Kendra oversees the general functioning of three programs housed and based in Oregon, including the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC), the Oregon Adoption Resource Exchange (OARE), and the Washington State Resource Family Lending Library (WSRFLL). While relatively new to the leadership role for ORPARC, Kendra has been Program Manager of OARE since July 2010. She has spent close to 20 years in foster care adoption, including work with Boys & Girls Aid, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Voice for Adoption. As a prior editor, writer and adoption recruiter, she has captured the stories of hundreds of foster & adoptive children and families, and it has fueled her enthusiasm for this cause. In previous clinical work at Oregon Health Sciences University, Kendra counseled children and families, led groups for adolescent depression, and contributed to research projects. Kendra obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon.

Kendra cherishes family time with her husband, sons and rambunctious white shepherd, and gardens and bakes in her spare moments.

Toni Ferguson came to ORPARC in 2007 from Portland State University's Graduate School of Social Work and Child Welfare Partnership where she was an instructor for 6 years. While there she was instrumental in the development of the Post Graduate Certificate Program in Therapy with Adoptive Families. Prior to that position, Toni was a member of the innovative Post Adoption Family therapist Team (PAFT) at DHS, where she provided highly specialized, intensive treatment services to adoptive families of special needs children. Before PAFT, Toni had acquired over 20 years' experience in education and child welfare systems including the positions of Permanency Worker, Foster Home Certifier, School Social Worker, and Adoptive/Foster Parent Trainer. Toni's Bachelor of Science degrees are in Psychology and Sociology from Portland State University, and she holds a Master's of Social Work from the School of Social Work and Child Welfare at Walla Walla College.

Toni and her husband have raised six children through birth and adoption who are now thriving adults.

Se habla español

Michael assumed the position of Resource Specialist and Librarian in January 2010 and he continues his position as Bilingual Family Support Specialist to adoptive and foster Spanish-speaking families. Michael has been with ORPARC since 2001. Over the years, Michael has occupied several positions at ORPARC including office manager and training coordinator. He continues to develop and deliver Spanish language trainings to several Spanish-speaking/Hispanic support groups throughout Oregon.

In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling to Latin American destinations as well as teaching and speaking Spanish with friends.

Descripción en español

En su tiempo libre, Michael disfruta la oportunidad de viajar a varios destinos en Latinoamérica así como enseñar y hablar español con amigos.

Nicole has been a family support specialist at ORPARC since 2009. Before coming to ORPARC, she worked with children, youth, and families in various capacities. As part of a school-based mental health program, she offered assistance in behavior supported classrooms within elementary schools. She has also co-facilitated a parenting class and provided individual parenting skills training. Nicole's prior experience includes working as a youth director for middle school and high school students, and as a teacher within Head Start classrooms. Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work at Gordon College and received her Masters of Social Work at Portland State University.

Nicole has a passion for working with children and their parents, which is why she is often involved with jobs and everyday activities that interact with this population. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing the piano and spending time with her husband and her dog Buckley.

Azizi joined ORPARC as an administrative assistant in August 2011. After earning her Associates of Arts from Portland Community College in 2008 she continues her education, pursuing a BA in History from Portland State University. As a part of the Portland office she helps maintain the lending library, performs a variety of welcoming tasks, keeps families updated on the ORPARC website, and assists the staff in preparation for upcoming and ongoing trainings.

Azizi enjoys free time with her children exploring local entertainment, and volunteering in her community in an effort to give back.