HDC Staff and Board

Jenni Peskin, Executive Director Jenni has been the executive director of Human Dignity Coalition since 2002. Before arriving in Bend, Jenni was an elementary school teacher and later a corporate trainer for an Internet company in San Francisco where she also volunteered as an outdoor guide for people with different abilities. Jenni is a performance artist and musician. She is the proud mother of Morgaine Ember and wishes to create a community free from prejudice and oppression, in which to raise her daughter.
Heather Laurie, Program Coordinator Heather was raised in the town of Bend and returned to live here in 2005 after spending time in various other states and cities around the northwest. Heather has worked with a variety of social justice, labor, peace, and environmental activist groups and campaigns since she was sixteen years old. For the past five years, she has been working in therapeutic treatment programs for at-risk youth and young adults. She is committed to her community and to working with organizations that promote diversity, social justice, and strive for social change.
Chandra vanEijnsbergen, Board President Chandra is the branch manager and children's librarian for the Sunriver Area Public Library, a branch in the Deschutes Public Library system. She moved here in 2000 from Canada, where she was born and raised. Chandra volunteers with Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth, a program for children with incarcerated parents, and is the current president of the Bend Bella Cyclists. When not working or biking, Chandra also enjoys hiking, swimming, making jewelry and of course reading. Affiliations: President, Bend Bella Cyclists, Volunteer, Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth, Member.
Beki Meyer-Allen, Board Secretary Beki moved to Bend in June of 2008 to share a life with her partner, Tina.  For the past 15 years she has worked in the interior design industry first, as a designer, then moved into management with two custom window covering companies located in Portland OR where she had been living since 1989.  Beki is passionate about environmental, equal rights and women's issues and has served on the Home Builder's Foundation of Metropolitan Portland's Shelter Committee, The Bicycle Transportation Alliance's Alice Awards Auction Committee, as a Mentor for Mount Hood Community College's Transition Program and founded The Red Tent Temple of Portland. She continues to volunteer with the Siren Nation Women's Art and Film Festivals, Basic Rights Oregon and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.  Beki is currently employed by The Resource Group and hopes to transition into environmental design consulting, having earned her accreditation from the Green Building Council as a LEED AP.  When not working, she enjoys biking, hiking, camping, writing, attending arts and music events, and all things creative.
April Witteveen, Board Treasurer April has lived in Bend since 2002.  She is a Teen Services Librarian with the Deschutes Public Library.  April is a skater for the Lava City Roller Dolls, the area's roller derby league.  She is an avid reader and also loves to cook, knit, and play outside. She believes advocacy and education are key in making Central Oregon a safe and happy place for all who live here.
Annie Chase, Board member Annie has lived in Bend since 1977 except for a 5 year adventure in Sonoma County, Ca. where she met her partner, Kestrel.  She helped form the Bend chapter of National Organization For Women in 1981 and held numerous leadership positions during the 12 years the chapter was in existence.   She served on the board of PFLAG for 3 years.   She has also worked closely with HDC on events and issues.    She works as a Hospice nurse and can't think of a more rewarding way to spend a "work" day.Affiliations: Member, PFLAG Central Oregon, Member, Basic Rights Oregon.
Noah Kirshbaum, Board member Noah is a native Los Angelino, a Northern California convert, and currently a proud resident of Bend. He first came to Bend in 2004, moved away, and then returned. He had a 13 year career as a professional Chef in San Francisco and here in Bend. In 2006, Noah returned to school and earned a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. He has a private family and child counseling practice and is a therapist volunteer for Saving Grace Women's shelter and Mary's Place. He is currently working towards a specialization in EMDR. When he is not working he loves to travel, eat, bike, nordic ski, and walk his dog. Affiliations: Tumalo Langlauf Club, Central Oregon Trails Association, CAMFT, Bethlehem Inn, Project Connect.
Sydnee O'Loughlin, Board member Sydnee is a Junior at Summit High School. She moved to Bend in 2007 and felt as though the gay community was invisible. After over a year of feeling alone, she discovered Human Dignity Coalition and felt a passonate desire to be involved. Starting out attending Community GSA meetings, Sydnee was encouraged to apply for board membership. She is the youngest member of the HDC board, and provides a clear perspective on issues facing LGBT youth in Bend today. As the president of Summit High's Gay-Straight Alliance, Sydnee tries her hardest to provide a safe space and boost awareness within the school's community. Sydnee is also a Becca's Closet board member, and an avid animal lover.
Roger Perry, Board member Roger was a counselor in hospitals and halfway houses in Phoenix and the bay area until going to law school in Tucson, where he met Rebecca. They moved to Bend in 1992, had two children, Lauren and Carlyn, and moved back to Tucson in 1999. The family returned to Bend in 2007 to live at Higher Ground, a co-housing community. As a trial lawyer, Roger has mostly represented indigent criminal defendants, banks, doctors, lawyers, and the State of Arizona. Today Roger is doing commercial litigation and tort defense with Hurley Re, P.C. Roger wants to advance and protect human rights, and he has been especially inspired by the courage and the needs of LGBT high school students.
Sara Wiener, Board member Sara is originally from the East coast, born in NYC and raised in Connecticut.  She has lived in Bend since 1996  and has a teenage daughter named Bella and a partner named Joanne.  Sara has a Masters in Social Work and a Teaching Certificate. She owned a business for 14 years, Sara Bella Custom Outdoor Wear, designing and manufacturing clothing.  Sara coordinated development projects in Africa, is a substitute teacher, and is an artist. Founder: Procession of the Species Parade.