in the health prevention services field for over 20 years as well as having been a teacher at the elementary level. Hailey has experience in working for local county Public Health, school districts, American Lung Association and other educational institutions. Her passion for youth, health prevention and strong communities have guided her involvement and experience to be an advocate for adolescent health over the years. Hailey enjoys partnering with organizations, educators, students or anyone that desires to promote healthy outcomes for a prosperous community for all.

ALYSSA POLSON - HOPE SQUAD REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Alyssa Polson is the Regional Coordinator for HOPE Squad. The HOPE Squad program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. Alyssa is a regional liaison between schools and the HOPE Squad program within Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties. Alyssa graduated from High School in 2012 and went on to graduate College from Eastern Washington University in 2018 with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation & Tourism Management Degree and a Business Administration Minor. She has previously worked in Schools, Resorts, and Park & Recreation. In addition to working with Hope Squad, Alyssa is also the Head Volleyball Coach for Waterville High School. Alyssa has a passion working with kids of all ages and loves helping students with providing the necessary means for success.

CRIME VICTIM ADVOCATE

TOGETHER! for Youth offers a broad range of direct services to ALL victims of crime, no matter the age, to ensure they receive their full rights in accordance with the Crime Victim Rights Act. The services include crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, Victims’ Rights information, information and resource referrals, assistance with paperwork and filings, financial support and much more. TOGETHER offers support completely free of charge, whether or not the crime is being reported and whether or not the crime is being prosecuted.

Our CVA, Belinda Mercado, joined the TOGETHER! for Youth team in March of 2023. Belinda has an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting and has 10 years experience working in the medical field. In addition, she is a Certified Peer Counselor in which she utilized at Catholic Charity Services under the PATH Program (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness Services) providing outreach services to homeless individuals challenged with mental health. She then transitioned to the PACT Team (Program Assertive Community Treatment) as a Peer Specialist sharing the journey towards recovery, while honoring everyone’s unique path towards a meaningful life. Currently, Belinda is finishing up her Associate of Arts and Science Degree at Wenatchee Valley College while playing Goalkeeper for the Women’s Soccer Team. Belinda is looking forward to connecting further with the community to advocate for the underserved. 

AmeriCorps Service Member

TOGETHER! For Youth hosts an AmeriCorps Service Member that serves as a general support for staff members and programs within our organization. AmeriCorps is a nationwide community service program. In every state, members help local organizations address needs within their communities, like literacy, poverty, public safety, healthy living and protecting the environment. AmeriCorps members serve at schools, nonprofits and other public agencies. They also help recruit community volunteers for the organizations they serve. The TOGETHER! For Youth AmeriCorps Service Member supports our prevention programs and is an excellent point of contact if you have any questions that are not answered on our website.

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