Our Staff
Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director
Gwenn Wysling was appointed Executive Director in May, 2010, after serving as a member of the Board of Directors for more than one year. In her position, she is responsible for grant reporting, human resources and the representation of the organization to the outside world
Wysling worked for 20 years in the hospitality industry, specifically in operations and human resources. She holds a B.A. degree in hotel and restaurant administration. She moved to Bend with her husband in 2007. From 2007-08, she was Human Resources Director at the Sunriver Resort.
"I am inspired by the Inn's mission and, equally, by the amazing talent and compassion of those dedicated to providing such a vital service," she says. "This organization makes such a difference in the lives of so many people who are experiencing homelessness."
Chris Clouart, Managing Director
Hailing from New England, Chris Clouart worked as a reporter and producer for public radio stations all over the country for more than 20 years, mostly recently at KPOV in Bend. He joined the Inn in July, 2007 as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and was later promoted to Managing Director.
Clouart is responsible for clarifying the direction of the Inn, implementing policies, and managing the staff. He also is the Inn's spokesman with the media and other community groups. "My job is to be the face of Bethlehem Inn," he says. Additionally, he manages the Inn's website and computer networking and supervises building maintenance and repair.
"At a homeless shelter, you meet all kinds of people," he comments. "I enjoy the day-to-day problem solving on the fly. It really recharges my batteries."
Chuck Heussler, Finance and Business Administrator
Chuck Heussler came to Bethlehem Inn in late 2009 with over 30 years of accounting, financial and administrative experience in both large and small businesses. He is a Certified Cash Manager (CCM). At the Inn, his duties include preparing the budget, recording receipts, paying bills and payroll, and preparing all financial reports.
Born in Maine, Heussler grew up in New Jersey and has lived in Central Oregon on and off for several years. He holds a B.S. degree in finance. At the Inn, Heussler says "I enjoy the fact that we make a difference in the community in terms of the service we provide."
Lynn Edwards, Outreach Manager, Volunteer Coordinator
As Outreach Manager, Lynn Edwards is responsible for coordinating volunteer activities, including the promotion of meals being provided for the residents of the Inn. She came to the Inn in early 2008 as a Day Monitor after more than 13 years of business ownership and employee management.
Edwards also visits churches, schools and other organizations to organize food and clothing drives for the Inn. "I connect with the community and let them know our needs," she explains.
Lynn moved to Bend from Indiana in 1980. From the age of 10, she always wanted to work with the homeless. "My intent was to help people, but the reality is that I have experienced incredible personal growth," she says.
Cristal Curtis, Facility Manager
Cristal Curtis is responsible for all programs designed to give residents work experience or help them find a employment. This includes onsite work programs such as helping with kitchen preparation and cleanup, can recycling, gardening, accepting clothing donatons, and cleaning the facilities. She also supervises classes for residents to improve job interview skills, write resumes, and develop computer skills.
Curtis, who started at the Inn in 2007 as a shift monitor, has an AAS degree in Criminal Justice and several years of experience in child care. The best thing about her job, she says, is that "every day is different, never the same. I enjoy it."
Derek Bemrose, Weekday Overnight Monitor
A native of Central Oregon, Derek just recently relocated with his family back "home" in September of 2010. He spent over 7 years in the military leading, training and motivating soldiers to better themselves, always emphasizing choosing the hard right over the easy wrong.
In a society where homelessness is a monumental problem with so few answers, Derek is excited to be part of an organization that recognizes these concerns and part of a staff that comes together to fight hunger and homelessness one day at a time by providing a safe and positive environment.
Even though he doesn't get a lot of interaction with residents during the night, he gets personal satisfaction knowing that he is responsible for the safety and well-being of them while they sleep. He also enjoys preparing and setting up breakfast, greeting residents with a smile and a hot cup of coffee as they come through the door.
Our Staff
Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director
Gwenn Wysling was appointed Executive Director in May, 2010, after serving as a member of the Board of Directors for more than one year. In her position, she is responsible for grant reporting, human resources and the representation of the organization to the outside world
Wysling worked for 20 years in the hospitality industry, specifically in operations and human resources. She holds a B.A. degree in hotel and restaurant administration. She moved to Bend with her husband in 2007. From 2007-08, she was Human Resources Director at the Sunriver Resort.
"I am inspired by the Inn's mission and, equally, by the amazing talent and compassion of those dedicated to providing such a vital service," she says. "This organization makes such a difference in the lives of so many people who are experiencing homelessness."
Chris Clouart, Managing Director
Hailing from New England, Chris Clouart worked as a reporter and producer for public radio stations all over the country for more than 20 years, mostly recently at KPOV in Bend. He joined the Inn in July, 2007 as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and was later promoted to Managing Director.
Clouart is responsible for clarifying the direction of the Inn, implementing policies, and managing the staff. He also is the Inn's spokesman with the media and other community groups. "My job is to be the face of Bethlehem Inn," he says. Additionally, he manages the Inn's website and computer networking and supervises building maintenance and repair.
"At a homeless shelter, you meet all kinds of people," he comments. "I enjoy the day-to-day problem solving on the fly. It really recharges my batteries."
Chuck Heussler, Finance and Business Administrator
Chuck Heussler came to Bethlehem Inn in late 2009 with over 30 years of accounting, financial and administrative experience in both large and small businesses. He is a Certified Cash Manager (CCM). At the Inn, his duties include preparing the budget, recording receipts, paying bills and payroll, and preparing all financial reports.
Born in Maine, Heussler grew up in New Jersey and has lived in Central Oregon on and off for several years. He holds a B.S. degree in finance. At the Inn, Heussler says "I enjoy the fact that we make a difference in the community in terms of the service we provide."
Lynn Edwards, Outreach Manager, Volunteer Coordinator
As Outreach Manager, Lynn Edwards is responsible for coordinating volunteer activities, including the promotion of meals being provided for the residents of the Inn. She came to the Inn in early 2008 as a Day Monitor after more than 13 years of business ownership and employee management.
Edwards also visits churches, schools and other organizations to organize food and clothing drives for the Inn. "I connect with the community and let them know our needs," she explains.
Lynn moved to Bend from Indiana in 1980. From the age of 10, she always wanted to work with the homeless. "My intent was to help people, but the reality is that I have experienced incredible personal growth," she says.
Cristal Curtis, Facility Manager
Cristal Curtis is responsible for all programs designed to give residents work experience or help them find a employment. This includes onsite work programs such as helping with kitchen preparation and cleanup, can recycling, gardening, accepting clothing donatons, and cleaning the facilities. She also supervises classes for residents to improve job interview skills, write resumes, and develop computer skills.
Curtis, who started at the Inn in 2007 as a shift monitor, has an AAS degree in Criminal Justice and several years of experience in child care. The best thing about her job, she says, is that "every day is different, never the same. I enjoy it."
Derek Bemrose, Weekday Overnight Monitor
A native of Central Oregon, Derek just recently relocated with his family back "home" in September of 2010. He spent over 7 years in the military leading, training and motivating soldiers to better themselves, always emphasizing choosing the hard right over the easy wrong.
In a society where homelessness is a monumental problem with so few answers, Derek is excited to be part of an organization that recognizes these concerns and part of a staff that comes together to fight hunger and homelessness one day at a time by providing a safe and positive environment.
Even though he doesn't get a lot of interaction with residents during the night, he gets personal satisfaction knowing that he is responsible for the safety and well-being of them while they sleep. He also enjoys preparing and setting up breakfast, greeting residents with a smile and a hot cup of coffee as they come through the door.