More: About Our Staff
Trudy Soucoup, MAOL
CEO
Trudy joined Homes First as Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 and began leading the organization into its third decade of creating safe, healthy, affordable rental housing in Thurston and Mason Counties. Trudy came to Homes First from Community Youth Services, where she served as Manager of Organizational Development.
She has over 30 years of experience working in nonprofits around the world. Trudy volunteers her time with many mission-driven organizations including being a member of the Board for the Washington State Employee’s Credit Union (2017-2023), the 2023 Chair of the Board for the Nonprofit Association of Washington (2018-2024), and most recently the Board for Center for Business and Innovation for the Thurston County Economic Development Council.
A 2008 graduate of Lead Thurston County, Trudy’s passion is working with staff and leaders to grow nonprofits and plan for their future so that our community members can have better, healthier lives.
Rachael Childs, M.A.
Deputy Director
Rachael joined Homes First in March of 2023 as the Deputy Director. With more than 15 years of working in the nonprofit sector, an MA in Organizational Development (2013), and a passion for working human rights, Rachael is excited to be working with an organization that creates an impact in the community.
Rachael spent over nine years working with Community Youth Services, where she saw the need for housing, and really started to develop her passion for housing rights. Rachael also spent almost two years with the Housing Authority of Thurston County. She has spent several years serving as the co-chair for the Rental Housing Work Group, through Thurston Thrives, providing education for the community. In Rachael’s spare time, she loves to travel, garden, and spend time with her friends and family.
Cynthia Knapp, MST, EA
Director of Finance
Cynthia Knapp earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from Saint Martin’s University and holds a Master's Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. With over two decades of ownership and operation of Precisely Right, she is an IRS-Enrolled Agent committed to establishing strategic partnerships with business owners in Thurston county, offering them unparalleled support and service.
Cynthia is deeply committed to local community engagement, having served the South Puget Sound region since 2005. She achieved the designation of an IRS-Enrolled Agent to enhance her capabilities in assisting clients with IRS-related matters.
Inquire about collaborating with Cynthia, an IRS-Enrolled Agent specialized in advising, representing, and preparing tax returns for clients. In addition to her tax expertise, she offers strategic accounting solutions tailored for small business owners through QuickBooks® and provides the convenience of off-site consultations upon request.
Ron Stewart
Director of Programs & Assets
Ron celebrated his 20th Anniversary with Homes First in 2023. With experience in construction, renovation, and rehabilitation, Ron is a stalwart team member at our organization, supporting the preservation of both our homes and the creation of new units. Ron deeply cares about ensuring more low-income people in our community have a home they can afford with a landlord who treats them with dignity and respect.
Ron is active in a local youth football league and a member of the Legion of BOOM! #Go12s . Homes First is lucky to have had his dedication to excellence for so many years!
Jasmine McKenzie
Contract & Compliance Manager
With a strong belief in the built-environment’s ability to shape communities, Jasmine comes to Homes First with a background in Project Management, Architecture, Sustainable Urban Development and Social Equity. She has spent her educational and professional career studying the history of and current effects of policy on racial equity in urban planning and development. Jasmine commits herself to the improvement of people's lives and place in her work and is excited to bring her array of skills to this important organization.
When she's not at the office, Jasmine likes to spend time at her and her partner’s little homestead, building things, gardening or hanging out with their animals. She is also an illustrator, avid reader and card game enthusiast!
Chrys Bean
Development Manager
Chrys joined Homes First in April of 2025 as the Development Manager. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, but she fell in love with the PNW when she relocated to Olympia 12 years ago. Chrys graduated from the Evergreen State College with a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in psychology and human development. In her free time, you can find Chrys playing pinball, creating paper mâchè art, and spending time in nature!
With over 10 years of experience managing and marketing events, and building relationships with key community partners, Chrys is excited to join the Homes First team to secure resources that will continue to fund our program.
Jada Cerniwey
Program Services Navigator
Jada joined Homes First in April of 2024 as a lifelong resident of Thurston County, having lived in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. While transitioning from being a service industry professional, her goal is ultimately still the same- to go the extra mile to help people and improve their quality of life. With a background in public speaking and volunteer coordination, she is excited to contribute to the mission and grow her talents with Homes First.
Jada loves riding her horses, cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her 18 year old cat. She hopes to make a direct and meaningful difference in the organization and the community, bringing her dedication to learning, diversity and equity to everything she does.
Carlos Calderon
Maintenance Technician I
He tengo dos hijas y dos nietos. Soy de San Salvador y vivo en los Estados Unidos desde hace 42 años.
Tengo 30 años de experiencia en mantenimiento de edificios y disfruto lo que hago.
My name is Carlos Calderon
I have two daughters and two grandsons. I am from San Salvador and I have lived in the US for 42 years.
I have 30 years of experience in building maintenance and I enjoy what I do.
Jenna Brannon
Executive Administrative Assistant
Jenna joined the Homes First team in May of 2023, as the Executive Administrative Assistant. Backed by a wide range of experience in supporting efficient and productive office environments and a strong desire to inspire positive change in the local community, Jenna is committed to providing integral support to the office with organization, administration, and the endless minutia of daily paperwork!
Jenna is excited to offer her support as an administrator for the Homes First organization. Away from the desk, Jenna is an art enthusiast who also enjoys caring for her cats, dogs, and plants, and spending time with her partner, friends, and family.