"The most important thing in life is to love what you’re doing, because that’s the only way you'll ever be really good at it."​

Ben Harper | President | As a corporate communications consultant, Ben has a decade of experience in steering companies through strategic initiatives and fostering sustainable growth, and his commitment to strong corporate governance and sound business practice supports agency values and enhances organizational integrity. He holds a degree in Economics, Business, and Law from the University of Oregon.

Dr. J. Leinaala DeBoer (Crawford) | Vice President | Dr. DeBoer (Crawford) is a Family Medicine Physician and Fellow in the American Board of Family Medicine. For the past 30 years, she has worked with patients to developing healthy communities and healthy families. She is a generational SafePlace Board member as well as a previous employee in 1986-1988. She is committed to SafePlace’s mission and vision.

Sarah Clifthorne | Treasurer | Sarah has two decades of experience working in policy and labor relations, and she currently serves as Policy Director for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus. Sarah is a second generation SafePlace volunteer and has served on the SafePlace board since 2015. SafePlace’s mission to build a community free from violence for people across Thurston county is foundational to her service.

Katrina Lucas | Secretary | Katrina is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. She earned her Masters of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy at the California School of Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. Katrina has over 16 years of experience working in social services and mental health counseling. She worked at several agencies serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as well with families involved with child protective services. Katrina is an EMDR trained clinician. She also has Basic Training in Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) as well as formal training in Art Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Lauren Dodson (she/hers) has served around issues of violence and crime victimization for over 20 years in roles with focuses on survivor advocacy, program development and enhancement, and prevention. Her experience spans a variety of sectors including county and federal government, higher education institutions, and community-based nonprofits much like SafePlace. Currently, Lauren serves as Senior Court Program Analyst and Hope Card Program Coordinator with the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Courtney Prothero works as a Communication Specialist and Community Schools Manager with the Non-Profit agency TOGETHER! In her roll, Courtney serves students and families in Tumwater School District by providing intensive case management and providing resources to remove barriers so students can be successful. Courtney also serves as Executive Board President of 4 The Love Foundation, which is a local nonprofit foundation that aims to fill basic needs and provide support for Thurston County residents. Courtney is passionate about child advocacy work and uses her degree in Organizational Communications to collaborate on ways to reduce harm in this community.