Our Team

Click on the photos to learn more about our staff members.


Core Staff

Shanna nigro-gonzalez

Shanna Nigro-Gonzalez (she/her)

Interim Executive Director

Shanna nigro-gonzalez

Shanna Nigro-Gonzalez (she/her)

Interim Executive Director

Shanna Nigro-Gonzalez now serves as the Development Officer at Sullivan 180, where she is responsible for seeking and managing funds for a range of health improvement projects. She previously worked as Director at the Arc Mid-Hudson Foundation and as Program Manager for Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network where she developed innovative, sustainable, diverse, and accessible programs to improve health outcomes. She has successfully multitasked large-scale tri-county health initiatives and received recognition from former State Senator Jen Metzger.
Shanna is working on her MBA in project management with an advanced certificate in not-for-profit. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychology from Empire State University.
Beverly Thompson Director of Programs and Services

Dr. Beverly Yuen Thompson (she/her)

Director of Programs and Services

Beverly Thompson Director of Programs and Services

Dr. Beverly Yuen Thompson (she/her)

Director of Programs and Services

b.thompson@lgbtqcenter.org

Dr. Beverly Yuen Thompson serves as the Director of Programs and Services at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, where she oversees the implementation of the Center’s ongoing, and individual, activities and events. She is also a sociology professor, where her published research and teaching has focused on social justice policies and marginalized communities. She earned a Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research in sociology as well as a gender studies master’s degree from San Diego State University.

Phoenix Laxton headshot with colorful background

Phoenix Laxton (he/they)

Programs Assistant

Phoenix Laxton headshot with colorful background

Phoenix Laxton (he/they)

Programs Assistant

p.laxton@lgbtqcenter.org

Phoenix Laxton (He/They) is the Facilitator for the “Early Gen-Z Queer Hangout”. They are dedicated to providing a safe space for his fellow queers. Phoenix has met wonderful friends through their group and hopes the same for others.

Group Facilitators

photo of Michael Erp

Michael Erp (he/him)

Group Facilitator

photo of Michael Erp

Michael Erp (he/him)

Group Facilitator

Michael Erp (he/him)  has lived in the Catskills over 30 years, and has been married to his husband Kyle for nine years.  A former administrator and professor at Marist College, he is now semi-retired, but enjoys running an Airbnb with his husband and working as a server for local catering events. He finds that facilitating Mankind: the Men’s Group and the Rainbow Lounge continues to be a rewarding learning experience.

Photo of Sabrina wearing a strapless black shirt

Sabrina Kee (she/her)

Group Facilitator

Photo of Sabrina wearing a strapless black shirt

Sabrina Kee (she/her)

Group Facilitator

Sabrina Kee (she/her), an artist, activist, and perpetual learner, was born and raised in the Hudson Valley and is a SUNY New Paltz alumnae. Existing at the crossroads of queerness, blackness, womanhood and neurodivergence, she is passionate about building community with her peers and educating others. She is currently facilitating the groups “Sisterhood Support & Sanctuary” and “The Queer BIPOC Intersection”.