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Shanna Nigro-Gonzalez (she/her)
Interim Executive Director
Our Team
Click on the photos to learn more about our staff members.
Core Staff
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.
Dr. Beverly Yuen Thompson (she/her)
Director of Programs and Services
Dr. Beverly Yuen Thompson (she/her)
Director of Programs and Services
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 (he/they)
Programs Assistant
Phoenix Laxton (he/they)
Programs Assistant
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
Michael Erp (he/him)
Group Facilitator
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.
Sabrina Kee (she/her)
Group Facilitator
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”.