Pat Spencer
BOARD PRESIDENT
Pat Spencer received his doctorate in Geological Sciences from the University of Washington and has been teaching Geology at Whitman College since 1984. His work focuses mostly on the fossil record of Ice Age sediments in southeastern Washington. In his time at Whitman, Pat has served as Chair of the Geology Department; Chair of the Science Division; Chair of the Faculty; and Provost and Dean of the Faculty. He is happiest when teaching. Pat has been affiliated with Trilogy since its beginning, previously serving on the Board of Directors; he has been happily sober for more than 38 years.
Lenna Buissink
BOARD SECRETARY
Lenna Buissink, originally from Pullman, Washington, studied Elementary Education and History at Washington State University before becoming an elementary school teacher in Walla Walla. She retired in 2001, and in 2006 was introduced to Trilogy Recovery Community through her work with the first Family Support Group. When the board formed in 2010, Lenna was a clear choice as a member and served as the secretary until 2012, and starting again in 2018. Lenna also volunteers in the Walla Walla community through her role on the Human Services Advisory Board. Lenna Believes Trilogy is making huge strides in educating youth about substance use, challenging the stigma associated with addiction, and positively touching the lives of its youth and family members. Now that her two children are grown and out of the house, Lenna cares for her pet dog. In her spare moments, she volunteers at an assisted living facility, picks up a good book, or watches a Cougar football game.
Kathy (Richmond) Covey
BOARD TREASURER
Kathy moved to Walla Walla during high school when her father was hired as Executive Director of Children’s Home Society. Upon graduation from Wa-Hi, she earned her BA in Social Work from from Eastern Washington University.
After graduation she began her 40-year career with Blue Mountain Action Council, with a break to work as the Executive Director of the Community Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center, which has since dissolved. She spent 7 more years at BMAC as the CEO before she retired to travel with her husband, Clark.
Kathy has been involved with numerous community agency boards and have been involved with Trilogy since its inception. When asked to return to serve on the Trilogy Board of Directors, she shared, “I feel very strongly that Trilogy is filling a vital need in the community. In all my years with BMAC, substance abuse treatment and recovery were consistently identified as the one of the most significant barriers to education/work success and the community has struggled over the years to maintain strong, accessible services – especially for the youth population. Trilogy is working to help meet those challenges.”
Roger Esparza
BOARD MEMBER
Roger was born and raised here in Walla Walla. Roger is very involved in the community giving countless hours of his time. Roger and his wife Krissy have 3 children Ava, Alex and Amaya. They love to travel to Alaska in the summer and to Mexico in the winter. He currently serves on several boards and has been a coach, mentor and volunteer for numerous organizations. Community service activities include: Walla Walla Association of Realtors Board of Directors, Chairman, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce (2018), Downtown Walla Walla Foundation Board of Directors, Walla Walla School District Facilities Task Force, Sherwood Leadership Trust Graduate (2006), Community Council Board Chair (2015-2017).
Ruben Hernandez
BOARD MEMBER
Ruben has been living in Walla Walla since he was five years old. He is involved in the community with coaching soccer and basketball. He graduated from Walla Walla High School and Eastern Washington University.
He is member of Diversion and Inclusion board for the City of College Place and has been a coach, mentor, and volunteer for organizations such as: Sherwood Leadership Trust Graduate (2017), Chairman for Friends Children of Walla Walla Board (2017-2019), Walla Walla Latino Alliance (2016-2019). His goal is to join organizations that can help the youth and low-income families. Ruben wants to be that voice than can help reach the community and educate everyone on all the resources Walla Walla has to offer. He and his wife Ruthell have 2 children, Romeo, and Royce. They love to watch movies, go on walks, and travel to Guatemala, Mexico and explore new places.