Casa Q Staff

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Shannon Darrell (she/her), supports the board,  program staff and manages resource development, communications, fundraising, and strategic planning. In the prior 8 years, Shannon served as Vice President of Programs for a local non-profit. She holds a B.S. in Psychology with a focus on child development and a M.S. in Psychology, with a focus on addiction.

Shannon was born and raised in Albuquerque and enjoys traveling, gardening, and most of all spending time with my two teenage kiddos and wife.

My name is Jericha, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I take pride in my identity as an African American lesbian woman.  Originally from Missouri, I moved to New Mexico in pursuit of education and employment. I have a bachelor's degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and have started my masters coursework.  I am employed as the house manager at Casa Q.  I truly enjoy the work that we do and the youth that we work with are  uniquely special.  I'm an avid Star Trek fan and write and produce music.  I have a 15 year old son who absolutely holds my heart in his hands. 

Jasper (He/They), Born and raised in North Carolina / West Virginia, Has a background in Applied Psychology and History. When not working can be found playing video games, researching queer history, and spending time with his partner and cat (Sabbath).

Hey, I’m Lucy (she/they). I grew up moving around a lot—22 states—and over the years, I’ve learned to see every new place as an opportunity to bloom, rather than just a constant new start. I double majored in Social Work and Child and Family Studies, and in 2022, earned my Master's in Social Work, focusing on leadership and administration. Right now, I’m diving into a PhD at the University of Chicago, where my research is all about curiosity and how it shapes the world around us.

I enjoy thinking outside the box and engaging with people in a way that’s real, grounded, and present. When I’m not in the academic trenches, you can find me hanging out with my two kitties, sewing/staying crafty, thrifting for vintage treasures, or listening to sad-boy country music (don’t judge).

Hi! My name is Kit! (He/Him) I’m new to working with youth but I’m so excited to be here and help out! I have experience in politics as well as personal experience being an lgbt youth in the foster system. I’ve worked in food service since I was 14 and know my way around an industrial kitchen with my eyes closed. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, moved to ABQ a couple of months ago to be with my partner’s family and to be in a safer environment politically. I love nature, artsy hobbies and my fur babies. 

Fun Facts:

1. I have two stray cats, Vincent and Whiskey, and a corgi, Chico, who are all so spoiled

2. The mountains drew me to ABQ

3. I want to eventually have a degree in aquatic conservation

Rosa Osegueda(she/her/ella) works with Casa Q as an overnight client advocate. A little about her, she studied and received a Baccalaureate in Social Work and is working on completing a Masters through New Mexico Highlands University. Her experience is tailored to crisis intervention management; working with youth/young adults, and those who are vulnerable, and oppressed within a strength-based approach but continues to utilize new learned methods and approaches. She has worked with different age ranges in populations ranging from Y/YA into the Gariatric community. She enjoys seeing people become empowered by their own strengths and changes. She loves to read and engage in different forms of art and binge watch shows with her daughter or really anything to do with quality family time.

Hi! I’m Alex, during the week I am an overnight Client Advocate at Casa Q. I have a background in teaching, prior to coming to this field I taught 3rd/4th grade. In my studies during my M.A. Ed. program at UNM, I focused efforts on studying how to serve at-risk students in my immediate LGBTQ+ community, I have created workshop presentations for educators on this topic, and the concluding work of my degree focused on reviewing LGBTQ+ teen experiences of education settings in New Mexico. My work of looking after our clients is informed by this practice and experience.”

I was born in a small town in Mexico and migrated to the United States with my family to pursue a better life. Albuquerque, NM, has been my home since a young age, where I’ve grown deeply connected to the local community. Despite facing various challenges, I am grateful for my opportunities to grow and thrive. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Mexico and pursued a master’s in clinical Mental Health at New Mexico Highlands University. I am committed to helping my community overcome obstacles and achieve greater emotional and mental health, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection within the lives I touch.

Hi, I'm Bella! I'm a transfem woman from Rio Rancho, originally from southern Colorado until I moved to New Mexico before starting high school. I love to read, write, watch TV/movies, play video and tabletop games, cook, hang out with friends, and perform as a drag artist. I graduated from UNM in 2018 with a dual major in Interpretation communications and English Writing. I have past experience as a caretaker for physically and developmentally disabled individuals. I live with my girlfriend and our orange tabby cat, Bob. My main goal at this point in my life is to help others who really need love and support, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, in a sufficient and impactful way. 

Coming soon!