Meet Our Staff

Deborah "Deb" Payne, Interim Executive Director and Co-Founder: Deb has lived on Bainbridge Island since she was a first grader. She loves the Pacific Northwest and her home; she has raised her two grown children here and is committed to a healthy community and environment. Deb has her B.S. in Food Science, while in college she studied American Sign Language for two years, as well as worked with her friend, who is blind to adapt Algebra class problems into a braille system. After college, Deb had an active 20-year career in Seattle’s food industry and has many fabulous memories of the time spent at Etta’s. Restaurants gave her the flexibility to serve as a first responder with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, to drive an ambulance, and work part time for the BI School District in the health room. In 2001, Deb volunteered in the special education (SPED) classroom at Woodward Middle School where she met an amazing group of young women with whom she started Girls' Club to provide a safe and fun environment to socialize. By 2009, Girls' Club had grown in size and focus. Deb collaborated with her friend and SPED teacher, Holly Patton, to create Island Time Activities, now Vitalize Kitsap, and obtain its nonprofit status. Since its inception, Vitalize Kitsap has grown to serve members, their families, and our communities around North Kitsap. Deb is proud of the work VK does to empower people with intellectual disabilities to lead lives of meaning and self-determination.

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Ren Hollkamp, Program Director: Ren was born and raised in Washington, growing up in the Bremerton area with a love for learning, creativity, and community. They went on to attend Western Washington University, where they earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education for Inclusive Environments on the Olympic College campus. Since then, Ren has gained experience working in just about every type of classroom setting and holds a certification in Special Education teaching for grades P–12. Outside of the classroom, Ren’s career path has been just as diverse—they’ve worked as a lifeguard, in food service, and as a job coach, giving them a well-rounded perspective and a knack for connecting with people from all walks of life. When not working, Ren enjoys diving into art projects, relaxing with a good movie or TV show, and playing both video and board games. Their mix of creativity, adaptability, and genuine care for others shines through in everything they do.

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Leigh Platt Davison, Enrollment & Admin Coordinator: Leigh was born in North Carolina and raised all over the world due to her father’s occupation as an undercover CIA agent. Her family spent five years in Austria during the Cold War, three years in Laos (Thailand) while the Vietnam conflict raged on, and three years in France while the Cold War slowly ended. The family led a nomadic lifestyle but one filled with excitement, ups and downs, drama, and comedy. Leigh is a published
author of several works including her most popular book, “Sticky Situations: Stories of Childhood Adventures Abroad.” Leigh is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and has had experience working in both the private sector and the Federal government. She lives in Lewes, DE with her husband, Harry, their two cats, and her horse. When she is not working remotely for Vitalize Kitsap, she is out volunteering in the community or riding her horse. Leigh’s favorite thing to do when she is relaxing is to eat pizza and popcorn and watch lots of really scary movies.​

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Cassandra Marie, Director of Advancement: Cassandra has lived on Bainbridge since 2019. She brings years of experience from her time working at large corporations like Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness, and Noom. Led by a passion for DEI and human rights Cassandra returned to school to study Diversity and Social Justice at Seattle Central Community College and is currently finishing her bachelors at Washington University in St. Louis. Cassandra loves to read and buy books, go to bookstores, and spend time reading or studying in coffee shops or tea bars. She also enjoys stand-up paddle boarding, traveling, hot yoga, and spending time with her family and their husky.

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Laurent Kox, Community Engagement Coordinator & Program Lead: Laurent was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. He and his husband lived in several cities in Germany and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2017. Soon after arriving in the PNW, he began working with people of varied abilities. Laurent has experience in Community Inclusion and Job Development programs. He’s excited to bring cultural diversity to VK programs by teaching his native tongue, French, to the members. He now lives in lovely Poulsbo where he enjoys gardening, hiking and travel. 

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Marla Padula, ​Program Lead & Co-Coordinator of Offsite Community Trips: More information coming soon!​

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Cody Ogren, ​Program Lead & Co-Coordinator of Offsite Community Trips: More information coming soon!​

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Regan Vincent, Program Assistant & Social Media Coordinator: Regan graduated from North Kitsap High School in 2025 and first discovered Vitalize Kitsap through a volunteer program at a local food bank. Throughout high school, she earned multiple awards and certificates recognizing her talent in art, design, and photography, and she continues to work toward a future career in the art field. She creates digital artwork, has launched her own website to showcase her creations, and hopes to begin offering commissions as a side hustle. Outside of her artistic pursuits, Regan enjoys music, spending time with friends, and playing video games. She also adores her cat, Nigel, and her pet snake, Bumble. Although she had no prior experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she quickly formed strong bonds with VK’s members through her caring and calm presence and aims to continue strengthening these relationships. 

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Ruby Hobbs, Program Lead: More information coming soon!

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Maya Lifgens, Program Lead: Maya discovered Vitalize Kitsap in her sophomore year at Bainbridge High School and has been hooked ever since. She uses her energy and adaptability to empower individual members and her guitar to bring the group together. When she's not at VK, you'll likely find her working on college applications or planning her next bike adventure!

 

Millie Loughnane, Seasonal Program Lead: Millie grew up on Bainbridge Island and graduated from Bainbridge High School. She attended college with an Early Childhood Education background. She worked for Bainbridge School District for 10 years as the Native American program coordinator. She has also taught preschool for 11 years at St. Barnabas Day School. Millie has worked for VK since 2014. In addition, she holds a position for the North Kitsap School District as the Native American Liaison. Millie is married to Pat and has one grown son named Trent. She is also a grandma to Leo. 

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Becky Schelink, Seasonal Program Lead: More information coming soon!​

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Maria Knighton, Program Support: Maria has worked at VK for 6 years assisting in physical training and promoting independence in activities of daily living. Maria has trained in Pennsylvania doing a 6 week practicum for a Waldorf School for children with intellectual disabilities, she has won medals in the special Olympics for track and field and bowling and has also completed 100 hours of volunteering with Marion Forsman Boushe early learning center. With all these experiences and training she has been able to translate her knowledge to the members and programs here at Vitalize Kitsap. Outside of Vitalize Kitsap Maria Knits sweaters and hats for her family members, cooks, and does yoga.

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Kendra Twigg, Vitalize Kitsap Neighborhood: More information coming soon!​​​​​​​​

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