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Our team includes activists, educators, and advocates who are passionate about making change in our world so that all Oregon children live in a state where they have a true opportunity to thrive.
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Our Board is made up of local leaders, helping Our Children Oregon instigate meaningful change and ensuring we’re considerate and mindful of every community that calls Oregon home.
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Executive Director
Jenifer serves as Executive Director, bringing 15 years of experience in community development/affordable housing, grass-roots power building, and organizational leadership. Previously she served as the Deputy Director of Avenue Community Development Corporation in Houston, TX. During her tenure, she developed a nationally recognized model for place-based, community-led transformation. In 2017, she and partners received the American Planning Association’s National Planning Excellence Award for Advancing Diversity & Social Change. Subsequently, Avenue was selected for the National BUILD Health Challenge. In 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Rubinger Fellowship by the Local Initiative Support Corporation, which led her to Oregon.
Deputy Director
Julia serves as Deputy Director and primarily oversees fundraising and finance. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic leadership fundraising, marketing, organizational development, fundraising, and business management with the strong belief that solutions must be created and led by those who are most directly affected by an issue. Previously, Julia has worked in a variety of roles that seek to elevate the voices of traditionally underrepresented groups in order to shift narratives, disrupt systems, and harness the power of culturally specific and cross-cultural movements. She is an entrepreneur, book enthusiast, activist, proud nerd, and Mom to Miles.
Policy, Advocacy, and Engagement Director
Chris Coughlin has extensive policy, advocacy, communications, coalition management, and outreach experience. She has worked with communities, non-profits, political campaigns, and businesses, as staff, consultant, and volunteer on a wide range of issues for more than 30 years. Chris has focused much of her work in non-profit management having served as Executive Director of several non-profits. Chris has worked on policy issues impacting children and families including child welfare, health care, education funding, and tax and revenue issues.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Community Engagement Coordinator
Development Program Coordinator
Sam Linder serves as Development Program Coordinator, with a focus on fundraising and systems alignment. For the past decade Sam has worked at the forefront of education, building and implementing new teaching models that focus on social justice, equity, and sustainability. Along the way he has helped develop structures to support the work of students and educators, often in remote and underserved locations. Ask him about working with wolves! Sam currently lives in Portland, where he enjoys running, paddling, gardening, and reading on the porch.
Communications and Data
Integration Director
Michelle serves as Communications and Data Integration Director, bridging her experience as a communications and creative professional with her background in research, data visualization, and strategy. Throughout her career she has worked in the nonprofit sector, beginning at United Way. She then joined a California-based social research firm where she led and contributed to assessment and evaluation projects and innovated and launched data engagement tools for nearly a decade. She additionally consults in design and communications. Michelle holds degrees in History, Art, and Business Administration. She lives in Portland with her husband, children, dog, and her ever-growing collection of houseplants.
Oregon Foster Youth Connection Program Director
Lisa is OFYC’s Program Director. Lisa began her career as a high school Special Education teacher before spending nearly a decade studying self-determination at Portland State University’s Regional Research Institute on Human Services. She loves helping youth find their “spark,” while providing them the support necessary to succeed in their goals. In her role with OFYC, she assists youth in making substantial changes to Oregon’s foster care system. Lisa, a Michigan native, likes to spend time with friends and family. She also loves to travel, take hikes, listen to live music and eat at the many amazing restaurants in Portland.
Research Analyst
Jyoni serves as Research Analyst, applying years of social science research experience to advancing OCO’s policy and advocacy work. Their interdisciplinary background spans multiple fields, including developmental psychology (BA), sustainable tourism (MSc), environmental education (AmeriCorps), and community-based social work research. Throughout their varied experiences spanning four continents, Jyoni has centered their work in engaging with diverse communities cross-culturally and with a strong equity focus rooted in anti-racism, restorative justice, and decolonization. They are a proud member of the Japanese, LGBTQIA2S+, and neurodivergent communities, and live in Portland with their urban farmer partner and two kitties.
Data Analyst Intern
Kenny is a junior at Amherst College double majoring in Statistics and Mathematics. At OCO, as a data analyst intern, Kenny has gained insight into how data drives policy/legislation, especially those issues related to the well-being of children. Following graduation, he plans to gain a few years of work experience before returning to graduate school for public health/biostatistics towards a future in the public health sector.
Policy Intern
Avery recently moved to Portland from the SF Bay Area and is an intern at Our Children Oregon as a part of Tivnu, a Jewish gap-year program centered around social justice. His experience with social activism work is under the frameworks of youth empowerment and mutual aid and he is passionate about applying these to anti-racism and disability justice. He is also interested in the overlap of healthcare and education. Next year he will attend Lewis & Clark College, where he plans to study interdisciplinary health. In his free time, Avery plays guitar and chaotically tries out new recipes.
Social Work INTERN,OFYC
Policy Intern
Peggy is a second-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student at the Columbia University School of Social Work focused on Policy Practice (Children and Families). As a Policy Intern, she is gaining first-hand experience to compliment her social work degree through tracking child welfare and foster youth policy activity, both across the state and nationally. Following graduation, she hopes to continue in the child welfare realm, through a combination of post-graduate research, policy, and advocacy.
Communications INTERn
Raquel is a second year MPH candidate at Oregon Health and Science University & Portland State University studying Health Policy and Management. She received her undergraduate degree at University of Arizona in Public Health and has worked within health administration and public health promotion sectors. At OCO, Raquel focuses on building connections with partnerships and developing strategies to promote OCO efforts. After graduation Raquel hopes to develop policies and programs to support the health and well-being of the communities around her.
Data Analyst Intern
Jessica is a junior at Amherst College double majoring in Statistics and Psychology. At OCO, Jessica has had the opportunity to interact with data in a way different from her classroom experience as she contributes to her skills to data collection and analysis for OCO’s KIDS COUNT data book. Following graduation, she plans to pursue post-graduate work in statistics and possibly work in the non-profit sector.
Social Work Intern, OFYC
Tori is interning with the Oregon Foster Youth Connection program as a MSW student with Boise State University. In the past, Tori has worked in group homes and residential facilities, implementing direct behavioral and mental health intervention with youth. She has always loved working in direct care, but found herself wanting to help create wide-spread change and empowerment at the macro level. Tori is excited to jump into the world of advocacy and help support our youth in crafting the future they deserve!
Sr. Managing Director, Wealth Advisor, First Republic Bank
Board Co-Chair
Kathy has over 30 years of experience in working with CEOs, business owners, company executives, charitable organizations, large and ultra-high net worth families. Ms. Calcagno has worked on some of the most complex issues for clients in all areas of Banking, Credit, Trust and Estate Planning, Professional Asset Management, Retirement, and Life Insurance. Kathy is an active member of the community and serves on several Foundations and Boards. Our Children Oregon is a charity that is focused on helping all Children in Oregon, which is a cause that is near and dear to her heart.
CEO & Advocate for Kids, The Hello Foundation
Board Co-Chair
Sharon has a long history as an advocate for all kids. Professionally she’s served students with special needs as a speech-language pathologist and CEO of The Hello Foundation, a company providing speech and occupational therapy and school psychology services across Western states. She spent 7 years as a member of the Gladstone School board and was thrilled with the opportunity to impact children across the state as a member of the Board of Directors of Children First for Oregon and now, Our Children Oregon.
Healthcare Administration
Board Vice-Chair
Megan is a demographer with a passion for leveraging data to tell stories in partnership with communities. Born and raised in Portland, OR, her background is in monitoring & evaluation and systems strengthening. Megan serves as the Director of Data Integration for Community Health Investment at Providence. She holds a Master of Science in Demography & Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a Master’s in Business Administration from OHSU/PSU. She joined the Board of Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon (2015) and Children First for Oregon (2017), supporting the partnership that led to Our Children Oregon’s formation (2020).
Director and Private Wealth Advisor, Private Bank
BOARD TREASURER
Shawn DuBurg is a Director and Private Wealth Advisor at the Private Bank. Shawn works with a team of specialists in wealth planning, investments, risk management, fiduciary services, and banking in Portland. Shawn has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Shawn earned his BS in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School. Additionally, Shawn has served on the boards of the Portland Opera, Children First for Oregon, and the Portland Children’s Museum. Shawn served in the California Air National Guard and was deployed during Operation Desert Storm.
Early Childhood Program Manager, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
BOARD SECRETARY
Angie Blackwell’s vision is that all children are raised in a happy, healthy, and loving environment. She is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and a lifelong resident of the Willamette Valley. She oversees state, federal and tribal programs serving families in the Grand Ronde area with children birth through five years. For the past 20 years she’s served on numerous boards, including Our Children Oregon’s two predecessors; Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon and Children First for Oregon. Angie is also a member of the State’s nine-member Early Learning Council.
Human Services Policy Advisor to Governor Kate Brown
GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEE
Rosa works across state agencies and with stakeholders, boards, and commissions to support and implement the Governor’s human services policy priorities. Raised in Grand Ronde Oregon, her public service career includes having served as Deputy Director of the Multnomah County Office of Government Relations, the liaison between the Oregon Public Health Division and legislators, and interim legislative director for the Oregon Health Authority. Rosa holds a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She lives in Portland with her husband and children.
Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP
Bryana is an insurance coverage litigator in Goldberg Segalla’s Global Insurance Services Group representing insurers in complex coverage matters. Throughout her career, Bryana has tried over 30 cases to verdict. Bryana is a born-and-raised Oregon dedicated to issues pertaining to child welfare. While in law school, she clerked at the Marion County District Attorney’s Juvenile Department, and received a Bergstrom Child Welfare Fellowship with the University of Michigan. Bryana also oversaw the law school’s Street Law program—dedicated to teaching youth about their basic legal rights at an alternative high school in Salem, Oregon.
After graduating from the University of Oregon with his MBA, Jim began a 32-year career working with various corporations, including electric utilities, to identify and mitigate business risks. He earned credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Jim is a 5th generation Oregonian, who retired in 2014. He serves on the board of Oregon Destination Imagination, his local Kiwanis club, and chairs Boy Scouts committees tasked with approving the prestigious Eagle Rank. He and Brenda, his wife of 31 years, have together raised three sons, all Eagle Scouts.
CEO/Founder of OPAD Consulting Firm
Harold is a former Professor of Organization Psychology in the USF evening masters’ program. He holds degrees in Business Administration, Finance, and Industrial Psychology. Harold has held senior executive positions at Johnson and Johnson, Lam Research, and Levi Strauss. In 1981, he founded Organization, Planning, Analysis and Development (OPAD) in Portland. He served on the board of Prevent Child Abuse California for 20 years, Big Brothers of San Francisco for 6 years, CTFO for 6 years, and on the Prevent Child Abuse Oregon board. He holds board seats with Structural Integrity Associates and Bullen Semi-conductor.
Human Resources Supervisor, Hillsboro School District
Carol Helfer is a Human Resources Supervisor at the Hillsboro School District who specializes in staffing, labor negotiations, and system operations. After obtaining a doctorate degree in History from the University of California, Irvine, Carol made the transition from higher education to HR for the fourth largest school district in Oregon. She is a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and the workplace. Her passion to help children in need and underrepresented families lead to the collaboration with Our Children Oregon.
CEO, Morrison Child and Family Services
Drew has worked at Morrison since 1998. He is a mental health and substance abuse professional with extensive experience with outpatient, foster care, residential, and community-based services. He has also been instrumental in leading Morrison’s equitable and inclusive principles and practices. Morrison is one of the largest providers for children and families needing behavioral health and prevention services. Annually they serve over 8000 kids and families across Oregon. Drew has been a Board member since 2013. OCO’s work is closely tied to making the children of Oregon’s future brighter.
Providence Patient Experience Director, Oregon Region
Jai has over 16 years of experience in change facilitation, customer service, quality management, research, and leadership development, Jai has made it his personal mission to help people identify their strengths so they can better inspire and motivate others. His hobbies including fishing, hiking, backpacking, and anything else that allows for spending time in the scenic Pacific Northwest.
Trustee, Mt Hood Community College
Annette is in her 21st year of volunteer service in education, serving as Vice Chair on the Mt Hood Community College Board and as immediate Past President of the Oregon Community College Association. Previously she was on the David Douglas School Board of Directors and the Oregon School Board Association Board. Before “retirement,” Annette was at Portland General Electric (35 years); her last 15 years as a Local Government Affairs manager. Her background includes energy policy, advocacy, economic development, land use and sustainability. She serves on the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, the East Portland Action Plan, and other organizations.
Co-Owner, America's Hub World Tours and Oregon Tour Experts, LLC
David is an expert in the travel and tourism industry, with over 20 years of experience in both domestic and international global logistics management. He is passionate about providing visitors unique experiences and sharing the rich culture and environment history of communities from around the state while ensuring the economic impact of tourism reaches all corners of Oregon to support jobs and improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. David believes we all play a role in educating and uniting cultural groups from around the world.
Professor of English, Humanities, and American Studies at Reed College
Pancho teaches courses on drama, African-American literature, American literature and culture, and American Indian fiction. He is a published essayist, Literary Dramaturg, and Literary Manager, serves on the Board of Directors of 12 arts and theatre organizations and is a member of the Mercury and DNA:Oxygen theatre companies, The Modern Language Association, LMDA, and the Jazz Journalists Association. His interest in preventing child abuse stems from teaching nursery school-4th grade, being a parent, and listening to the stories of his child, who worked for Multnomah County, about the ways children were being abused and her frustration with the system.
Boutique Hotel Proprietor and Real Estate Broker
Raised in Portland, Graham Sheldon is the son of noted Portland residents Bing and Carolyn Sheldon. A graduate of the University of Arizona, he moved back to Portland in the mid 1980s and began a career in high-tech eventually as the VP of Operations for OrCAD and VP of Strategic Business Systems for Cadence Design Systems. In 2000, he purchased a small hotel in Ashland and moved there in 2003 building it into the Ashland Creek Inn, one of the region’s premier boutique hotels. Since 2010, he has also been an active Realtor in Southern Oregon.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sullivan is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CADC III (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III), and a MAC (Master Addiction Counselor) by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals. Dr. Sullivan directed a large nonprofit agency for nearly 40 years. She developed nationally recognized, model family-centric programs for parents with their children, was instrumental in the development of Family, Drug and Delinquency treatment courts, developed tax credit, and other affordable housing options for those in substance abuse treatment, transitioning out of treatment, or in recovery. Much of her work served substance-abusing families involved in child welfare.