Our staff

We are in the process of transitioning our program, which includes reducing our staff.  We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Price into the role of Program Manager starting July 19th, 2011.  Tonya Rasberry and Brenda Higgins will continue as Peer Advocates.  We’re smaller, but still mighty!

Nicole Price, Program Manager

I have been working for BABES for 7 years as a Peer Counselor/Event Coordinator and am excited to become the Program Manager for such an amazing program. BABES  is not just any job - the sisterhood and the comfort from understanding this disease together is beyond anything I can put into words. I have been living with HIV since 2000 and am passionate about working with women and children affected by HIV. I have attended some amazing trainings over the years that have made me more aware of the importance of Advocacy and Leadership for women living with HIV in our community. Through AIDS Alliance for children youth and families I  attended the VOICES Conference twice and also a graduated the 2010 Consumer Leadership Training Program. I have met many wonderful and inspiring Advocates across the country  during NAPWA conferences, Lotus Peer trainings and speakers’ trainings through Gilead Sciences. I live in Bothell with my dog Teddy who is like my child. I love to dance and my favorite foods are Mexican and Italian. I look forward to working with all of you in this new capacity. Cheers!

Tonya Rasberry, Peer Advocate

Hello my name is Tonya and I have had the honor of being a part of the BABES Network-YWCA team for some time now and I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you in person or over the phone. BABES has been many things to me.  In the beginning they were a good support system for me even when I didn’t think I needed one and then as a Sisterhood who work together on a daily basis to try and build good healthy and long lasting relationships in our community. I enjoy being a part of staff and I realize the kind of work we do is important but I also realize that to do the work we have to help others discover their voice. I have come to appreciate what we have overcome but I also acknowledge the struggle and the road ahead and how sometimes people just need a little understanding. So it gives me pleasure to be here for you or anyone who feels they need a hand. It’s not a job to me it’s an honor. Thank you

Brenda Higgins, Peer Advocate

 Hello to all of you wonderful, inspirational and empowered new Leaders.  I have been employed with BABES since May 2010 and have had the privilege to get to know a lot of you and am such a better person for it.  I have been HIV+ since May 2007.  I started out as a member, who in the beginning was very reluctant to get involved.  I went to my first retreat in 2008, and that was the extent of my involvement.  As time went along, I realized that I felt alone and was in desperate need of my peers for emotional support and a sense of belonging.  I am very happy that I decided to get involved in my life again and to allow other people in.  That was made possible through perseverance and determination to be a part of something -   BABES –  and all that they have to offer anyone who enters the door!