Meet Your Board members

Luke Gray - President

Luke is originally from Mendocino County, but found his way up to Siskiyou County in 2007. He attended Weed High school but had to move away before graduation due to family reasons.

He found his way back in 2016, joined the California Conservation Corps and began his transition in January of 2021. Luke aims to bring more awareness and education to Siskiyou County and wants to make sure our LGBTQIA2S+ members are safe and valued.

Elizabeth Clark - Secretary

Elizabeth hopes by helping found Siskiyou OUTreach it will bring more resources, understanding, and a sense of pride for the LGBTQ+ community in rural areas of Northern California.

Elizabeth currently resides in Yreka, with her partners and two children. With the help of her partner David, they created the Siskiyou Pride LGBTQ+ Facebook group in 2017. This was the first of its kind in the immediate area. Over the years they have been able to grow the group's online presence and give back to the LGBTQ+ community by bringing people together and hosting small events in Siskiyou County.

Ami Snodgrass - Treasurer

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community who moved to Siskiyou County in 2019, Ami experienced firsthand the culture shock of conservative, rural life. Having acclimated, she now channels her energy into transforming the cultural climate through education and visibility initiatives. Working at College of the Siskiyous has offered Ami the unique opportunity to connect with the LGBTQ+ community on many levels, and offer support, resources, and safe space to all.

Understanding that colleges have historically been epicenters for activism and change, Ami has taken the bold step of being a highly-visible queer person on campus, serving as a resource for both employees and students. In addition to her regular duties, she serves on the SJEDI Diversity Committee, acts as the designated Liaison to the LGBTQ+ community in Siskiyou County, and collaborates closely with the advisor of the Identity Spectrum student club. Her work is driven by the vision of making both the county and the college more welcoming, inclusive spaces for current and future queer folks.

Joel Newlyn - Social Media/Marketing Specialist (Fulltime volunteer)

Joel is originally from Madera, CA, graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Marketing, and moved to Siskiyou County with his husband (a Siskiyou native) and cats in 2016. He currently works for Siskiyou County Public Health as a Health Educator in the Harm Reduction Program (need naloxone? hit him up!) He also performs as the perpetually sparkly and always stupid - Glitter E. Vortex!

Joel wants the LGBTQIA2S+ community to feel more connected in Siskiyou County, and hopes to accomplish this by increased visibility and events.

Erika Alvarez (Programs director) & Alyssa Merrill (Fulltime volunteer)

Alyssa and Erika joined Siskiyou outreach in 2024 and are scores to be part of the mission to bring LGBTQ centered events, resources, and education to their home county. They want to work together in making Siskiyou County a more inclusive, open minded community for all. They believe kindness goes a long ways and everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

Taylor Robinson – Communications Director

Having grown up in Siskiyou County, Taylor understands that in this rural frontier there are hurdles and hardships LGBTQIA2S+ persons face and endure. Building a community of support and resources can make a difference for those who feel isolated and alone, this is why Taylor believes in the goal Siskiyou Outreach has in working to fill that void.

All organizations use and leverage technology in the online world it is today, and Taylor is glad to offer his expertise in the realm of computers.