Looking ahead: Reflections on my first 100 days at Mariposa House
Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 2, 2026
Over the past 100 days as Interim Executive Director at Mariposa House, I have spent time listening, learning, supporting staff through transition, and looking closely at what the organization needs to continue growing stronger and serving the community well. Like many nonprofit organizations navigating change, this transition has created opportunities to strengthen how we work together, support our staff, and better serve our community.
During this time, I have worked alongside staff, community partners, Board leadership, and contractors to improve the systems that support our work. This effort is ongoing and is helping create clearer expectations, stronger support, and greater consistency for both our staff and the survivors we serve.
Current areas of focus include improving intake and documentation, clarifying staff roles and workflows, reviewing policies and service practices, strengthening onboarding and staff training, and improving communication and follow-through.
Improving consistency in how services are delivered remains a key priority. Every interaction with a survivor matters, and our efforts remain centered on providing timely responses, clear communication, and consistent care for individuals and families seeking support. Mariposa House remains operational and committed to serving survivors in our community. While transitions naturally take time and adjustment, we remain focused on meeting today’s needs while building an even stronger foundation for the future.
The past 100 days have reinforced both the importance and complexity of this work. Behind the scenes, much of my role focuses on coordination, administration, partnerships, compliance, and staff support that helps our onsite team provide direct services each day. At the same time, these past months have highlighted the dedication of our staff, community partners, volunteers, and supporters who continue showing up for survivors and for Mariposa House during a time of transition and growth.
While there is still work ahead, I am encouraged by the commitment I see from those who care deeply about the future of Mariposa House. What gives me confidence is not the absence of challenges, but the willingness to address them directly as we keep building a stronger foundation together.
As we move forward, we will continue building on this progress while remaining focused on supporting survivors and preparing for accreditation renewal. Mariposa House has a long history of serving the community, and there is meaningful opportunity ahead to build on that legacy. I believe this work will not only support the immediate needs of the organization, but also help position Mariposa House for greater clarity, stability, and impact in the communities it serves.
Thank you to our staff, Board, community partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters for your investment in the mission and future of Mariposa House.
With appreciation,
Olivia Hickerson, CNP
Interim Executive Director
Mariposa House – Forks, WA
