After nearly two decades of exceptional service, we are both grateful and bittersweet as we announce the retirement of Karin Paris, our esteemed Human Resources Director. Karin has been an invaluable part of our team, providing unwavering support and guidance, and has played a critical role in shaping the workplace culture we cherish today.
With nearly 20 years at the organization, Karin has grown into a respected HR leader by applying her existing strengths and continuously building her expertise along the way. Her expertise spans all aspects of human resources, from recruitment and employee development to conflict resolution and organizational strategy. Her leadership style has always been rooted in collaboration, fairness, and creating an inclusive environment for all.
As Karin moves into this well-deserved chapter of retirement, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on her incredible journey with us. We asked her to share a bit about her career and most memorable moments:
Karin’s Most Memorable Moment at Sierra Community House:
One of my most memorable moments was the merger of four incredible nonprofits—Project Mana, North Tahoe Family Resource Center, Family Resource Center of Truckee, and Tahoe SAFE Alliance, which had been my home for 13 years. I was immensely proud of the work Tahoe SAFE Alliance had done to make our community safer through domestic and sexual violence prevention and intervention. With the merger, that pride grew tenfold. Not only did it ensure that this vital work would continue, but it also opened my eyes to the remarkable impact of hunger relief, family support, community engagement, and expanded legal assistance. Seeing these services come together under one organization, creating a stronger and more unified support network for our community, was an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
Tell Us About Your Journey with Sierra Community House:
My journey with SCH began in 2006 when I joined Tahoe SAFE Alliance. Having recently moved to the area, I wanted to get involved in the community once our children were settled into their new schools. I started in a part-time role at Tahoe Women’s Services (later renamed Tahoe SAFE Alliance), drawn to the organization’s powerful mission of supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. What began as a data entry position quickly grew into a deeply meaningful career dedicated to serving our community.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to many meaningful milestones— helping grow our team, serving as the Winery Chair for our popular fundraising event, the Tahoe Chocolate and Wine Festival, and being part of the merger that formed SCH. Along the way, there have also been challenges, including the difficult loss of programs due to funding cuts. Each step strengthened my connection to our mission and deepened my admiration for the resilience of the community members we served and the dedication of my colleagues
My time at SCH has profoundly shaped me—teaching me the importance of compassion, adaptability, and the power of community. I’ve grown not only as a professional but also personally, as I grew in faith, recognizing that my work was not just a job, but a calling to love and serve others in Jesus’ name.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the people I’ve worked with and the lives we’ve touched. Though my journey is nearing its next chapter, I will always carry immense pride for what we’ve accomplished together at Sierra Community House.
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What are you looking forward to in your next chapter of life?
I have worked since I was 15, and I know I will naturally seek structure to replace my workday. However, I have committed to spending my first year without making any obligations just for the sake of filling time. I want to embrace the discomfort of an unstructured schedule so I can truly explore what brings me joy and remain open to what God has in store for me.
Trust me, there will be plenty of precious time with my grandbabies, adventures with my husband, and cherished moments with my parents, extended family, and dear friends. There will be baking marathons, outdoor escapes, and all the things that fill my heart—but in the quieter moments, I hope to embrace the unknown, letting curiosity and exploration guide me.
We are deeply grateful for everything Karin has contributed during her time with us. Her leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the company, and we will carry her legacy forward.
Please join us in celebrating Karin’s incredible career and wishing her all the best in her retirement. We are excited for her new adventures and the joy this next chapter will bring.
