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Meet the Camp Fire Columbia Staff

Jill Weir, Vice President of Operations, Interim CEO jweir@campfirecolumbia.org Jill has two master’s degrees, Recreation Administration and Experiential Education, and has been working within the nonprofit community since 1999. Prior to joining the Camp Fire team in 2006, Jill served as Executive Director for Adventures Without Limits. Jill loves the outdoors and most four-legged creatures. If she could hop on a plane tomorrow, she’d travel to South Africa for adventure and a cultural experience.

Terry Rahm, Vice President of Finance & Personnel trahm@campfirecolumbia.org Terry was born and raised in the Buckeye State and moved to Portland in 1978. Since then, she has lived in San Diego, the US Virgin Islands, Los Angeles, and Saipan prior to returning to Portland. She also has traveled extensively, visiting Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Europe, Canada, and Mexico, as well as most of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean islands. Terry has over 35 years of experience in business management, accounting, finance, and human resources, and has owned her own businesses. She has worked in various industries in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as several years spent performing audit fieldwork for a public accounting firm. Terry eagerly joined the staff at Camp Fire in 2007. She loves her three dogs, trees, water, and the Great Pacific Northwest.

Kristin Trainor, Vice President of Development & Communications ktrainor@portlandcampfire.org Kristin Trainor hails from the Great Lakes State of Michigan and spent the first portion of her career working in media relations for Indiana University and as an Account Executive at Finelight Strategic Marketing Communications. During this time, Kristin worked with creative teams to develop and execute comprehensive Marketing Plans including TV, radio, print and web interfaces. Inspired by a handful of pro-bono clients, she packed up, moved west and transitioned to the non-profit world in 2006. Kristin served as Development Director for Human Solutions for two and a half years before beginning with Camp Fire in the spring of 2008. When not raising money or fine-tuning the Camp Fire brand, Kristin relaxes by getting out on the trails, traveling and doing just about anything involving water.

Program Staff

Amy Powers, Site Supervisor, Free Orchards Elementary apowers@campfirecolumbia.org Amy began her career in youth development in 2000 during her undergraduate program at Portland State University. After completing her degree she has continued to work with youth and families.  Amy is excited to bring the Community School model to the Hillsboro School District and enjoys working with community partners to bring resources to the students and their families. Amy gets her motivation from her 4-year-old daughter, who is always looking for the reasons behind our actions and our words.  In her spare time, Amy loves to sing as a chorus member and spend time with her family in the outdoors.

Brenda Townsend, Club Director btownsend@campfirecolumbia.org Brenda is a native Oregonian, spending nine years as a Camp Fire Girl and several summers at Camp Namanu as a youth.  She earned her B.S in Business Management from the University of Oregon in 1979.  When not in the office supporting the volunteer Club Leaders, she can be found leading her own classic clubs, spending time with her family or enjoying their  family getaway in Central Oregon.

Julie Petrokubi, Director of Evaluation jpetrokubi@campfirecolumbia.org Julie has over a dozen years experience developing, managing and evaluating community-based programs. Julie earned a master’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Youth, Organization & Community Development. After spending the past few years researching youth-adult partnerships around the country, Julie looks forward to sharing what she has learned about creating effective organizations and meaningful opportunities for youth voice. Julie is very excited to be living back in Oregon, where she spends lots of time in the woods and by the sea.

Kate Larsen, Camp Director, Camp Namanu klarsen@campfirecolumbia.org Kate has been an active member of the Camp Namanu and Camp Fire community since 2006. She earned her BA in History in 2009 from George Fox University where she also studied Camp Administration, Experiential Education, and Psychology before joining the Namanu team full time. Originally intending to become a high school teacher, she found that camp was an ideal place to blend her interests in education, the outdoors, and empowering young people. She spends her free time enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer with her friends and family, and is dedicated to ensuring that the magic of Namanu is something that every camper can experience and enjoy.

Kim Summers, Director of Facilities & Programs, Camp Namanu ksummers@campfirecolumbia.org Kim, otherwise known as “Cascade”, is a native Oregonian and has over 20 years experience working at camps across the Northwest. She received her degree in International Business from Linfield College in 1994 and then went on to pursue a career in camp. Kim has worked with many different non-profit agency camps but most recently was directing YWCA Camp Westwind for the last eight years. Kim is very active in the American Camp Association and has been President of the local Oregon Trail area for the last four years. She is also a trainer for ACA Camp Standards as well as an accreditation visitor. Her free time is spent chasing after her two young children Bradley aka “Fire Truck” and Carly aka “Froggy”.

Kristin Bacon-Brenes, Program Registrar kbacon@campfirecolumbia.org Kristin has been at Camp Fire since February of 2008.  She came to work for Camp Fire with a wide variety of work and life experience.  She enjoys the excitement of knowing in-depth all about Camp Fire’s varied programs and working to serve and support Camp Fire families and Program Staff.  When not working Kristin loves working in her large garden, cooking and eating healthy beautiful food, writing a bit of poetry and staying active outside.  She would love to say that she has explored most of Oregon’s beautiful nooks and crannies.

Mae Wilson, High School Program Director mwilson@campfirecolumbia.org Mae has her Masters in Social Work and has been working with youth for the last seven years. She is passionate about youth leadership and hearing new jokes. Prior to coming to Camp Fire, Mae worked as a Wilderness Therapist and in youth activism. She tends to feel most at home when she is on her bike, traveling to somewhere new, or existing in the middle of nowhere.

Maureen Redshaw, Assistant Program Registrar mredshaw@campfirecolumbia.org Maureen has actively supported a variety of youth sports and education programs in schools for over 10 years.  She has been with Camp Fire since 2010.  It is a joy for her to be able to share the Camp Namanu experience that her kids have had with new Camp Fire families and provide support for Camp Fire’s dedicated program staff.  Maureen keeps pretty busy with two high school daughters and enjoys exploring new camping spots and hiking to hidden waterfalls.

Meredith Cohen, Site Supervisor, Mill Park Elementary mcohen@campfirecolumbia.org Meredith Cohen has been working in schools since graduating from Oberlin College in 2005. She moved to New Orleans as a Teach for America corps member just before Hurricane Katrina; she then spent the next three years teaching Language Arts to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders affected by the storm and helping to found 3 new KIPP Charter Schools in Houston and New Orleans. Meredith moved to Portland in 2008, and has been working at Camp Fire ever since. She couldn’t be more excited about being a part of the very special community at Mill Park Elementary.

Renee Ewan, Middle School Program Coordinator rewan@campfirecolumbia.org Renee Ewan has her Masters in Education with an emphasis in English Language Arts and Teaching English as a Second Language.  She is dedicated to serving Portland’s at risk youth and is happy to have found a place like Camp Fire to help her execute her passion for teaching and for hanging out with awesome kids.  When she is not in the office or out in the field engaging with youth, you can find her reading a book on her front porch or dancing to a band at one of the many wonderful music venues in Portland.

Sandi Blackwood, Site Supervisor, Gilbert Heights Elementary sblackwood@campfirecolumbia.org Sandi has been working for Camp Fire since 2006. She began her career in youth development during her undergraduate program at UTSA with a Community Health Education degree and then received her Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University in 2008. Sandi is excited to be working with youth and families at Gilbert Heights Elementary and loves expanding the program to serve students and families in creative, fun ways. Sandi enjoys spending time with her family, cooking delicious food and loves to run outdoors whenever possible.

Sara Stephens, Portland Public Schools/Hillsboro Schools Area Director sstephens@campfirecolumbia.org Sara graduated from Carroll College in Helena, Montana in 2004 and has been living and working in Portland since 2005. She spends most weekends during the summer hiking and backpacking. Sara loves her dog Luke and hopes to be a world class kickball player one day.

Sonya Wentworth, Middle School Site Supervisor/Camp Namanu Challenge Course Manager swentworth@campfirecolumbia.org Sonya earned her Master’s degree in Adventure Education with an emphasis in Social Justice and Non-Profit Administration.  She is passionate about guiding youth and adults through the sometimes murky waters of self-discovery and encouraging growth and self-confidence!  When she is not busy with that, you might find her working on a challenge course, reading, cooking, or having outdoor adventures with her friends.

Steven Joinson, Site Supervisor, Menlo Park Elementary sjoinson@campfirecolumbia.org Steven grew up in the northwest of England and moved to Portland in 2004. Steven started his American adventure by working as a Camp Counselor in upstate New York for six summers. He has been working in after-school programs in the David Douglas School District for over six years. When at programming, he can usually be found in character, whether it be a C.F.B.I. agent, a ‘Kangeroo Court’ judge or even wearing an extravagant mustache. If it sounds like fun, Steven is there! Outside of Camp Fire, Steven loves to play soccer, both with his son, Jamie, and also with his soccer team, you might even be able to hear him at Portland Timbers games. Steven also enjoys writing and filming short movies in his spare time.

Tony Profitt, Property Manager, Camp Namanu tprofitt@campfirecolumbia.org Tony (AKA “Yosemite Sam” or “Yosam”) is a proud native Oregonian who has worked in the camping/environmental education world in various roles since beginning as a Junior Counselor with Outdoor School in 1979. His experience in camps include work at Multnomah Outdoor School, YMCA Camp Collins, The Mittleman Jewish Community Center, The Oregon Zoo Camp and and OMSI Spaceflight Academy. His other work experiences include cabinet maker/installer and communications lineman. Tony has worked in many fields and found the place to practice all those trades when his wife Gina encouraged him to apply for and he got the position of Caretaker at Camp Namanu where he has been happily since 2003. He loves Camp Namanu for its rich history, natural beauty, the Namanu family of campers and staff past and present and as an ideal place to raise his family. His passions and pastimes include raising his two children, fishing, hunting and playing music with his classic rock cover band “The Water Buffaloes.”

Zoe Piliafas, Middle School Program Director zpiliafas@campfirecolumbia.org Zoe is committed and passionate about achieving educational equity and expanding opportunity for all children. She started her teaching career in Durham, North Carolina as a Teach for America instructor. She has an unwavering belief that we must set higher standards for all youth and they will rise to the challenge. She is a strong advocate of community involvement in schools in an effort to assist youth in reaching their fullest potential. She is thoroughly enjoying the environmental splendor of the Northwest and can be found most weekends camping with her dog.

Administration & Finance Staff

Arda Jones, Finance & Personnel Administrator ajones@campfirecolumbia.org A native Oregonian, Arda is married to a wonderful man, has two lovely daughters, and one delightful grandson. She is very creative and enjoys making jewelry and learning new crafts. Arda has a non-profit heart; she is dedicated to Camp Fire’s mission of empowering youth and giving them voice and choice.

Bill Cullerton, Associate Director of Finance bcullerton@campfirecolumbia.org Bill is a Portland native who has lived here almost his entire life. He graduated from Portland State University with a degree in business. He loves the Portland area because of it’s proximity to the beach and mountains along with the fact that most of his large family are still in the area. He’s worked in social service for over 20 years and most recently spent 6 years as the Finance Manager at SE Works which provides workforce development services, as well as youth services. While there he had the opportunity to travel to the Russian Far East to visit programs for at risk youth. In his spare time he enjoys hiking the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascades.

Colette Katzen, Executive Assistant and HR Generalist ckatzen@campfirecolumbia.org Bio coming soon

Elizabeth Loo, Administrative Assistant/Accounts Payable eloo@campfirecolumbia.org Elizabeth was born in Hong Kong and came to the United States in 1977. She has not been back to Hong Kong since, but hopes to return one day and travel throughout Asia. Also, sightseeing in China would be a dream come true for her. She has lived in Portland for 34 years and considers herself a true Oregonian. Spring is her favorite time of the year and she enjoys pretty much anything involving the outdoors, especially all the beautiful trees.

Development & Communications Staff

Brendon Wood, Graphic Designer & Web Coordinator bwood@campfirecolumbia.org Brendon graduated in 2004 from the Art Institute of Portland with a degree in multimedia/web design. His passion and expertise is in print design/branding/marketing and all areas in between. He has over seven years in the professional and freelance world as a graphic designer. When he’s not pointing out what the type font is on random collateral, he enjoys wrenching on his car, riding around country backroads on his motorcycle, being a goalie, catching a local rock show, and getting anywhere near a big body of water.

Daniella Marchick, Development Coordinator dmarchick@campfirecolumbia.org Daniella Marchick moved to Portland from San Francisco to live the dream of having a vegetable garden, chickens, and access to mother nature’s playground. Prior to Camp Fire, she worked as part of a Nonprofit Development Team for an international climate policy organization and an analyst/event planner at an early-stage venture capital firm. She passionately believes that comprehensive education and strong role models are key to a community’s success. You may hear others call her by her nickname, Ella, as she leaves the office to find a swimming pool or dance floor. As a self-proclaimed foodie, Ella spends a lot of time exploring the local farmers markets and experimenting in her kitchen.

Mark Baylis, Grants & Communications Manager mbaylis@campfirecolumbia.org A native of the mighty Boring, Oregon area, Mark earned his B.A. in International Studies from the University of Oregon. He has been involved in Communications and Development for several years, including time as a journalist as well as a grant writer for Self Enhancement, Inc. and Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County. When not at work, Mark is a lifelong Blazermaniac who pries himself away from games to hike new trails, travel, and generally incite lactic acid production.

Patricia Iron, Associate Director of Development piron@campfirecolumbia.org A native Oregonian, Patricia’s career has centered around private and public non-profit organizations. She holds a degree in Theatre Administration from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and, as a result of her upbringing in Oregon,  has a deep love and respect for conservation of the environment. As Executive Director of non-profits, she led  environmental groups to success and renovated two old movie theatres into performing arts centers (Tower Theatre in Bend, OR and Fox Theatre Spokane in WA).  She loves to  travel and has grown in understanding diversity after visiting such countries as Russia, Finland, Estonia, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Peru, among others. At the end of the day, she is warmly welcomed home by her two big dogs.

Seth Warren, Director of Business Development swarren@campfirecolumbia.org Seth graduated from Oregon State University with a business and public speaking degree and is a rabid Beaver fan. Seth has a 12 year financial services management background and an International Business MBA. He enjoys spending most of his time with his rad wife and awesome little girls. Seth’s passions include his social time with friends, competitive swimming, Disjecta softball, any and all sports (jai alai included), and playing guitar. International travel has played a large part in shaping Seth’s view of the world having visited 37 Countries and fallen in love with Nepal. He believes quality education and strong youth mentoring are the foundation for economic development in our community. His personal motto is, “wherever you are, be there (Jim Rohn).”