Meet Our Team

Quinton Baker
Founder, Executive Director

Quinton is the Executive Director for Forge, and he currently oversees the development and management of all direct service programs. He also establishes partnerships with other agencies to create community development projects, and is the primary grant writer for the organization. 

Quinton received his Psychology bachelor’s degree and Public Health master’s degree from Eastern Washington University and has spent the last 8 years focusing on population health both internationally and domestically. His work in Spokane county has focused on developing direct service programs and community projects that aim to reduce barriers to health and housing. He founded Forge with the goal of creating the infrastructure to relief through community development, advocacy, and access. In his free time, he enjoys trail running and playing with his dog, Apollo. His involvement in community activities include:
 

  • Board President for The Way to Justice
  • Healthcare Committee Chair for NAACP Spokane
  • Self-Help Federal Credit Union Advisory Board Member
  • Member of Washington Low Income Housing Alliance’s Resident Action Project
  • Member of the Take-all Black Coalition 
Board of Directors
Michael Moody
Chair

Michael is a dedicated individual who has devoted his career to making a positive impact in the community. As a father of four, Michael understands the importance of building a strong foundation for future generations. Currently serving as the Social Services Manager at Pioneer Human Services, Michael brings over six years of experience in the human services field.

His journey began as a case manager, where he actively worked with individuals to address their unique needs and challenges. Michael's commitment to community development led him to take on roles as a workforce development facilitator and employment specialist, where he played a crucial role in empowering individuals to gain meaningful employment.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael is a life coach and the owner of a gym, showcasing his passion for holistic well-being. His diverse background also includes an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in small business management, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit.

Michael's unwavering dedication to helping individuals rebuild their lives is evident in both his professional and personal pursuits. Whether it's providing guidance as a life coach, creating opportunities for employment, or fostering a healthy lifestyle through his gym, Michael Moody continues to be a positive force in the community.

Darren White
Secretary

Darren is a dedicated professional with a profound journey marked by lived experiences in incarceration, drug addiction, and homelessness. His transformative path in the social services field began as a Peer Navigator at Donna Hanson Haven, a permanent supportive housing unit. Demonstrating commitment and resilience, Darren progressed to case management, contributing his skills to various programs.

Having briefly served as a property manager, Darren returned to case management at a fixed-site, focusing on permanent supportive housing for Integrated Case Management. Currently, as the Programs Coordinator at the House of Charity, Darren holds a leadership role where he oversees multiple programs. His impact extends beyond the workplace, as he actively engages in the Resident Action Project and the Community Voices Council.

Darren's dedication to justice and equity is evident through his recent selection as a member of the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) committee. He brings passion to his work, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach and a commitment to meeting individuals where they are. Darren seeks to empower people to realize their full potential, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those he serves.

Chris Harbert
Treasurer

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Chris moved to Spokane in 2019. After hibernating for two years, he began working in the homeless and housing justice field in Spokane. Chris’s work is deeply informed by his personal history of housing instability, his experience as an international aid worker, and his extensive background as an outdoor educator. 

Passionate about the outdoors, Chris loves to spend his free time exploring nature, whether hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the fresh air. This connection to the natural world enriches his perspective and drives his commitment to advocating for housing justice and support for the homeless community.