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Meet Our Staff

Karen Stinson, Operations’ Director

Karen 2

A lifelong resident of El Dorado County, Karen’s background includes over 15 years working with at risk youth and adults in the criminal justice system.  In addition, her unique talents in networking and problem solving led to a successful career as a private investigator before retiring and joining the Upper Room.  Drawn to our mission, volunteers, and the people we serve, Karen joined us as a volunteer in 2017 and was quickly hired on as our Volunteer Coordinator.  She was promoted to Operations’ Director accountable for the daily operation of our dining hall and support programs.  When she is not at the Upper Room, she is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her family.

Pam Marcinek , Food Manager

Pam

Pam has a BS in Physiology from UC Davis and completed her MBA in Marketing at the College of Notre Dame Executive Program.   After a fulfilling career in international and domestic marketing, she started volunteering at the Upper Room in 2015.   Her passion for serving with us over the last several years helped her to develop a keen understanding of the dining hall operations, our volunteers, and the guests that we serve.  She joined our team as Kitchen Manager in 2022.  She has lived in El Dorado County for 25 years where she and her husband of 24 years raised their son, Jarek, and daughter, Juliana.  When she is not at the Upper Room she enjoys traveling, SCUBA, and fitness. 

Tara McDonald, Executive Assistant

Tara

TaraMarie began volunteering at the Upper Room in 2021 and accepted a position on our team a year later.  Prior to joining the Upper Room Dining Hall as Executive Assistant, Tara Marie worked in Public Safety for over 25 years as a 911 Dispatcher, Trainer, and Supervisor, she also volunteered at the El Dorado County Veteran Services.  Her extensive background in multitasking and coordinating emergency response systems, coupled with her organizational skills and passion for serving others, makes her a uniquely qualified and valuable member of our team.  She and her husband and 3 children have lived in El Dorado County for over 20  years.  During her time off she enjoys nature photography, camping and cooking for family.