:: Aspen Baker, Executive Director
Aspen Baker is the Founder and Executive Director of Exhale. Under her leadership, Exhale has grown from a completely volunteer-led, grassroots project to the well-respected, national organization it is today. After her own abortion in 1999, Aspen was unable to find a service to talk about her feelings that didn't have a political or moral agenda. This personal experience inspired her to search out allies and eventually led to the birth of Exhale. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of Exhale, Aspen worked in fundraising and direct services for a variety of non-profit organizations in the Bay Area in the fields of women's health and human rights. Aspen grew up in San Clemente, California and is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.
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:: Leah Sheldon, Director of Programs
Leah is the most recent addition to Exhale. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to support and inspire Exhale's talkline counselors, the organizations most important resource. Leah's career began with a year of national service as an Americorps*Vista participant at The Los Angeles Free Clinic. Since then she has worked in education, advocacy, outreach, and direct service for a variety of organizations supporting reproductive justice including Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and Adoption Connection of Jewish Family and Children's Services. Throughout her work Leah has always found satisfaction helping others cultivate their unique strengths in order to learn and heal. Leah is passionate about the mission of Exhale and knows that it can change the world! Leah is a graduate of Syracuse University.
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:: Kristen Schultz Oliver, Program Coordinator
Kristen has the pleasure of working with Exhale since 2002, first as a talkline volunteer, next as a facilitation intern, and now as Lead Trainer. Her focus is on teaching counseling skills, facilitating trainings with partner organizations, and developing Exhale's volunteer program. Kristen has extensive professional experience in counseling and education in the field of reproductive medicine, including in abortion services, fertility technologies and prenatal care. She credits her education at Oberlin College with nurturing her sense of community service and social justice, and has volunteered for San Francisco Suicide Prevention and Planned Parenthood in the past. She finds great joy in watching her young daughter grow, in reading and writing as often as possible, and in singing choral music and show tunes with friends.
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:: Chrissy Hyre, Operations and Development Coordinator
Chrissy first came to Exhale as a peer counselor in 2007. She joined staff in the winter of 2008, bringing her positive energy, passion for social change, and deep-felt commitment to Exhale's mission. Prior to Exhale, she worked the development departments of several national non-profits, including the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and Physicians for Social Responsibility. As a direct marketing consultant for an internationally recognized agency, she helped nonprofits grow their fundraising programs and raise millions of dollars. She was also a counselor on the National Abortion Federation hotline for several years. She received her undergraduate degree Radford University, where she helped found the Women"s Studies minor… and learned the profound importance of creating allies and communities to promote positive change and allay isolation. She also loves live music, travel, and various artistic pursuits. Chrissy coordinates Exhale's day-to-day operations and logistics for Exhale's programs and fund development.
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