Elevate Oregon Staff & Board

Meet the Elevate Family: Our dedicated staff and Board of Directors

The Elevate Oregon Team

On the Ground: Our Teacher/Mentors and Program Managers work in the classroom, 1:1 with students, and behind the scenes to help Elevate students to be their best selves.

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Donell Morgan

Executive Director

Donell Morgan’s role as Executive Director at Elevate Oregon is the culmination of his entire life’s experiences.

He grew up in the inner city, starting his basketball career in high school and continuing through college, which led him to playing basketball around the world. After retiring from basketball, Donell worked first-hand with troubled youth at Echo Glen Children’s Center, a detention home where he helped young men & women piece their lives back together. For 10 years, he coached basketball at Umpqua Community College, kick-starting his mentorship of young African American men and becoming the first African American coach in Douglas County. Donell worked to open two Boys & Girls clubs in his hometown of Tacoma.

Now, as Executive Director at Elevate Oregon, Donell continues to mentor students and build life-changing relationships. His goal is to give back to his communities all that was given to him and more. An energetic and engaging speaker, Donell aims to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders who will transform communities and build a better future. His 5 years of service on the Oregon Department of Education’s African American/Black Student Success Advisory Committee are just one of the ways he works towards that aim.

In his free time, Donell recently earned an MBA at Willamette University. He enjoys learning, cooking, and – never having given up his love of the game – coaching Parkrose High School’s Varsity basketball team for the last 7 years.

Sarah Dougherty

Director of Programs

Growing up a Portland native, Sarah always saw the need for support for underserved youth. She has spent her life helping youth pursue their passions and dreams, starting with her deep involvement with her faith as a youth leader and mentor. Sarah served as Teacher/Mentor for Elevate’s Class of 2022, guiding her cohort for all 4 years of their high school career. During her class’s senior year, she also served as high school Program Manager, mentoring new staff around her, creating new curriculum, and developing highly effective relationships with program partners in the Portland community. Sarah's passion for youth development, her tireless work ethic and her natural loving spirit have enabled her to give back in a way that is deeply meaningful to her and everyone around her. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Psychology/Human Development at Warner Pacific University so that she can better assist youth in reaching their goals.

Tiffany Robinson

Middle School Program Manager & Teacher/Mentor

Tiffany is a Portland native and a 2007 Jefferson High School alumni. It has been her passion to assist low-income families and youth in need of mentorship and guidance for over 10 years. In roles such as After School Program Teacher, Summer School Teacher, In-School Coordinator, IDA Coordinator, Community Agent Coordinator, PTA President and as an Elevate Oregon Teacher/Mentor, Tiffany has elevated and enriched the lives of hundreds of Portland youth.

The positive mentorship she was given in local non-profit organizations growing up moved Tiffany to serve as a role model that children still look up to even when they have graduated. She loves to bring out that "Inner Positive Successful Person" in everyone around her! Tiffany is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development at Warner Pacific and is the CEO of her own hair business.

Michelle Braxton

Program Manager

P. Michelle Braxton is a Portland native and a long-time resident of the Parkrose neighborhood. She brings over 20 years of skills, knowledge, and experience in child advocacy and education to her role at Elevate Oregon. In her work as a youth mentor, Qualified Mental Health Associate, Restorative Justice Coordinator, Foster care Provider, Behavior Specialist, and SUN School program manager, she has been privileged to work with some of the most underserved and displaced communities in Oregon. Michelle is an intentional and committed Change Maker, using her influence to speak for the voiceless, serving as a positive role model, and selflessly advocating for underserved populations in need of a helping hand. This work feeds her soul. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and event planning.

Shannon Petrina

High School Program Manager & Teacher/Mentor

Shannon was born and raised in Portland, and became involved in working with youth in athletics while running on the track team at Portland State University. Her love for working with people and wanting to make a lasting impact in others’ lives led her to work in the school and community. Starting as an instructional assistant and then as an On Track Coordinator at Parkrose, she realized building relationships and seeing her students’ personal growth fueled her passion for the work. She wants to be a positive light in the students' lives and someone they can count on.

Freddie Sly III

High School Teacher/Mentor

Freddie Sly III was born and raised in NE Portland, attending Jefferson High School. There, he participated in a Nike Product Creation Experience internship, and later mentored youth in fashion and design through that same program. He has worked with middle school and high school students ever since, and has over 8 years of experience mentoring Portland youth.

Freddie is currently a senior at PSU finishing his degree in Communications. He is a competitive gamer, and is the father of a beautiful 1-year-old baby girl.

Anthony Green

High School Teacher/Mentor

Anthony was raised in the heart of NE Portland. Growing up without a father and having little to no exposure to male role models help fuel his passion to be a part of the change that is needed for today's youth. His journey for youth advocacy began through volunteering as a Community Ambassador with Nike's Made to Play Program, and as a mentor with the Big Brother Big Sister program. Anthony's goal is to inspire the next generation by teaching them the fundamental skills of self-advocacy and leadership.

Position Hiring Now!

High School Teacher/Mentor

Details coming soon!

Adofo Lawrence

Middle School Teacher/Mentor

Adofo joins Elevate Oregon after nearly 20 years in youth development. His passion for working with youth began in high school when he volunteered as a student leader with Outdoor School. Since then, he has worked with a variety of organizations as an Educational Assistant, In School Coordinator, Caregiver, Youth Development Mentor, Camp Counselor and Group Leader. Adofo grew up playing sports, attending summer camps, and playing at parks around the inner city neighborhoods in St. John’s and NE Portland. He attended Jefferson, Marshall and Vocational Village High Schools before attending Portland Community College. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, watching sports, and coaching basketball.

Dominique Lincoln

Middle School Teacher/Mentor

Dominique Lincoln was born in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Evergreen High School in Vancouver, where he was a 2-sport athlete in basketball and baseball as well as on the Dean's list. He was a college student-athlete at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earning a degree in Criminal Justice. Dominique has been passionate about youth development for over 10 years, working as a coach, a teacher and a mentor in a number of Portland programs and nonprofits, including in 2021 at the elementary school level with Elevate Oregon. He developed strong leadership and management skills, which he brings to his new role here as a middle school TM. Fun fact: he plays the drums and has 3 older siblings - all sisters!

Nia Bradley

Middle School Teacher/Mentor

Bio coming soon!

La'Mar Winston

Middle School Teacher/Mentor

A Portland native, La'Mar was a 2016 graduate from Central Catholic High School, where he was a 2-sport athlete. He was all-state in football 3 years running, and brought home the state championship trophy his sophomore and junior year. He went on to play outside linebacker at the University of Oregon, playing a starting position starting in his freshmen year. La'Mar graduated from UofO with a Social Sciences degree in Crime, Law and Society.

La'Mar worked at Portland Special Olympics events throughout high school. He continued working with youth as a mentor and as an 8th grade On-Track Coordinator at Parkrose Middle School before coming to Elevate Oregon.

Luz Ruiz Ruiz

Elementary School Teacher/Mentor

Luz is a former Elevate student, a trained dancer, and a Parkrose High School graduate. She joined the Elevate Oregon staff in January of 2021 in a new, full-time position at Shaver Elementary School.

Coming Soon

Elementary School Teacher/Mentor

Check back soon for Prescott Elementary Teacher/Mentor bio!

Jaelen Blake

Elementary School Teacher/Mentor

Jaelen is a former Elevate student and a Parkrose High School graduate. He’s an avid gamer with a passion for helping youth and the community he grew up in. He joined the Elevate Oregon staff in January of 2021 in a new, full-time position at Sacramento Elementary School.

Chandra Roseby

Elementary School Teacher/Mentor

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Chandra Roseby has lived in Parkrose for over 20 years. As an Educational Assistant at Russell Elementary for 10 years, she served youth in Special Education as well as youth with autism. During that time, she built strong relationships with students and families in the community which will serve her well in her new role as Elevate's Teacher/Mentor at Russell. Chandra strives to create lasting connections with her mentees in order to support and uplift them throughout their school years. In her free time, she serves as a mentor and basketball coach to North/NE Portland boys and girls.

Jim Wildermuth

Office Manager

Jim is an artist/entertainer who has lived all over the United States. For more than a decade, he has made his living working in office settings for health care teams and nonprofits. Jim is grateful for the opportunity to offer his abilities to an organization that is concerned with teaching valuable life skills to young people. He believes in forming relationships based on mutual respect so that together we can combat the fear that pervades the systems into which we were born.

Angela Taylor

Director of Finance

Born and raised in inner city Portland, Oregon, Angela was an at-risk youth who skipped school, got bad grades, and eventually dropped out of high school to become a teen parent. Years later, she earned a GED at PCC and then graduated from the Portland State University School of Business Administration for Accounting. Her passion and dedication for the community has led to a decade serving local area nonprofit organizations. Angela is excited to share her personal and professional experiences to support Elevate Oregon's mission. In her spare time, she enjoys nature photography, cooking, hiking, and playing the piano.

KJ Mack

Community Engagement Specialist

KJ was born and raised in South Carolina. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he received his BA in Public Health and has a passion for serving and impacting the next generation. KJ loves to build relationships and spent multiple years working with middle, high school, and college students in local church ministry. He brings a deep desire to help the people around him grow and succeed to his work at Elevate Oregon. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring new places, reading, writing, and playing sports. He is also currently pursuing his Masters in Christian Studies at Southeastern (SEBTS).

Claire Olmstead

Grant Writer

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Claire first earned an associate’s degree at Mt. Hood Community College before going on to graduate summa cum laude from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts & Letters. Claire is a multi-disciplinary artist, poet, and author, whose work has been published in both Perceptions and Pathos liberal art magazines. With ten years of experience in retail and customer service prior to earning their college degrees, Claire is pleased to be able to bring both technical and creative skills to the table for the Elevate Oregon team.

Klassic Shaw

Social Media Coordinator

Klassic is a Portland native, but spent much of her childhood in Atlanta, GA. She graduated from Parkrose High School in 2023, after spending 4 years in the Elevate Oregon program. Klassic has over 5 years of experience producing quality social media content and promoting community partnerships. She now brings her incredible skills to Elevate's social presence during her gap year before college!

Kristen Robertson Rogers

Director of Development & Communications

A native Oregonian, Kristen attended the University of Oregon and Mills College in Oakland, California. With a strong writing background, she oversees Elevate Oregon's communications and fundraising efforts. Kristen has been deeply committed to Elevate Oregon’s work toward Educational Equity in Parkrose since 2017, when she started as a volunteer grant writer. In her spare time, she enjoys taking pictures, hiking with her dog, reading great books, and hanging out with her family.