Members, Staff & Volunteers at Wildwood
Meet the Team
At Maybelle Center, it’s about all of us—working together to bridge gaps in social health to create a thriving Portland where we all belong. The list below doesn’t include every incredible person on our team, but we’re often asked for a list of our Board of Directors, Leadership, and Neighborhood Programs staff—so we’ve included them here.
Board of Directors
Sule Balkan, PhD
President
(she/her) Sule Balkan, PhD, is currently a Senior Data Scientist for Ameriprise Financial, bringing 22 years of data science experience to our board. Previously Sule taught information systems, data mining, and business analytics for over ten years at Arizona State University, National Chiao Tung University of Taiwan, and Portland State University. She received a PhD and MS from the University of Arizona and a BS degree from Middle East Technical University in Turkey. Sule's called Portland home since 2016 and became a Six Sigma Black Belt in 2000.
Tom Doyle
Vice President
(he/him) Tom is the Director for Nonprofit Services at Becker Capital Management, where he assists nonprofits and their boards with planning and critical operating issues. He has extensive experience in service and leadership within nonprofits and religious organizations. Tom has led organizations that have attempted to address the challenges faced by people experiencing social isolation in various contexts, including higher education and direct services for those experiencing poverty and homelessness. He is delighted to be back home in the Pacific Northwest and takes advantage of our extraordinary mountains, rivers, and bike trails. Tom uses his life experiences and education (BA, MDiv, MBA) to support integrity and healing in our world.
Nhi Nguyen
Secretary
(she/her) Nhi is a Strategic Planning Consultant at Legacy Health, where she supports the leadership team in their decisions related to strategic growth and business development. Her work portfolio includes facility planning, healthcare community needs assessment, partnership evaluation, and merger and acquisition planning. Nhi’s interest in nonprofit work was ignited at a young age by her mother’s active involvement in the community as a social worker in a rural Vietnamese village. Nhi relocated to Portland from Vietnam to pursue her Masters Degree in Financial Analysis at Portland State University. She remains actively involved in activities within the Vietnamese community, serves on the Board of APANO, and runs her own business.
Jeff Perry
Treasurer
(he/him) Jeff is a financial professional with years of experience in financial and accounting management in competitive and rapidly evolving industries such as Consumer Packaged Goods, Telecommunications and Wireless for high-volume, multibillion dollar corporations. As a result, he has a unique ability to being both analytical and a big-picture thinker; provide both entrepreneurial rigor and wisdom to drive successful bottom line growth. He has an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a MS in Accountancy from Keller Graduate School. He received two Bachelors of Science from Illinois State University, one in Finance and the other in International Business.
Alice Bergman
Board Member
(she/her) Forever inquisitive, Alice has an MA in International Management from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University. She also has a Certificate in Personnel (HR) from UC Berkeley and in Spiritual Direction from Urban Spirituality Center. Alice spent the early part of her career in HR, specializing in recruitment for academic institutions, government, high-tech, low-tech, and nonprofits, before becoming a mental health therapist. During retirement, Alice volunteered for Maybelle Center as a visitation volunteer and is currently engaged with Red Cross and representing her neighborhood through Providence Hospice Education Committee. When not volunteering, Alice enjoys walking, yoga, meditation, reading, and her latest venture–taking guitar lessons.
Carol Dodson
Board Member
(she/her) Carol Dodson recently retired as a nurse educator and administrator for Clackamas Community College. Carol advocates that every nurse is a mental health nurse and oversaw student practicums at Maybelle Center for over a decade–something she credits positively affecting how future nurses interact with patients. Carol has an MS in Nursing from OHSU and a BSN from Sonoma State University.
Jackie Smith
Board Member
(she/her) Jackie brings heart, soul, and a whole lot of joy to everything she touches at Maybelle Center. As a Member, volunteer, and now a proud Board Member, Jackie is deeply rooted in our community—always advocating for others, uplifting those around her, and making sure every voice is heard (sometimes in perfect harmony!). Whether she’s lending a hand, speaking up for others, or singing her heart out in the Maybelle choir, Jackie leads with passion and purpose. Her exuberance is infectious, and her commitment to building a city where everyone belongs is nothing short of inspiring.
Janice Romano
Board Member
(she/her) Janice has more than 20 years of experience in strategic financial management in mission-driven entrepreneurial environments. She most recently served as VP of Finance and Administration for the Oregon Symphony, where she led financial strategy, HR, and risk management. A licensed CPA, Janice has held leadership roles at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, PNCA, and Cascadia after spending a decade managing her own accounting firm. Janice holds a BS in Human Development from the University of Utah, a Post-Bacc in Accounting from Portland State University, and is currently completing a Masters in Theology from the University of Mary.
Fr. John Donato, C.S.C.
Board Member
(he/him) Father John Donato, C.S.C. is Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Portland. He has held various leadership roles at the University since 2007, including student activities, residence life, international student services, campus ministry, adjunct theology instructor, and overseeing the Moreau Center for Service and Justice. Before his work in higher education, Fr. Donato served in parish ministry as Director of Human Formation at Mount Angel Seminary. Fr. Donato earned a Bachelor in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Divinity, an MS in Administration, and earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University.
Kevin Shields
Board Member
(he/him) Kevin is a technology and product leader with over 20 years of experience building and leading high-performing teams across startups and global companies. He currently serves as Director of Software Engineering & Product at Amazon, where he leads a 250-person global team driving innovation in areas like customer acquisition, fraud prevention, and marketing technology for a $35B business segment. Previously, Kevin held senior positions at Blink Health, Digimarc, and Techtracker. He holds a Bachelors in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Oregon and an MBA from Portland State University.
Peggy Brey
Board Member
(she/her) Peggy brings over 36 years’ experience in nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and county and state government. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and regularly consults on change management and serves on multiple boards since retiring in 2020. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she temporarily stepped out of retirement to serve as Interim Chief Operating Officer for Multnomah County. Peggy originally relocated to Portland in 2011 to serve as Deputy for Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability, and Veteran Services Division, later advancing to Department Director. Prior to her work in Oregon, she served as Deputy for the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging.
Sharon Peters
Board Member
(she/her) Sharon is a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in health care regulation and employment law. She advises hospitals, health systems, and other providers on a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance, medical staff governance, and complex workforce matters. In addition to her health care work, Sharon counsels employers on issues like disability accommodations, harassment, wage and hour compliance, and workplace investigations. Known for her practical and strategic approach, she focuses on risk prevention and resolution. Sharon is a frequent speaker and active member of Epstein Becker Green’s National Health Care and Life Sciences Steering Committee.
Wendy Shumway
Board Member
(she/her) Wendy's served on numerous boards in the social services sector, including Multnomah County Clinics, Adult Mental Health Substance Abuse, A Home For Everyone, the Transportation Advisory Board, and several Cascadia Behavioral Health Committees. She also volunteers at Sister of the Road, Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter, Rose Haven, and Maybelle Center (where she's also a member). Wendy draws upon her life experience and training as a Peer Wellness Specialist to educate others on advocating for their physical, mental, spiritual, and holistic health and to live prosperous lives without fear of reprisal or judgment.
Directors
Michelle Meyer
Executive Director
(she/her) Michelle has a passion for facilitating connections among and between people and the causes they care about. For more than twenty years she has worked as a dedicated fundraiser at a variety of non-profits. In addition to cultivating resources, she has experience working with non-profit boards, organizational management, and strategic planning. She brings considerable experience and drive for organizational culture-building to her work, as well as a collaborative style, and deep commitment to fostering principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
V Durost
Associate Executive Director
(they/them) V has over 20 years of experience in non-profit finance, with recent positions at Green Empowerment and Hollywood Theatre. They have a BA in Art History and Women's Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but it’s V’s employee-centric lens that truly makes them an invaluable part of our Maybelle team.
Suzanne Milazzo
Administrator, Assisted Living
(she/her) Suzanne Milazzo brings over two decades of deep commitment and experience to her role as Administrator of our assisted living facility. Since joining the organization more than 20 years ago, Suzanne has gained firsthand insight into every layer of care and service along the way. Suzanne’s leadership is grounded in this hands-on understanding of the daily realities our Residents face, which makes her both a steady presence and a powerful advocate for high-quality, person-centered care.
Jillianne Bandstra
Communications Director
(she/her) Jillianne Bandstra is a strategist, storyteller, and bridge-builder with over a decade of experience in corporate marketing and nonprofit leadership. As Director of Communications at Maybelle Center, she operates at the intersection of creativity and analysis—equally comfortable crafting a compelling message or building a multi-step Excel formula. With a Masters in Educational Leadership and an MBA, Jillianne pairs sharp strategy with deep curiosity and social intelligence. She believes every person and mission holds a story worth telling—and hearing.
Samantha Swindells
Director of Behavior Services
(she/her) Sam Swindells is a results-driven behavioral health specialist and project leader with a strong track record of improving client care and supporting sustainable growth. Sam’s built behavioral health departments from the ground up, leading strong teams and employing data to create systems that support long-term, scalable growth. Sam holds a BS in Psychology, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, an MA in General Psychology, and a Post-Baccalaureate Degree in pre-med. However, it is her ability to collaborate across teams and cultivate positive, high-performing cultures that drives success.
Teresa Harris, RN BSN
Director of Nursing Services
(she/her) Teresa Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and brings years of hands-on experience, combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership to support her team and enhance health outcomes. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative, patient-centered environment where both Residents and staff thrive.
Valerie Plummer
Director of Development
(she/her) Valerie is passionate about inclusion and the power of bringing people and resources together to change the world. In her two decades of community development experience, she has worked to build a more just Portland by investing her time and talents working with organizations including the Oregon Microenterprise Network, Community Vision, Northwest Outward Bound School, and All Hands Raised, as well as serving on the board of Livelihood Northwest. When not working, Valerie enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and spending time with her two children, Sophia and Zach.
Managers
Angie Dietz
Direct Care Manager
(she/her)
Jennifer Wyant
Arts, Culture, & Outreach Manager
(she/her)
Jimmy DuSablon
Accounting Manager
(he/him)
Katie Hadley
Executive Assistant
(she/her)
Kellie Kaplon
HR Manager
(she/her)
Kurzel Wilson
Community Safety Manager
(he/him)
Mary Bedford-Carter
Member Engagement Manager
(she/her)
Nikki Card-Vinson
Nutrition Services Manager
(she/her)
Paul Arensmeyer
Resident Services Manager
(he/him)
Neighborhood Programs
Anastasio Wrobel
Outreach Coordinator
(they/he) Anastasio is an award-winning writer, visual artist, and aspiring gender theorist from the high desert mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their community work started in the classroom, where they organized art critique groups, managed the fine art studios, and co-hosted monthly LGBTQ events. After moving to Portland in 2021, their work expanded to include street outreach, political campaigning, and fundraising. When they aren’t attending a gallery opening or painting, they enjoy spending time in nature and exploring the city’s many great coffee shops.
Jennifer Wyant
Arts, Culture, & Outreach Manager
(she/her) Jennifer loves using art and storytelling as a tool for social change. She has spent much of her career building community programs and events that bring people together in meaningful ways and believes that sharing our time, our stories, and seeking ways to collaborate are the keys to understanding what connects us. She studied Communications and Sociology at Portland State University, with a focus in reflective conversation and group facilitation. Jennifer is a music enthusiast and amateur record collector. Some of her favorite things are dancing around the kitchen while cooking for family and friends, hiking the PNW, and creating art -whatever that means in the moment.
Mary Bedford-Carter
Member Engagement Manager
(she/her) Mary brings over a decade of experience as a human services professional with adolescent foster and at-risk youth, seniors, and houseless families. She also served as an Adjunct Instructor at her alma mater, creating an inclusive space that acknowledged, encouraged, and celebrated differences. Mary holds a BS in Human Services and MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Chemical Dependency from Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU). When Mary's not busy championing workplace inclusivity, she loves spending time with her family, golfing, paddleboarding, volunteering, traveling, teaching, hiking, and exploring genealogy.
Shane Skinner
Lead Member Inclusion Coordinator
(they/them) Community and service work captivated Shane as a teen. Since then, they've been a nonprofit "jack-of-all-trades," serving on boards, producing community and regional theater, organizing events, and doing loads of educational and activism work - all while keeping day jobs as a server, bartender, or licensed massage therapist. When Shane's not at work, you can find them hiking, bicycling, or seeking out some sort of Portland whimsy with their partner, Alec, and their pups.
Siggy Torfason
Member Support Coordinator
(she/her) Siggy leverages her experience in long-term recovery and her time as a resident of MacWest Apartments in Old Town to support members at Maybelle Center. Drawing on her BS in social science and her qualifications as a licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-I), Siggy employs trauma-informed honesty, respect, and understanding while advocating for medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction to create a community where everyone can thrive. When she’s not at work, Siggy enjoys capturing street photography with her Sony a6000, staying updated on the news, reading her extensive collection of Kindle books, and indulging in small sweets from her homeland of Iceland.
Mo Dog
Our Furry Joy-Bringer
(he/him) With a wagging tail and a calming presence, Mo comes to the office every day, spreading warmth, joy, and the occasional nap break. While he spends the majority of his day in the back office with his human, Jillianne, he’s usually available if you’re having a stressful day or just need a furry friend to sit with you. He doesn’t fetch coffee—but he’s great at offering quiet companionship and unconditional support.
Donate
We’re on a mission to build a Portland where everyone belongs. And we need your help. With Maybelle Center, you’ll be joining forces with a community health organization with proven success in bridging gaps in social health with neighbors facing stigmas from mental illness or financial poverty. Your gift today will help build the scaffolding—gathering spaces, highly-trained staff, housing, and engaging programming—where profound belonging can bloom.
Give Today
Your monetary contribution to Maybelle Center directly funds our operations and ensures the accessibility to belonging for every Member and Resident. Can you give today?
