Get to know us
We began with a shared passion for supporting teens and creating spaces where they feel seen, valued, and connected. As we spent more time listening to the needs of our community, it became clear that teens needed more than just programs, they needed a consistent place to belong. Our team brings together experience in mentorship, leadership, and youth development to create thoughtful, well-supported environments where teens and the community can grow together.
We are a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
Our mission
We are a teen-led community where connection, creativity and belonging come together.
Our vision
Empowering Purpose, Restoring Teens, Healing Hearts
Our Board Of Directors
Reagan Manolas
President
Mary Rose Cupery
Vice-President & Secretary
Katie Ferguson
Treasurer
Our Team
Our strength lies in our diversity. Our team brings together decades of experience in counseling, mentorship, youth programming, leadership development, and creative storytelling. With backgrounds ranging from clinical care to hands-on program design, we are united by a shared commitment to creating spaces where teens feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Reagan Manolas
Founder / Director / Counselor
Katie Ferguson
Program Director
Luke Lenichek
Assistant Program Director
Mary Rose Cupery
Operations / Creative Director
Stefanie Lebarre
Clinical Director / Social Worker
Zach Cupery
Leadership Director / Staff Care
TJ Manolas
Youth Athletics Advisor
Teen Advisory Board
COMING SOON
Reagan brings more than 25 years of experience working with youth through counseling, mentorship, and program development. Raised in Alaska, Reagan has spent her career serving teens and families in the community and understands the unique needs facing youth in the Eagle River and Chugiak area. Reagan is a therapist who specializes in trauma and adoption counseling. Her clinical work focuses on helping young people heal from difficult experiences while building resilience, identity, and healthy relationships. Throughout her career she has designed youth programs that combine mentorship, experiential learning, and emotional support.
Katie has a strong logistical mind and extensive experience working with multiple nonprofit organizations focused on youth and community engagement. Her leadership style creates environments where students feel welcomed, respected, and excited to participate. She is also involved in an extreme sport snowmachine club for youth that she helped start with her late husband. Katie oversees the development and implementation of programming for students in grades 6–12, helping create experiences that foster mentorship, leadership, and positive community involvement.
Mary Rose as a creative force brings expertise in administration, photography, videography, and organizational systems. Mary Rose functions as the operational integrator for the organization, helping translate vision into structured systems, communication strategies, and day-to-day execution. She oversees internal organization, media storytelling, and operational coordination that allows programs and partnerships to run smoothly. Her creative work plays an important role in documenting the impact of Believe Teen Center and sharing the stories of the teens, families, and community partners involved in the mission.
Luke brings more than 20 years of experience working with youth through mentorship, leadership development, and program design. Luke has a strong passion for building youth programs that promote teamwork, character development, and personal responsibility. He believes that meaningful experiences, shared challenges, and positive mentorship help young people discover their strengths and grow into confident leaders. As Assistant Program Director, Luke supports the coordination and facilitation of teen center programming, helping ensure that activities are both engaging and intentionally designed to support teen development.
Stefanie brings more than a decade of experience as a social worker and hospice director, supporting individuals and families through grief, trauma, and significant life transitions. Her professional background includes guiding families through complex emotional and relational challenges with compassion and practical BELIEVE Teen Center • page 2 support. She provides expertise in trauma-informed care, grief support, and family resources. Her experience strengthens the organization’s ability to support not only teens but also the families and caregivers connected to teens.
Zach brings extensive experience in youth leadership and mentorship and is currently pursuing a degree in social work. He has a strong passion for soul care and leadership development, with a particular focus on supporting those who serve others. Zach helps cultivate a healthy team culture by encouraging staff and volunteers, strengthening leadership capacity, and ensuring the team remains supported in the important work they do. His focus on staff care helps create a sustainable and healthy environment for those working with teens.
TJ brings over 25 years of experience working with youth through mentorship, leadership, and athletics. A passionate advocate for youth sports, TJ has coached numerous teams—especially in baseball—helping young people develop teamwork, discipline, resilience, and confidence. He believes athletics can play a powerful role in teaching character and building strong relationships. TJ contributes his experience in youth programming and athletics to help develop activities that encourage healthy competition, teamwork, and positive mentorship.
We are forming a Teen Advisory Council so teens can help lead and shape Believe Teen Center from the ground up. This space is designed to be teen-led and teen-built, with their ideas guiding what it becomes. Teens will have a voice in the programming, culture, and direction of the center. Because when teens are part of building it, they belong in it.