Submitted by Megan Ehrmantraut, OCRC
The Orcas Community Resource Center is excited to announce some new faces you may see around the office. Please extend a big welcome to Cheryl Helm, Kyra Dyer and Claire Nollman. Be sure to say hello when you see them!
Cheryl Helm, Community Support & Energy Programs Specialist
Cheryl moved to Orcas Island in 2006 to intern at the Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead and learn about sustainable living and farming. Orcas enjoyed many delicious dishes as Cheryl opened the Catkin Cafe in Olga in 2015. Her volunteer experience with the Orcas Island Food Bank and Island Rides led to a career change and becoming a part of the OCRC team. She enjoys helping others, being engaged with the community and making a positive impact. At OCRC, Cheryl oversees the administration of all energy/utility assistance programs available to islanders such as LIHEAP and Project Pal.
Kyra Dyer, Community Support & Health Services Specialist
Kyra grew up locally on Lopez Island. After living away in San Francisco, Portland and traveling to Central America, she returned to the islands to call home. Kyra loves gardening and has been busy working in and tending gardens around the Island while raising her four-year-old daughter. She is also a trained Birth Doula and has been blessed to be at births over the years supporting women and families. Kyra enjoys hiking, being on the water, paddleboarding and adventures with her daughter. At OCRC, she oversees healthcare-related programs and services such as accessing medical financial assistance, applying for health insurance, Fresh Bucks and Farmer’s Market vouchers.
Claire Nollman, Unsheltered Case Manager
Claire grew up on San Juan Island and has lived on Orcas since 2010. She has a Master’s Degree in Adult Continuing Education and graduated from Whatcom Community College with her certificate as a Substance Use Disorder Professional. Claire has worked at Compass Health in the Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program for just over a year now and continues to work there part-time. Over the past 10 years, Claire has worked for WIC, Lopez Island Family Resource Center and the Institute for Village Studies. She designs locally-sourced floral installations for weddings and events during the summer months. Claire enjoys adventuring, relaxing with family, art projects, walking, gardening and swimming. At OCRC, Claire works with unsheltered clients and those facing barriers to housing security assisting them with associated challenges such as access to food, showers, mental health services, medical care, and substance use treatment.
