Trillium Leadership
What is your role and primary responsibility within the organization?
As the VP of Operations, I am responsible for the oversight of the Parry Center, providing clinical and administrative oversight, for each cottage, as well as our Dietary and Health Services Team. I meet with the manager or director of each program weekly, as well as we meet collectively weekly to identify day to day challenges that require problem solving, as well as ensuring we focus on our quality standards and objectives for the campus.
What is a passion or hobby outside of work that brings you joy?
When I am not at the Portland Campus, I spend many of my nights and weekends on the pitch! I coach multiple competitive soccer teams with Thelo United FC, as well as a recreational team through North Clackamas Soccer Club. I am also on the board at Thelo United FC, as the Director of Coaching. I enjoy watching youth grow in their soccer skills and provide youth in my community an opportunity to play competitive soccer with quality coaching, that is in their community and affordable.
What motivated you to pursue a career in mental health?
Initially, I was looking into a career in Computer Science, and after spending many frustrating hours in a computer lab, with programs that don’t run, I decided this was not the route for me. I have always been intrigued with people and given my own empathy and sensitivity, started taking Psychology classes instead at Oregon State University. After graduating, I did an internship with OHSU, in their Psychiatric Day Treatment Program, and found that I was able to build rapport quickly with youth and that I was a safe adult that they were able to talk with. This lead me to finding Trillium Family Services, specifically the Parry Center for Children, in our residential programs. I felt like I had a passion and skillset for the work, so I went back to school, earning my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University. From there, I spent time as a therapist in our Therapeutic Foster Care Program, before becoming a Clinical Program Manager, and now my current role as VP of Operations.
