“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. 

“Take the Adventure, heed the call, now ere the irrevocable moment passes!’ ‘Tis but a banging of the door behind you, a blithesome step forward, and you are out of the old life and into the new! Then some day, some day long hence, jog home here if you will, when the cup has been drained and the play has been played, and sit down by your quiet river with a store of goodly memories for company.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

David is Associate Director for OPS, providing support to the Executive Director and staff across the organization.

David studied cultural anthropology at Portland State University before finding his passion in the non-profit sector. He most recently served as Director of Economic Justice with a culturally-specific Latinx nonprofit service provider, where he worked for six years. He brings a passion for social, racial, and environmental justice, public health, and equity in community development.

David believes in holding onto the childlike sense of adventure, wonder and curiosity we are all born with. He looks to balance an exploration of the world and people around us with a thoughtful and meaningful reflection of one’s self. He believes in caring for others and building a stronger, safer, more empathetic world to live in, and in the simple, transformative power of a really good bowl of lentil stew.

“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 in journalism and communications at Linfield University.

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!

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me … anything can happen, child, anything can be.”  ― Shel Silverstein, Listen To the Mustn’ts

Amber manages Oregon Pediatric Society’s behavioral health project and clinical quality improvement work. She did her undergraduate studies in Spokane and received her Masters of Social Work and Public Health in Portland. Amber also has worked with Oregon’s Department of Human Services and WIC program, medical emergency preparedness, and as a lactation consultant.

Amber’s passion for addressing health disparities was ignited in rural Honduras when a complicated delivery promoted her from translator to impromptu birth assistant. As she rode in the bed of a truck holding an IV bag in one hand and a newborn baby in the other, Amber knew her life’s work would involve advocating for social justice and health. She has worked with families from Oregon to Central America and Syrian refugee camps. Amber believes no matter where you are in the world, the hopes for our children’s futures are universal and can be turned into action, building a child’s ability to rise to life’s challenges and thrive.

Amber has always revered strong women, though she has learned it isn’t necessary to wear glasses just like Grandma’s to show her admiration. Amber is teaching her own children to dream big and not take no for a final answer…unless, of course, mother is the one who said it.