Why Counterflow?

In fast-flowing water, the counterflow provides a pause in the eddies and oxygenation in the white water.

Our intent is not to oppose the flow but to slow down the systemic rush that often excludes real participation from the most important voices.

In the eddies, we pause to connect and explore more deeply with those most affected by program decisions. In the white water, we give space and listen to differing points of view. It is the dissent that often contains insights that can free stagnant areas that continue to privilege those that historically hold power and the narrative.

Meet the Counterflow Team

  • Counterflow Team!

    Serving the Grassroots

  • Safe Shelter Team!

    Boots on the Ground

    Safe Shelter Project

  • Anna Pizzo

    FOUNDER & OWNER

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  • Christian Chambers

    Safe Shelter Director

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  • Traci Ettison

    Community Health Worker and Mental Health Advocate for Safe Shelter, Entrepreneur, Caregiver, and Community Advocate.

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  • Michel Maurice Guicheney

    Franco American, Musician, Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, SMART Recovery Facilitator, Harm Reduction Specialist

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  • Gene Ettison

    Gene Ettison

    Safe Shelter Operations Manager

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  • Makayla Lechnowskyj LCMHCA, LCAS

    Community Paramedic Clinical Lead

    Bio Coming Soon

  • Sarah Boddy Norris

    Community Paramedics MSW Intern

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  • Rev. Katlyn Zulinke

    Safe Shelter Development & Engagement Specialist

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  • Ben Phan

    FILMMAKER

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  • Mark Siler MSW, MPS, LCSW, LCAS

    Community Paramedic Clinical Lead

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  • Cole Mosner

    WEB DESIGN INTERN

    Click Here

  • Shana "Sunshine" Baynard

    Safe Shelter Peer/Community Health Worker Intern

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  • Dan Pizzo

    FOUNDER & OWNER

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Get on the bus. May 2nd. Second Chance Alliance. #operationgateway
Get on the bus. May 2nd. Second Chance Alliance. #operationgateway
"Umoja gave us a place to unpack, talk about our traumas and what comes with our race and the school system." It's almost impossible to describe the power of the Umoja HOPE 4 the Future youth; you have to experience it. Grateful to be amplifying @umojahwj 's work with @benphantomstudios through Counterflow. I am constantly in awe of community leaders like @michaellhayes50 that do this work regardless of funding or recognition. Stop for 8 minutes for a glimpse of the wisdom that comes from healing (link in bio). This is whom I want to lead our community- HOPE 4 our Future. #communitybased #livedexperiencematters #Hope4thefuture #Umoja #counterstory #counterflow
"If God gave me a second chance, using my creativity and my art, then I want to give that chance to other people," JoeRob, creator of the Restored Dreams Project. Art as the original counter-story. Link to full clip + credit in comments. Watch this space. @benphantomstudios #RestoredDreams #artandcreativity #healingthruthearts #counterstory #CounterFlow
Get on the bus. May 2nd. Second Chance Alliance. #operationgateway
"Umoja gave us a place to unpack, talk about our traumas and what comes with our race and the school system." It's almost impossible to describe the power of the Umoja HOPE 4 the Future youth; you have to experience it. Grateful to be amp
"If God gave me a second chance, using my creativity and my art, then I want to give that chance to other people," JoeRob, creator of the Restored Dreams Project. Art as the original counter-story. Link to full clip + credit in comments. Wa