Making Headway.

Laurie Northrop – Executive Director

Laurie relocated to Humboldt County from Portland, Oregon. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and is currently completing her MBA. After working for several years in the litigation industry she brings a unique perspective to the agency and enjoys advocating for the disabled population. She currently serves as Making Headway's Executive Director.

Laurie enjoys developing and working with young athletes to provide coaching and individual skills training for basketball.

Carolyn Doering – Senior Case Manager

Carolyn came to Humboldt Count from the nearby Cresent City. As the Senior Case Manager, she brings great experience and knowledge to Making Headway, having worked in social services and case management for several years, along with earning her BSW from HSU and an AA in Early Childhood Education.

In her free time, Carolyn loves to spend time outside, especially by the river, as well as throwing strikes in the bowling alley, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Erin Del Rosario – Community Reintegration Specialist, Activities Coordinator

Erin earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Social Work from Humboldt State University. After serving an intership with Making Headway Erin stayed on as a Community Reintegration Specialist working 1:1 with clients. She now serves as Activities Coordinator as well, planning and facilitating educational and recreational programs for clients.

Luke Huffman, MFTI - Clinician

Luke joined Making Headway as a Therapist in February 2011. He also facilitates Making Headway's Healthy Choices support group and "Cave Time" men's group. He has a BA in Communications and an MA in Counseling Psychology. After growing up in Wisconsin he worked as a Therapist in Florida before moving to Humboldt County.

According to Luke, his desire is to use his counseling expertise to empower others toward a lifestyle that is purposeful, productive and satisfying.

David Ramos - Community Reintegration Specialist, Case Management Trainee

David moved to Humbodlt County from his hometown of El Monte, CA. He currently attends Humboldt State University but will graduate in May 2012 and earn his BA in Psycology. David works double time at Making Headway in both the Community Reintegration and the Case Management department. During his time at Making Headway, David has also helped develop a volunteer program within the cosmmunity, helping to tighten the bonds our local non-profit has formed with the people and businesses of Humboldt County. 

In his spare time, David enjoys exploring the outdoors on hikes and playing various sports, including tai chi. And even with his busy schedule, David makes sure to find time to spend with family and friends.

Russell Bedillion – Community Reintegration Specialist

Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Russell came to Humboldt County and worked for several years in construction and retail sales. In 2000, he returned to school; and in 2003, he received a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Humboldt State University. Russell started with Making Headway as a volunteer and joined the staff in 2004. He says, “This is the best job I have ever had, the most gratifying work I have ever done.” His interests include photography, making movies, cooking, trivia, and Making Headway.

Savannah Gouvea - Outreach and Education

Savannah was born and raised in Sonoma County. She moved to Humboldt County to attend Humboldt State University and recieved a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Savannah enjoys being out in nature and loves helping people in the community. She eventually hopes to go on and earn a Masters in Social Work.

Yvette Llanos - Community Reintegration Specialist, Case Management Assistant

Sylvia Soper – Administrative Coordinator

Her desk is the hub of activity. Sylvia serves as point person for staff, clients, board members and public. She coordinates the financial and business aspects of operating a nonprofit agency.

Sylvia comes to Making Headway with life experiences that include extensive traveling and a great love of music, art and literature. She and her husband have 4 grown children and at the time of this writing, 4 adorable grandchildren.

Gail Pascoe, RN, MFT – Executive Director Emeritus

Gail is an R.N. with undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Social Welfare from Humboldt State University. She earned her M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in counseling and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her vision of improvements in the field of TBI services led her to become the co-founder of Making Headway (see History). With over 25 years of experience, and her commitment to TBI prevention and treatment undiminished, Gail retired at the end of 2010, leaving her indelible impression upon Making Headway's mission and vision. She will be missed.