“She was not a slowpoke grown-up. She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next.” ― Beverly Clearly, Ramona Quimby

Haley is the Project Coordinator for Oregon Pediatric Society, assisting with OPS’s many different projects, trainings, and learning collaboratives.  

Before coming to OPS, Haley earned her undergraduate degree at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. While pursuing her degree, Haley had the opportunity to intern as an English teacher and tutor in Costa Rica. It was here that she developed a passion for exploring new places and challenging herself, as she found herself suddenly tasked to teach a gaggle of 5th graders English, after walking into their classroom without knowing an ounce of Spanish herself. 

Haley is consistently inspired by the resiliency and curiosity of kids, and is proud to work for an organization that has built its mission upon supporting and promoting health in children. She hopes that she never forgets Ramona Quimby’s expeditious and inquisitive perspective on life, and strives to be the least slowpoke grown-up that she knows. 

“Sometimes,” said Pooh, “the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
― A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Cheryl is responsible for membership and all the little things that keep Oregon Pediatric Society rolling along, day in and day out. She has a knack for seeing how all the pieces fit together, and with a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and a natural problem-solving ability, she is always looking for ways to do things just a wee bit better.

Before coming to OPS, Cheryl dedicated herself to raising her family and to community involvement. She is deeply committed to volunteerism and spent time working with Impact Northwest; the Community Cycling Center; Girls on the Run; Special Olympics; and Metropolitan Family Services. With a focus on strengthening children, families and the communities who support them, Oregon Pediatric Society feels like home.

Cheryl believes that everyone needs a friend like Piglet at their side, and the wisdom of Pooh in their pocket.

“‘Once upon a time,’ he said out loud to the darkness. He said these words because they were the best, the most powerful words that he knew and just the saying of them comforted him.” ― Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

Joanna manages Oregon Pediatric Society’s outreach and communications, and supports OPS’s advocacy and project work.

Before OPS, she worked with community members and kids in a variety of settings, from ESL learning spaces in China and France, to Oregon farms where she supported community-led gleaning and food insecurity programs. Joanna is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Portland State University. She earned her undergraduate degree at Linfield College.

Joanna believes in the resiliency of children and families, especially when they are supported with solid health resources and education. She thinks some of the most powerful words are “once upon a time” because sharing one’s personal narrative is an integral part of healing and can lay the foundation for new stories about the future.

“Now listen, and I’ll tell you something: the day may come when the lions get sick. And if you don’t help the other animals now, the lions may find themselves left all alone when they are in trouble. That often happens to proud people.” ― Hugh Lofting, The Story of Doctor Dolittle, 1920

Julie brings to OPS professional work experience in nonprofit management; health research and promotion; marketing and public affairs; international video production; and children, youth and adult experiential learning, mentoring, and psycho-social training. She attended Lewis & Clark College and U.C. Berkeley for undergraduate studies and went to graduate school when she returned to Portland.

Julie’s goal is for people of all ages and backgrounds to make healthy, informed, and effective decisions by accessing internal and external sources of support. She advocates for positive attachments and resiliency in children to build strong human foundations, and she knows it is possible to overcome adverse childhood experiences. Her professional toolbox includes relationship building and collaboration, training and coaching, strategic planning and communication, enthusiasm, stories, and the power of the imagination.

Julie wishes she remembered what made her child-self smile in delight. The ice cream truck? Her grandmother’s arrival? Or perhaps she was imitating Jerry Lewis!