Molly Ayers
Assistant Dean, Center for Community Engagement
Molly has 20 years of experience in the field of community engagement in higher education, including campus-community strategic partnership development, place-based engagement, community-engaged teaching, and student civic leadership development. She was the founding director of Eastern Washington University’s Office of Community Engagement and now serves in the role of director/assistant dean of Gonzaga University’s Center for Community Engagement. She is an active mother of two boys who enjoys time spent outdoors with her family. She has doctorate in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. Molly can be reached at (509) 313-6396 or ayers@gonzaga.edu.
Emily Banick
Campus Kitchen Program Manager
Emily is the Program Manager for the Campus Kitchen at Gonzaga University. The Campus Kitchens Project utilizes food recovered from on-campus dining facilities to strengthen bodies, empower the minds of student volunteers, and build communities. Emily graduated from Gonzaga with a BA in General Studies and an Elementary Education Endorsement. Emily can be reached at (509) 313-6939 or at banick@gonzaga.edu.
Jesse Cardenas
Youth Programs Elementary Program Manager
Jesse is the Program Manager for Elementary School Programs. He comes to Gonzaga University with 7 years of years of experience working in non-profit ranging from rehabilitation centers, DCYF children visitations, Federal Re-entry Programs, and even Homeless shelters if can you name he probably has done it. He received his B.A. from Eastern Washington University in Race and Culture Studies with an emphasis in Africana Studies and Native American Studies and is currently finishing his Graduate Degree at Heritage University in Multicultural Literature and English with an Emphasis in English. On the days he is not in office you can find him with his partner and their two daughters, keeping up with any sports game that is playing, or just reading a new book at home. Jesse can be reached at (509) 994-0813 or cardenas@gonzaga.edu.
Andrea Davis
Zag Volunteer Program Manager
Andrea Davis is excited to join the center to support Zag Volunteer Corps, Logan house, and GUSR. Andrea started her career in non-profit work supporting individuals with disabilities. Recently she finished her 3rd service term with Americorps supporting the center's Youth programming initiatives. She is a proud dyslexic woman who graduated from Gonzaga University in 2017 with a degree in Communication Studies. She is passionate about using her experience as a disabled woman to advocate for disability justice and loves to talk about and organize around accessibility, equity, and inclusion. In her free time, you can find her listening to records, eating bagels and thrift shopping. Andrea can be reached at (509) 313-6832 or davisa@gonzaga.edu.
Dylan Jouliot
Data and Evaluation Analyst
Dylan joined the Center for Community Engagement in 2020 as the Data and Evaluation Analyst, with over a decade of experience in data and relationship-building focused roles. His work primarily supports the CCE’s place-based initiative, Opportunity Northeast, helping to measure, assess, and communicate progress and success for the initiative’s numerous programs and partnerships. Dylan is a proud Gonzaga undergraduate alum and earned his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA. He is loving being back on campus and getting re-acquainted with Spokane alongside his wife – also a Zag! Dylan can be reached at (509) 313-5867 or jouliot@gonzaga.edu.
Lainey Klein
AmeriCorps Program Specialist - Secondary
Lainey Klein is an AmeriCorps member serving as a Secondary Youth Programs Coordinator at Yasuhara Middle School and Shaw Middle School. Originally from Macon Georgia, she came to Spokane to attend Gonzaga University where she recently graduated as a double major and received her B.A. in Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Throughout college, Lainey was active within the Center for Community Engagement, volunteering as a Campus Kids Student Leader and Eye to Eye Chapter Leader while also working as a student liaison within the office. She is ecstatic to return to the CCE office as an AmeriCorps member and continue serving the Spokane community. In her free time, Lainey enjoys baking, crafting, and learning new things. Lainey can be reached at (509)-313-4605 or kleinm@gonzaga.edu.
Julia Larsen
Office Manager
Julia's role of position of Office Manager provides administrative and logistical support across all areas and Programs of CCE as well as support to the CCE Senior Director/Assistant Dean. Julia was born in England and became a naturalized citizen of the USA in August 2019. She studied at Hitchin Girls School in Hertfordshire, England, where she graduated at the Advanced Level in English and Sociology. Following a 2-year period of traveling and working in Europe, Julia joined the Corporate Sector in the UK where she worked for many years. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, camping (amateur) furniture restoration, baking (but is no Mary Berry!), the families 2 cats, (Seamus & Gracie), the beautiful Pacific Northwest and spending time with her husband and kids (A 21-year-old son, and 19-year-old twin daughters). Julia can be reached at (509) 313-6898 or at larsenj2@gonzaga.edu.
Robin Lewis
Community Engaged Learning Coordinator
Robin serves as the Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Coordinator. In her role, she supports students in CEL courses and serves as a liaison with community partners and faculty. She coordinates the Fall and Spring Service Fairs, connecting the GU community with local volunteer opportunities, and the CCE student workshops. Her background includes anthropology, environmental education and restoration, wildlife biology, and healthcare administration. Robin has worked with and for non-profit, private, school district, government, and indigenous groups. She has also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and AmeriCorps member. She believes strongly in connecting with and being active, engaged members of our local communities. Robin received her B.S. in wildlife management from Ohio State University and her M.A. in applied anthropology from Oregon State University. She loves being creative and exploring the natural world, especially with her husband and twin daughters. Robin can be reached at 509-313-6487 or petersenlewis@gonzaga.edu.
Olivia Linke
AmeriCorps Program Specialist - Elementary
Olivia Linke grew up in Seattle, Washington and moved to Spokane to attend Gonzaga University in 2019. After volunteering with the Walking School Bus program during her senior year, she found a passion for engaging with youth in the Logan neighborhood. Olivia recently graduated as a double major with a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology, with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Since her graduation in spring 2023, she has been working as the Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator AmeriCorps in CCE. In her free time, Olivia can be found crocheting, watching football, and baking. Olivia can be reached at (509)-313-4604 or linkeo@gonzaga.edu.
Ernie Manzie
Assistant Director of Youth Programs
Ernie Manzie is originally from Upstate New York and received his undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Education from St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York. After graduation, Manzie worked as an elementary teacher in Fairport, New York before heading to Alaska where he taught in several small rural Alaskan villages. Additionally, he received his M.Ed. in Educational Administration with an emphasis on cross-cultural education along with his principal and superintendent's endorsement from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. He served in Fairbanks, Alaska as principal of an alternative high school and as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent for Valdez City Schools. For the past 15 years he has worked with Family Centered Services of Alaska as Director of Education and Special Projects. Ernie is married to Christine and has two adult children. He is a passionate sports fan and is looking forward to a milder winter. Ernie can be reached at (509) 313-6607 or manzie@gonzaga.edu.
Lonni Marlow
Budget Assistant
Lonni Marlow is the Budget Assistant and joined Center for Community Engagement in 2024. She comes to Gonzaga with 20+ years of experience in both profit and non-profit Finance. Although Lonni was raised on the west side of Washington State, she is no stranger to the east side and Spokane. Lonni has called Spokane her home since 2018. She received her MBA and BA in Finance and from Washington State University in Pullman, WA. When she is not working, Lonni enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities, and travel. Lonni can be reached at (509) 313-4292 or marlowl@gonzaga.edu.
Sarah Marr
Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning
Sarah is the Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning and a proud Gonzaga alum. Her work within the CCE focuses on supporting faculty, community organizations, and students as they engage with CEL courses. This includes course development, partnership building, logistics, liability, reflection integration, and maintenance of these courses on campus. Sarah cares deeply about understanding the community and finding creative and mutually beneficial ways for people to collaborate and learn from one another. Having served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Sarah also works to support the post-graduate service efforts on campus, offering guidance to students who are interested in service after graduation. You can reach out to Sarah regarding Partners in Campus and Community Engagement (PICCE), the Community Engaged Learning Advisory Board (CELAB), and the Post Grad Service Fair. ! Sarah can be reached at (509) 313-6836 or marrs2@gonzaga.edu.
Phoebe Oosterhuis
Assistant Director for Operations
Phoebe joined CCE in July of 2012. Originally from Minneapolis, she moved to Spokane in 2010 when her husband accepted a professorship at Gonzaga. Although she misses her family and friends (but not the mosquitoes or humidity) in the Midwest, she has grown to love the Inland Northwest. Phoebe has a BA from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. When she is not at CCE, Phoebe enjoys hiking, cooking, crafting, yoga, performing in local theater, and spending time with her husband and children. Phoebe can be reached at (509) 313-6879 or oosterhuisp@gonzaga.edu.
Jennifer Palm
Youth Programs Secondary Program Manager
Jennifer was born and raised in Michigan and relocated in 2023 to be closer to family. Jennifer has worked in the social work field since graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s in social work and a minor in women’s studies from Western Michigan University. During her time in the field, she worked with children managing a mental health diagnosis as well as women and families affected by domestic violence and homelessness. Jennifer loves reading, taking care of her various houseplants, watching the Chicago Bears break her heart every season and her precious kitty, Winifred. Jennifer can be reached by just stopping by her office in 010, at 509-313-6486 or palmj@gonzaga.edu.
Tiffany Picotte
Assistant Director of Campus Engagement
Tiffany grew up in a small town outside of Eugene, Oregon. She has a bachelor's degree in international studies and Mandarin Chinese from the University of Oregon and a master's degree in public administration from Eastern Washington University, where she also studied French for fun. She is passionate bout people-to-people exchange, global learning, cross-cultural understanding, community development, civic engagement, and learning new languages. After having focused her attention globally, working for 6 years in the field of international education and exchange, Tiffany is excited to be joining the Center for Community Engagement team to support community engagement efforts locally. In her free time she can be spotted on West Main Avenue frequenting the Community Building Campus and local businesses in the Saranc Commons. Tiffany can be reached at (509) 313-5543 or picotte@gonzaga.edu.
Emily Shiraishi
Campus Kitchens AmeriCorps
Emily is the Campus Kitchen Community Outreach Coordinator Americorps member! Having grown up in Southern California, she has a passion for service and advocating underserved populations. After joining Opportunity Northeast as a summer fellow in 2022, Emily discovered her love for Campus Kitchens and its efforts to bridge the food insecurity gap in Spokane. During her senior year, she served as a student leader in Campus Kitchens and enjoyed her time working with and getting to know Gonzaga students in the kitchen. Emily recently graduated from Gonzaga as a double major with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology in May 2023. In her free time, Emily can be found hanging out with friends, cooking or baking, and reading a book! (I’m always looking for suggestions!)
Sage Steele
AmeriCorps Program Specialist - Secondary
Sage is one of two AmeriCorps for secondary youth programs. She graduated from Gonzaga in 2024 with a degree in English Writing and minors in History and Art History. During her undergraduate time at Gonzaga, Sage was involved with Gonzaga Family Haven and held a teaching assistantship for a community engaged learning course teaching the importance of community building and involvement. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, going for walks, and visiting museums. Sage can be reached at 509-313-7305 or steeles@gonzaga.edu.
