Staff

Theresa Roosendaal

Executive Director

Theresa Roosendaal

Theresa Roosendaal’s passion for assisting refugee families led her to establish the Family Learning Center, now known as B5, with the goal of creating a welcoming environment where newly arrived families could thrive in the Tri-Cities community. Her journey began in 2004 when she volunteered as a mentor for a refugee family, an experience that ignited a desire to do more.

Kristy Sandidge-Fargher

Operations Manager

Kristy Sandidge-Fargher

Kristy’s background and experience bring significant benefits to the nonprofit B5. With a successful entrepreneurial journey that began at a young age, she has honed her business and administrative skills. As a co-owner of a family-run business in Washington state, she gained valuable insights into running a successful enterprise.

In 2002, Kristy transitioned into a Business Consultant role, leveraging her love for learning and passion for helping others. Through her expertise, she has supported numerous businesses in achieving their dreams and goals. Her ability to share knowledge and guide others has been instrumental in their success, making her a valuable resource for the nonprofit B5.

Active community involvement is a core aspect of Kristy’s life. As an advisory board member for TROT (Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities), she contributes to promoting the well-being of people with special needs through animal-assisted therapies and activities. Additionally, her commitment extends to crocheting and donating hats to local service centers during the winter months. These acts of kindness demonstrate her dedication to making a positive impact within the community, aligning perfectly with the mission of the nonprofit B5.

Kristy resides in Kennewick with her husband, Casey, and together they have a blended family of four children and one granddaughter. When they’re not enjoying family time, they like to go fishing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, golfing, camping in the Blue Mountains, or simply taking short road trips.

Kristy’s diverse experiences, community involvement, and genuine care for others make her an exceptional asset to B5. Her business acumen, combined with her passion for helping others and commitment to making a positive impact, will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s growth and success.

Hsa Wah Shee

Refugee Youth Advocate

Hsa Wah Shee

Hsa Wah has been an invaluable member of the B5 team since 2021, bringing her unwavering passion for working with new arrival refugee youth and their families. Her role at B5 is crucial in facilitating their educational and personal development. Hsa Wah holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education and a Bachelor of Applied Behavioral Science in Youth Development from Highline College, which reflects her deep commitment to improving the lives of young individuals.

Originally from Burma/Myanmar, Hsa Wah’s journey led her and her family to seek refuge in a camp in Mae La, Thailand. In 2008, her family resettled in the United States, where she has actively forged a new life. Drawing upon her personal experiences and background, Hsa Wah brings a unique understanding and empathy to her work with families at B5. Her genuine love for people, combined with her shared journey, drives her dedication to creating a positive impact.

As a Refugee Youth Advocate, Hsa Wah walks alongside students, nurturing trust and fostering an environment in which they can thrive. Her personal growth is intertwined with her commitment to supporting the youth and their families. With an unwavering desire to enhance her skills and provide even better support, Hsa Wah is dedicated to continual self-improvement, ensuring that she can thrive alongside the individuals she serves at B5.

Tera Allen

Family Advocate

Tera Allen

Tera Allen’s presence within B5 is truly invaluable. Since joining as a Family Advocate in September 2022, Tera has consistently demonstrated her dedication and passion for the role. Alongside her roles as a devoted wife and mother of four, Tera also practices Physical Therapy Massage.

Having grown up in a military community near Seattle, Tera experienced a multicultural environment where she was one of the few white families amidst a diverse range of families from the Philippines, Guam, and other countries. This upbringing provided her with invaluable insights into the different ways people live, communicate, and work. It has fostered in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the contributions they make to the United States. Tera’s curiosity and open-mindedness extend to her culinary explorations, as she enthusiastically embraces various cuisines from around the world. Among them, Thai food is her favorite.

As a Family Advocate at B5, Tera considers it a privilege to serve and support the B5 families. Her genuine care and commitment to making a positive difference in their lives shine through in her work. Tera’s empathetic nature, combined with her understanding of diverse cultures, enables her to connect with families from various backgrounds and provide them with the assistance and guidance they need.

Tera’s multifaceted background, professional expertise, and unwavering dedication make her an essential asset to the B5 team. Her passion for empowering families and embracing cultural diversity aligns perfectly with the B5’s mission. Through her role as a Family Advocate, Tera contributes to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for B5 families, ensuring that they receive the support and care they deserve.

Carolyn Paxton

Family Advocate

Carolyn Paxton

Côme Nzibarega’s exceptional background equips him with invaluable skills and experiences that greatly benefit B5 in assisting new arrival refugees. Originally from war-torn Burundi, Come’s personal journey of overcoming challenges has fueled his drive to thrive in the United States and make a difference in the lives of others.

With a remarkable six-year tenure at World Relief, Come has honed his expertise in the humanitarian field. His unwavering commitment to assisting refugees and facilitating their successful integration into new communities is evident through his dedicated service. Furthermore, while pursuing his education at Whitworth University, Come generously shared his knowledge and passion as a French teacher at Northwest Christian High School, highlighting his profound commitment to education.

Currently, Come is further enriching his skill set by pursuing an MBA while simultaneously holding a position at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Through his work at DSHS, he actively contributes to the betterment of his community, effectively merging his educational pursuits with practical hands-on experience.

Come’s professional achievements stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication to creating positive change in the world. His unique background, coupled with his deep empathy and understanding, make him an invaluable asset to B5.

Tho Paw

Family Support Specialist

Carolyn Paxton

Marissa Panayiotides

Adult Literacy Instructor

Marissa Panayiotides

Marissa’s background and education make her an invaluable asset to B5. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in TESOL. Marissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As she nears the completion of her degree, her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is evident.

Marissa’s journey with B5 began in September 2013, following her relocation to the Tri-Cities from the Pittsburgh area. She started by managing volunteers for the after-school program, and progressively took on more responsibilities, serving as the 21st Century Site Coordinator before transitioning into teaching in the LEP Pathway program.

With her blend of education, practical experience, and multicultural awareness, Marissa is a true asset to the B5 nonprofit organization. Her dedication, experience, and compassionate approach enrich the programs and services offered by B5, ensuring that individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds receive the support they need to thrive in their new community.

Lois Douglass

Adult Literacy Instructor

Lois Douglass

Lois’s educational background comprises a BA in Humanities, earned from Columbia Christian College in Portland, OR, in 1984. In 2022, she furthered her education by obtaining a Level 3 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from The TEFL Academy.

Lois’s journey is enriched by a diverse work and volunteer history, granting her valuable insights and experiences that she readily brings to B5. Following her college, she worked at a manufacturing company in Portland, where she had the privilege of engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including refugees from Vietnam, Laos, China, and Afghanistan. Witnessing their resilience, strong work ethic, and deep appreciation for America left an indelible mark on Lois.

In 2017, after relocating to Kennewick, Lois became actively involved with the Family Learning Center, now known as B5. She initially volunteered in the morning adult ESL program and later took on the role of tutoring a Karen high school student. Her commitment and dedication to the organization led to her being hired as an assistant to Marissa Panayiotides in B5’s new LEP Pathway program in early 2022. Over time, her role evolved, and she now serves as an ESL teacher within the program. Additionally, in the summer of 2022, Lois embraced the part-time position of Volunteer Coordinator at B5, further enhancing her impact within the organization.

As a wife and mother of four, Lois treasures her experiences at B5 as some of the most fulfilling moments in her life. The opportunity to meet and collaborate with refugees and those who support them brings her immense joy and a sense of purpose. Her passion for education, coupled with her compassionate nature, enables Lois to create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive and flourish at B5.

Lorelei Kennedy

Adult Literacy Instructor

Lorelei Kennedy

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Lorelei is a seasoned educator who has worked with a diverse range of students, from preschoolers to prisoners. Her passion for lifelong learning is evident through her exploration of various subjects where art, science, and humanity intersect. Lorelei holds both a BS and MS degree from Portland State University, and her expertise extends to being a Theatre Teaching Artist, bringing vibrant and engaging experiences to classroom and homeschool lessons.

As a valued member of the B5 team, Lorelei finds great joy in supporting her students and embracing the opportunity to learn about their unique cultures. She recognizes the importance of fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, where everyone’s contributions are valued. Lorelei’s enthusiasm for the collaborative spirit within B5 drives her to continually seek growth and expand the horizons of service to the families involved.

Lorelei’s dedication to education, combined with her ability to infuse creativity and artistic elements into her teaching, enhances the learning experiences of her students at B5. She believes in the power of education to empower individuals and communities, and she wholeheartedly embraces the chance to make a positive impact through her role.

With Lorelei’s wealth of knowledge, commitment to students’ well-being, and genuine interest in cultural diversity, B5 is fortunate to have her on board. Her passion for teaching, love for her students, and eagerness to contribute to the growth of the organization create a nurturing and inspiring environment for everyone involved.

Jenni Alexander

Digital Literacy Instructor

Jenni Alexander

Jenni’s contributions to B5 are invaluable, highlighting her importance in their mission. As a dedicated wife and mother of five children, Jenni balances her family commitments while actively making a difference in the community.

Her educational journey began near Seattle before she ventured to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah, where she earned a degree in Elementary and Math Education. After teaching middle school math on the east coast, Jenni returned to BYU to pursue a Master’s in Instructional Design. During her graduate studies, she gained expertise in training pre-service teachers in utilizing educational technologies to enhance teaching methods and designing effective online learning environments.

Throughout her academic and professional pursuits, Jenni actively sought out opportunities to serve and teach individuals from diverse cultures and countries. She embraced teaching experiences in Guam, the Marshall Islands, and Ghana, fostering cross-cultural connections and understanding. With her own culturally diverse heritage, Jenni has always felt a deep connection to individuals with varying backgrounds, further fueling her dedication to multicultural education.

At B5 Learning Center, Jenni plays a crucial role in creating a digital literacy experience for adult learners in the LEP Pathway program. Her expertise in instructional design, content writing, and design enriches the learning journey of the program participants, enabling them to develop essential digital skills for their personal and professional growth.

Jenni’s passion for teaching, commitment to multicultural education, and proficiency in instructional design make her an essential member of the B5 team. Her dedication to creating inclusive learning environments aligns perfectly with the organization’s vision, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive and succeed.

Elizabeth Navarro

Adult Literacy Administrator

Elizabeth Navarro

Elizabeth, a native of Kennewick, WA, has always had a passion for connecting with diverse cultures and communities. Being of Mexican heritage and bilingual in English and Spanish, she developed a deep appreciation for different languages and backgrounds. After completing her Associate of Arts and Science degree at CBC and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, majoring in Sociology, from WSU, Elizabeth embarked on a journey of exploration and service.

Her career in the nonprofit sector began with her involvement in GEAR UP programs, where she worked in Kennewick, Pasco, and Monterey Bay, California, assisting students in pursuing higher education opportunities. During her studies, Elizabeth also had the opportunity to study abroad in Ecuador, broadening her cultural horizons and deepening her understanding of global perspectives. She further expanded her experiences by living and working in Doha, Qatar, and even resided in Pakistan.

Elizabeth’s passion for travel and her genuine interest in meeting people from all walks of life have fueled her commitment to making a positive impact. Motivated by her desire to return to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mother for two years, Elizabeth found her calling at B5.

She is inspired by B5’s mission and the opportunity to support and guide new families through the American system. Sharing the importance of education and the benefits of learning English as a newcomer is particularly fulfilling for her. Elizabeth finds great joy in welcoming people to her hometown and assisting them in their journey towards success and integration in their new community. Her genuine appreciation for cultural diversity, dedication to helping others, and commitment to fostering a sense of belonging make her an invaluable asset to B5.

Rosy Centeno

Adult Literacy Asst. Administrator

Rosy Centeno

Rosy Centeno’s journey with B5 began in January 2023, with her appreciation of the organization’s remarkable programs tailored to the refugee community. Her unwavering passion for assisting others led her to recognize this opportunity as a true calling that spoke her heart.

As a native of Kennewick, Washington, Rosy pursued her education in the medical field. This path led her to acquire various certifications in the healthcare industry, allowing her to excel as a compassionate care provider.

Having grown up in a hardworking Mexican family employed in the agricultural fields, Rosy understands the challenges faced by immigrant families who have yet to master the English language. As the firstborn in her family to be born in the United States, she vividly remembers translating and assisting with English-only documents, such as job applications and important paperwork. Reflecting on her own experiences, Rosy appreciates the opportunities that B5 provides, wishing her parents had access to such resources when they first arrived. Inspired by her journey, she is motivated to spread awareness and reach out to others who could benefit from the invaluable resources offered by B5.

Rosy Centeno’s unwavering dedication, firsthand understanding of the immigrant experience, and her genuine desire to help others make her an invaluable asset to B5. Her unique perspective and personal journey equip her with the empathy and insight necessary to connect with and support the individuals and families served by the B5. With her relentless spirit and passion for making a difference, Rosy contributes immeasurable value to the B5 community as she continues to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Mila Doroshchuk

Ukrainian Program Coordinator

Mila Doroshchuk

Mila has been working with B5 since March of 2023 as the Program Coordinator for the Ukrainian After School Program (U4U). She is a wife, a mother, and a part time Massage Therapist. On her free time, she enjoys gardening and playing volleyball.

Mila is the coordinator for the Ukrainian Refugee After School Program, where she helps children and families who have recently arrived in the United States adjust to their new home. Mila immigrated to the United States with her family when she was just 6 years old, when her parents saw greater opportunities for themselves and their children here in the US. Born in Ukraine, Mila is fluent in both Ukrainian and English, which allows her to communicate effectively with children who are still learning English.

As an afterschool program coordinator, Mila is responsible for planning and implementing educational and engaging activities for students. She works closely with children to provide support, guidance, and mentorship, helping them to develop social skills, academic knowledge, and self-confidence. Because of this program, many students are improving their academic performance and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.

Mila’s experience as a refugee and immigrant has given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing these communities. She is deeply committed to helping others who have faced similar challenges. The work that Mila is doing is highly valued by the Ukrainian refugee community, as it provides a safe and productive space for children to spend their time after school.