Staff and Contact

Kate Gray, Director

Originally from Texas, Kate Gray moved to Washington in 1998 and has dedicated the majority of her career to the non-profit sector.  After serving as an Executive Director for various assisted living communities, she joined the Franke Tobey Jones team in 2010 as the Director of the Pt. Defiance-Ruston Senior Center.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in  Psychology and Business from Evergreen State College and a Master’s degree in Public Health Preparedness from Penn State University.  Her distinguished career includes serving as a National Hospice Award recipient and a member of the National Hospice Standards Committee.  Kate’s unique blend of clinical empathy and public health expertise allows her to lead the Senior Center with a focus on both emotional connection and operational safety.

Her commitment to the community is personal.  “I do what I do in honor of my parents,” Kate says.  “I cared for them in their later years and realized how much I love working with seniors.  I truly learn something new from them every day.”

Outside of the Center, Kate enjoys reading and exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.  She is a proud mother to her daughter, Kristen, and the ‘human’ to Hershey, her Miniature Australian Labradoodle.  Hershey has become the Center’s official four-legged ambassador; if she isn’t at the door with a wagging tail to greet you, participants are usually asking where she is!

Kate and Hershey invite you to stop by soon to meet them both and check out our latest calendar of events!

 
Lesley Pollack, Assistant

Originally from Michigan-just 45 minutes from the freshwater beaches of “The Lake” (Lake Michigan)-Lesley and her husband moved to Ruston in 1998 to try out Washington for “just a year.”  Fast forward 28 years, and they are still in the same house, fully embracing the Pacific Northwest (especially the summers!).

With a professional background in graphic design and printing, Lesley more recently managed a beautiful church wedding venue, where she loved helping couples celebrate their big day.  Her creative flair also shone through in the many events she organized, from “Narnia” themed gatherings to international-inspired celebrations.

After a relaxing year off spent gardening, reading, and practicing her Dutch on Duolingo, Lesley was ready for a new adventure.  We are so lucky she found us!  Living just a stone’s throw away, she’s looking forward to walking to the Center this summer.  For Lesley, spending the day with our wonderful participants doesn’t feel like “work”-it’s just fun!  Stop by, say hello, and join her in an activity soon.