Kathy Bray
President and CEO
Kathy serves as President and Chief Executive Officer for Volunteers of America, Utah. She is responsible for the overall management, fiscal stability, and strategic direction of the organization. She is a Certified Social Worker with more than twenty-five years of experience in direct client service and administration of homeless and substance abuse related programs. Kathy has also served as the Director of Detoxification Services and Vice President of Programs during her tenure at VOA Utah.
Audrey Rice
Chief Operating Officer
Audrey serves as the Chief Operating Officer which oversees all agency programs, clinic operations, client assessment, group and individual therapy, and student supervision. She brings a depth of knowledge and deep commitment to the Utah population suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues. She has been with VOA Utah since 2001.
Christa Beauchat
Chief Financial Officer
Christa manages Finance, Information Systems, Human Resources and Facilities operations for the agency. She joined VOA in 2018, bringing over 20 years’ experience in executive leadership working with a variety of organizations including nonprofit, healthcare and government organizations. Christa earned her Masters of Business Administration from Westminster College and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Dan Benshoff
Chief Development Officer
Dan serves as the Chief Development Officer and is responsible for fundraising, marketing, communications, and community engagement. Before joining VOA Utah, Dan was the Creative Director at ESPN Digital Media for 20 years before moving back west and leading teams in the outdoor industry and digital design agencies. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from BYU in Graphic Design and studied Fine Art at San Diego State University.
Erin Basta
Vice President, Human Resources
Erin serves as Vice President of Human Resources. She is primarily responsible for employment, benefits, employee relations, and training. Erin earned her Master degree in Human Resource Management (MHRM) from the University of Utah. She also holds her Certification in Professional Human Resource (PHR). Erin has worked for Volunteers of America since 2007.
Sue Ativalu
Vice President, Program Operations
Sue serves as the Vice President of Program Operations for VOA, Utah. She is responsible for overseeing the Geraldine E. King Women’s Resource Center, our Homeless Outreach Program and our detoxification and withdrawal management programs; VOA Detox for men and The Center for Women and Children. She has worked for VOA, Utah since 2008, serving as a Staff Coordinator, Case Manager, Program Director for the Detoxification Center, as well the Program Director for the Homeless Youth Resource Center and most recently as the Division Director of Adult Homeless Services. She received her Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Utah in 2015 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Jaime Klemz
Vice President, Clinical Services
Since joining VOA Utah in 2009, Jaime has worked with individuals facing substance use disorders, homelessness, and mental health conditions. She implemented the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model and created clinical pathways across divisions. Previously, she directed Intensive Behavioral Services, overseeing Assertive Community Treatment, Intensive Case Management, and Denver Street Apartment services, as well as Treatment Services at Cornerstone Counseling Center. Jaime holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Westminster College. Outside work, she enjoys backcountry snowboarding, hiking, and playing soccer.
Amanda Christensen
Division Director, Adult Homeless Services
Amanda oversees the Geraldine E. King Women’s Resource Center and the Homeless Outreach Program for VOA Utah. Amanda has worked directly with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, homelessness, and mental health conditions since she joined VOA Utah in 2008. Since joining the agency she has served as Recovery Assistant, Youth Advocate, Staff Coordinator, Therapist for the Assertive Community Outreach Team, and most recently as the Director of the Homeless Outreach Program. She received her Masters of Science degree in Social Work from University of Utah in 2016 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. When she is away from the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors with family, friends, and her dog.
Dani Nives
Division Director, Youth Homeless Services
Dani (she/her) oversees the Youth Resource Center, Prevention Programming, and the YESS Program. With over four years in homelessness services, she has experience in case management, street outreach, and shelters. Dani was also a Wilderness Therapy Field Guide and therapist for University of Utah students. She holds a bachelor's in Health Science from James Madison University and a master's in Social Work from the University of Utah. Dani provides trauma-informed, housing-first services through a feminist-multicultural lens. She enjoys biking, community organizing, desert adventures, and spending time with her pets, Noodle and Seven.
Marie Jackson
Division Director, Treatment Services
Marie, LCSW, oversees VOA Utah's operations at Cornerstone Counseling Center and Family Counseling Center. She also works alongside Jaime Klemz managing our outpatient services. Marie previously served as Clinical Director of Treatment Services.
Susan Pinegar
Division Director, Intensive Behavioral Services
Susan, LCSW, oversees VOA Utah's ACT teams, Denver Street apartments, and our Theodora group home. She brings a wealth of clinical and administrative experience, having managed our ACT 2 team since its beginning in 2019.
Charlotte Kiefer
Division Director, Detoxification Services
Charlotte oversees VOA Utah's Adult Detoxification Program and the Center for Women and Children. She has worked with Volunteers of America Utah for 11 years serving in several roles including Recovery Assistant, Housing Case Manager, Staff Manager, and most recently as Program Director for the Center for Women and Children. Charlotte earned her JD from the University of Utah's SJ Quinney College of Law in 2016 and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah's College of Social Work in 2023. She is a licensed attorney and Certified Social Worker.
Brandon Hess
Director, Facilities
Brandon has 18+ years in Facilities Management, specializing in healthcare. His expertise includes cost reduction, team development, and construction remodels. He holds a Bachelor’s in Facilities Management from BYU and a Master’s in Project Management from CSU-Global Campus. Outside work, Brandon enjoys his children’s sports events, golf, and fishing.
Jeff Black
Director, Accounting
Jeff joined VOA in 2015, bringing 16 years of accounting experience to our leadership team. Mr. Black is responsible for overseeing organizational accounting functions, including budget preparation reporting and planning, financial statement preparation, asset management and general ledger management. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Utah State University.
Alysha Sutton
Director, Community Engagement
Alysha has been dedicated to the nonprofit sector since 2019. With an academic background in Public Relations and Advertising from Weber State University, she is a passionate advocate for female and LGBTQ+ rights. Alysha has been honored with community service awards for her work with the American Cancer Society and the SLC LGBT community, dedicated to fostering unity and uplifting communities.
Wendy Tui
Director, Development
Wendy has 15+ years in operations and development roles, and currently serves as the Director of Development at Volunteers of America, Utah. Her background includes fundraising, grant writing, strategic leadership and operations management. She has a BSW in Social Work from Utah Valley University, and is passionate about community development and building meaningful relationships.
Cassie Petty
Director, Data
Cassie (they/them) oversees data systems and impact for VOA programs, focusing on using accurate and accessible data to further our mission. They hold a Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in Non-Profit Administration and have 7 years of experience in human services organizations. Outside of work, Cassie enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with their partner and dogs.
