Director of Marketing & Communications

she/her/hers
kassie@dougy.org

I am passionate about inspiring awareness and support for Dougy Center. With 30 years of experience in marketing and graphic design, I first began working at Dougy Center in 2009. In 2013, I left for new opportunities but found I couldn’t stay away. I returned as Communications Manager in 2018 and I am humbled to once again be part of this important work.

Grief Services Coordinator

she/her/they/them
lindsey@dougy.org

As a Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and carrier of deep familial grief, I became passionate about finding ways to hold and process loss, particularly in the realm of disenfranchised grief. This led to obtaining a Master’s Degree in clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in expressive arts therapy. Along the way, I was lucky enough to discover and connect with Dougy Center and am now thrilled to be working as part of the team! In my role here, I’m excited to bring my experience working in challenge course facilitation and my focus in expressive arts therapy work to a peer support setting. In my free time, I can usually be found playing Ultimate Frisbee, indulging in all things creative, and kissing my cats until they are thoroughly annoyed.

L.Y.G.H.T. Program Coordinator

she/her/hers
alyssa@dougy.org

Throughout my time working in schools and nonprofits in the Portland community, I always admired Dougy Center’s mission, and was thankful I could share their resources and refer youth and families to them. Now I am honored to be part of such an incredible team, supporting youth in foster care through the Listening and Led by Youth in Foster Care: Grief, Hope, and Transitions (L.Y.G.H.T.) program. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in the sunshine, experiencing live music, and creating all kinds of crafts.

Annual Gifts Manager

she/her/hers
jenica@dougy.org

For more than a decade, I've dedicated my career to mobilizing resources for mission-driven businesses and nonprofit organizations. Before joining Team Dougy, I earned my M.A. in Latin American Studies and went on to work with organizations that advanced justice for farmers and farmer-workers, and increased investment in regenerative, organic agriculture. The work we do here at Dougy Center is personally close to my heart and I'm grateful for the opportunity to increase awareness and support resources for kids and families who are grieving.

Director of Training & Program Equity
Esperanza Program Coordinator

she/ella/her/hers
cristina@dougy.org

When I first walked through the doors of the Dougy Center, I thought to myself, “I need to find a way to be a part of this work!” Fast forward a few years, I am honored to call myself a member of Team Dougy. I am passionate about supporting children who are grieving, particularly those who historically have not had access to services. When I am not doing this work, I enjoy spending time with my family watching all types of sports but soccer is #1 in my heart, traveling, playing music, and exploring new food spots!

Advocacy & Education Manager

she/her/hers
jana@dougy.org

When I walked through the doors of Dougy Center as a volunteer, it was the first time in my social work career that I felt like I was home. Over two decades into my professional role here, every time I pedal my way to work, I'm grateful for the chance to make a difference by creating community and connection for those in grief. You can also catch me on the airwaves, practicing my radio voice as the host of our podcast, Grief Out Loud.

Grief Services Coordinator

she/her/hers
kelsey@dougy.org

In my early teens, I was introduced to the concept of non-death losses and the often-overlooked grief they bring, sparking my curiosity about how grief impacts life. While I always aspired to become a social worker, I didn’t anticipate how deeply grief would shape that journey. Personal losses, both to death and non-death, during my late teens and young adulthood continually called me back to the realm of loss and grief. With a professional background in homelessness, housing retention, foster care, and community support, the theme of grief has been a constant thread in my work. After stepping away from social work for a time, it took something special to draw me back — enter Dougy Center. I’m honored to be part of this well-renowned organization and team. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Oregon’s outdoors, immersing myself in music and sports, and proudly claiming the title of #1 fan of Portland’s future WNBA team (to be named in 2026). You’ll find me at shows or sporting events whenever possible.

Marketing Assistant

she/her/hers
maddie@dougy.org

After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Advertising, I knew I wanted to work for a local non-profit to assist with marketing and social media. Having participated in activities over the past six years with Oregon Make-A-Wish and CASA, I am grateful to have found a place on Team Dougy. In my role I get to be creative and utilize my skills while continuing to learn. I look forward to sharing the positive impacts and important work the Dougy Center provides children and their families. In my free time you can find me reading, watching reality TV, and playing with my cats, Remy and Olaf.

Chief Advancement Officer

she/her/hers
lani@dougy.org

I’ve served nonprofits almost my whole career in the areas of fundraising, marketing and organizational development. And my work has always been driven by my passion for creating space for growth, new ideas, and possibilities; individually and organizationally. In my new role, I am eager to help expand the reach of Dougy Center services to those living on the west side of Portland. I’ve known loss as a child and as an adult and I’ve experienced the powerful presence of those who have walked the road before me; giving me courage to grieve deep and grieve well. I, in turn, want to create that space for others.

Pathways Program & Grief Services Coordinator

she/her/hers
rebecca@dougy.org

I have enjoyed supporting and working alongside many wonderful people over the past 20 years at Dougy Center. I like getting my hands messy both at home and at Dougy Center with art projects, culinary delights, and any endeavor that encourages others to express themselves.

Director of Development

she/her/hers
kathy@dougy.org

I've known about the value Dougy Center brings to the community for a long time. I'm thrilled to bring my 30+ years in nonprofit philanthropy to support children, young adults, and families. Much of my career has been in health care, children's health, and being part of the cycles of life from birth through death. And that work has informed my own life, living, and grief experiences and understanding. At home, I love spending time with my family and two golden retrievers, traveling, hiking, and playing in the dirt.

Volunteer Placement & Grief Services Coordinator

she/her/hers
meredith@dougy.org

After experiencing the death of my sister, I discovered the healing power that comes with being of service to others. Her death led me to my career in social work, where I’ve had the pleasure of working with youth and families in nonprofits and schools throughout Portland. I am honored to be present with families at Dougy Center as they experience grief. Outside of work, I enjoy sewing and walking my dog, Mac & Cheese.

Family Services Coordinator

she/her/hers
satkaur@dougy.org

As a young child, I experienced the death of a sibling long before folks understood the impact of childhood grief. It completely altered my life and perspective and absolutely informed my choice to become a social worker. Imagine my joy when I moved to Portland and found out about Dougy Center from a booklet on a new friend's coffee table! The next day I called to sign up for volunteer training with a plan to one day become staff. The plan became reality 1.5 years later and now 10 years in I am one of the Family Coordinators. I am honored to help families navigate their peer support journey from orientation and group placement to running 6 groups and answering help@dougy.org emails. Working at Dougy Center feels like a full-circle moment for me. Outside of work, I find joy in my family (both human and canine), the spectacular nature of the PNW, and baking!

Chief Program Officer

she/her/hers
alysha@dougy.org

I've worked in the nonprofit world for most of my career, but at Dougy Center, I feel the most at home. My role is the perfect mix of supporting people, creativity, and administration. My schedule and job tasks are wildly different every day, which I really love. Outside of work, I spend as much time as I can on the beaches and mountains of the PNW with my family or exploring new routes to run.

SC L.Y.G.H.T. State Coordinator

she/ella/her/hers
juliette@dougy.org

While learning how to navigate through life after experiencing my own loss and grief, Dougy Center gave me an opportunity to help shine Listening and Led by Youth in Foster Care: Grief, Hope, and Transitions (L.Y.G.H.T.) into so many lives in the child welfare system. I've always known my passion in life was to give back to a population that I was once a part of. Dougy Center provided that pathway of healing and it's been an amazing journey from the start. In my free time, I enjoy being a mom, sister, friend, and mentor to the youth I serve.

Major Gifts Officer

she/ella/her/hers
carmen@dougy.org

It has been my great honor to serve the public for more than a decade in the non-profit sector through communication and fundraising-focused roles. I am passionate about amplifying voices from the community through the power of storytelling and being a conduit for donors as they experience the joy of giving. While most of my career has been spent in the humanitarian aid sector in service to immigrant and refugee responses worldwide, I joined Dougy Center with a deep desire to improve my community through the critical programming offered in times of grief. As Major Gifts Officer, I am excited to raise support for Dougy Center and expand our reach to more children and families who are grieving. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest wonderland (and the world) through experiencing new restaurants, live music, and art, and I take every opportunity I get to visit my family in Guerrero, Mexico.

Chief Innovation Officer and National Director of L.Y.G.H.T.

she/her/hers
monique@dougy.org

El español es como música para mi alma y siempre estaré agradecida por cómo el idioma me consuela. In addition to my love for languages ​​and globetrotting, considering how to best support children who are grieving is where I invest most of my time. While my own losses have compelled me into the depths of grief, I place my greatest value on what I have learned from the children I serve. I am grateful to work at Dougy Center where I provide grief education and training about children’s grief, advocate for systems change for children who are grieving a death and non-death losses, and discuss the importance of becoming grief-informed.

Finance & IT Manager

he/him/his
james@dougy.org

I am a Portland native who cares deeply about improving lives in our community. With more than four years of non-profit experience in the Portland area, I come to Dougy Center with the mission to offer open communication, efficient support, and infectious positivity to all departments in this wonderful organization. In my free time I enjoy great and terrible movies, hiking, cuddling with my cat, and cooking with my boyfriend.

Development Assistant

she/her/hers
tess@dougy.org

After years of working with various nonprofits in the Portland area, I am excited to share my experience in development with Team Dougy. As someone all too familiar with grief and loss, I am grateful to be able to share my perspective and skills to help better our community. I look forward to building connections, fostering communication, and learning every day from those around me. Outside of work I am entertained daily by the antics of my cats and dogs, and also enjoy catching a movie or checking out a new food truck!

Program Manager

she/her/hers
melissa@dougy.org

After finishing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I was unsure where I wanted to go. I knew I wanted to continue my education and when I found the opportunity to get my master’s degree in grief and bereavement it felt like a natural calling. My personal life experience in loss and death has created a passion for normalizing and validating grief. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Dougy Center and those who enter our doors.

Administrative Assistant – Training & L.Y.G.H.T.

she/her/hers
grace@dougy.org

After finishing my BA with a major in Political Science and minors in Conflict Resolution and Communication, I had become disillusioned with the extent of the changes I could make in the political realm. Feeling somewhat adrift at this realization, I turned with renewed vigor to pursue a career at a non-profit where I felt I could make a real change in my community. With a longstanding interest in serving children & families and/or underserved populations the Dougy Center seemed like a clear choice. Hired in 2022, I am honored to assist the Training Team and the LYGHT Team. In my free time I enjoy reading, walking, drawing, and listening to music.

Chief Operating Officer

she/her/hers
madison@dougy.org

Madison comes to Dougy center with a collective 12 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector in a variety of teaching and management roles. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA from Washington State University. She is thrilled to be connected to Dougy Center and this great team of passionate people and supporting the incredible mission. Madison, her wife, and their newborn son can be found frequenting local hiking trails or planning their next travel adventure.

Esperanza Group Coordinator

she/ella/her/hers
ana@dougy.org

When I first walked through the Dougy Center’s doors in 2018, I knew I’d stumbled across something special. After six years as a volunteer for the Pathways and Esperanza programs, I am honored to be joining Dougy Center’s staff. I was drawn to this work out of a desire to support kids and families. What I didn’t expect was the profound learning that would take place as a result. It is a privilege to walk alongside our Dougy Center families as they navigate unimaginable pain and loss, and witnessing their strength has transformed how I make sense of my own early losses. When I’m not at the Dougy Center, I enjoy exploring Portland with my husband and two kids or snuggling up with a book and a cozy beverage.

Senior Director of Advocacy & Education

Executive Director Emeritus
she/her/hers
donna@dougy.org

I’ve had no deeper life privilege than serving children, teens, and families at Dougy Center, from 1986 when I first started volunteering, through 25 years as Executive Director, and in my current role writing, training, and advocating on their behalf. Dealing with death has deepened my appreciation for life. My soul is fed through travel, reading, kayaking, riding my Harley-Davidson, camping, hiking, skiing, hanging out with friends, and all things outdoors.

Operations Administrative Assistant & Bookstore Coordinator

she/her/hers
graces@dougy.org

I’ve admired Dougy Center for many years, first as a volunteer and now on staff, and I am honored to help support youth in our community through their grief. I find it deeply rewarding to be a part of this organization and its programs by coordinating our online bookstore and supporting the organization’s daily operations behind the scenes. Outside of work, you’ll find me baking tasty treats for my loved ones, jogging and enjoying the outdoors, and finding a fun craft or art project to dive into.

Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager

she/her/hers
rebeccas@dougy.org

As a native Oregonian, I’ve grown up exploring the great outdoors and love the majestic beauty of Oregon from the coast to the mountains! I am passionate about planning fundraising events for the Dougy Center and enjoy finding creative ways to share our incredible mission with others.

Training Coordinator

he/él/him/his
ben@dougy.org

I found my way to Dougy Center after five years as a public school teacher. Working with students was an immensely rewarding, yet socially exhausting experience to my introverted nature. After a few years I was ready to apply my experience in education to a more focused, behind-the-scenes role. The Training Coordinator position at Dougy Center was exactly what I was looking for. The mission of Dougy Center resonates with me on a deep level; I am grateful for the opportunity to support it. Outside of work I can be found making music, exploring a natural area with my wife, or at home playing with my cats, Sparks and Fern

Executive Director

she/her/hers
brennan@dougy.org

It is truly an honor to work alongside the tremendous Team Dougy — our dedicated staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors — to support children and families who are grieving. As a past Dougy Center participant, volunteer facilitator, and current Dougy Center parent, it is my life’s work and passion to further this critical mission. Outside of work, my time is spent with family and friends honoring my mother’s legacy of making every day a celebration.

Brennan's Story Trainer Bio