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is President and CEO of the Children's Institute based in Portland, Oregon. Swati has a wealth of experience in research, communications, child advocacy and public policy development. She plays a pivotal role in bringing business, civic and philanthropic leaders together with early childhood specialists and advocates to create meaningful change for Oregon's children. Swati was an instrumental leader in the 2007 expansion of Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten and continues to be a champion for high-quality early care and education prenatal to age 8.
Swati has helped shape the growth of the Children's Institute since its inception, first serving as vice president of research and communications. Prior to that, she advised nonprofit organizations on public policy and communications, served as policy director for Children First for Oregon, and was director of community affairs for Children Now. Swati has a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor's degree in communications studies from UCLA.
Doug Wells
Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer
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joined the Institute in 2012 after seven years directing finance and operations at Oregon Ballet Theater. After spending half of his career in the for-profit sector and half in nonprofits, Doug brings a balance of business skills and a passion for the Institute’s mission. Doug is a product of public schools and is the proud parent of a seventh grader in Portland Public Schools (PPS). Doug was recently appointed by Gov. John Kitzhaber to serve on the Oregon Quality Education Commission. Doug is also president of the National Board of Directors of Parents for Public Schools and is a current board member and former president of Community & Parents for Public Schools of Portland. His other education involvement includes chairing the PPS Citizens Budget Review Committee for five years; being a member of the Mayor/County Chair’s Education Cabinet; serving as a regular education blogger for the Chalkboard Project; being actively involved with public school advocacy issues with Stand for Children; and serving in various capacities at his daughter’s school’s PTA.
Robin Doussard
Director of Communications
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is the Director of Communications for the Children's Institute. She is a journalist with 35 years of experience as a writer, editor and senior manager. Before joining the Institute in February 2013, she was the editor of Oregon Business, and also has worked at several metro daily newspapers, including the Orange County Register, the San Jose Mercury News, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Her work has received numerous awards, including a Robert F. Kennedy award for coverage of disadvantaged children, a Casey Medal, and Pulitzer Prize finalist recognition. She has a journalism degree from the University of South Florida. Most importantly, she is Auntie to 27 (and counting) nieces and nephews.
David Mandell
Policy & Research Director
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has been with the Children's Institute since 2006. He leads the Institute's major research projects and is integral in developing the organization's policy agenda and strategies. Prior to joining the Children's Institute staff, David was a visiting assistant professor at Reed College and adjunct faculty at Portland State University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University and received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. David is a past member of City Club of Portland's Research Board and has contributed to a number of the club's studies. He has also been an advisor and volunteer on local political campaigns.
Molly Day
Early Works Site Liaison
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joined the Children's Institute team in 2011 after nearly twenty years providing parent education and support to families facing significant challenges. At the Institute, she draws on that rich experience and an extensive network of connections in the early childhood and social service community to develop and coordinate the Early Learning Initiative. A focus on public policy studies at Duke University followed by a master's degree in social work at UCLA gave her an appreciation for the intersections of policy and clinical practice. In collaboration with her colleagues, Molly focuses on developing and coordinating the Institute's programmatic, policy and advocacy agenda with an emphasis on implications for practice.
Katia Riddle
Communications Manager
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joined the Children’s Institute in 2011. She oversees strategy to raise awareness of the work being done at the Children's Institute and to engage the local and national community in a dialogue about the importance of early childhood education. Previously, she worked as a field producer and reporter at National Public Radio in Washington DC, where she covered a wide range of stories including the war in Iraq, the 2008 presidential election, the earthquake in Haiti and Hurricane Katrina. A native Oregonian, Katia is proud to say she is a product of the Oregon public schools K-12. She also holds a BA in English Literature from Reed College.
Esra Khalil
Senior Development Associate
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brings to the Children's Institute a cross-section of policy and strategic communications. While completing her master's in public policy at the University of Chicago's Harris School, she interned with the Chicago Community Trust reviewing grant proposals and conducting all aspects of due diligence for three of the Trust's initiatives. Esra also worked in the University of Chicago's research development office during a $2 billion capital campaign. Her understanding and commitment to early childhood development is rooted in her experiences as a legal advocate for a South Asian domestic violence organization. Esra is committed to ensuring the critical link exists between disadvantaged communities and the vital resources needed to thrive. She received her bachelor's in journalism from Columbia College.
Kara Christenson
Development & Communications Associate
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has been part of the Children's Institute staff since 2008. She plays a key role as a member of the Institute's development team by managing grant reporting and supporting other development efforts. She also administers the Institute's online communications strategies through website, mass mail and database management. Kara graduated from Albion College in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in English and German. She is a Girl Scout troop leader, and her work with children in community and school settings won two of the highest awards given by Girl Scouts USA. Kara is an avid hiker and conquered the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail in 2007.
Andreina Velasco
Parent & Community Engagement Coordinator
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joined the Children's Institute team in 2012. She is developing the parent and community engagement aspect of Early Works by working closely with families, teachers and other community members in the Earl Boyles Elementary School catchment area. Before joining the Institute, Andreina worked as a Spanish immersion elementary teacher in the public school system. Prior to that, she worked to create leadership and parent involvement opportunities for immigrant families in rural Oregon. These combined experiences have led Andreina to focus on the critical role early education plays in student success. She has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Reed College and a Masters in Education from Portland State University.
Cynthia Sandall
Executive Assistant
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joined the Children's Institute staff in February, 2011. She is the principal contact for the Executive Director and provides administrative support to the management staff. Cynthia also assists with event planning, data management, and accounting. Cynthia graduated Cum Laude from the University of Vermont in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in mathematics. Studying abroad in Sweden intensified her passion for visiting new places. An East Coast transplant, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest and planning her next big adventure.
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joined the Institute in 2012 after seven years directing finance and operations at Oregon Ballet Theater. After spending half of his career in the for-profit sector and half in nonprofits, Doug brings a balance of business skills and a passion for the Institute’s mission. Doug is a product of public schools and is the proud parent of a seventh grader in Portland Public Schools (PPS). Doug was recently appointed by Gov. John Kitzhaber to serve on the Oregon Quality Education Commission. Doug is also president of the National Board of Directors of Parents for Public Schools and is a current board member and former president of Community & Parents for Public Schools of Portland. His other education involvement includes chairing the PPS Citizens Budget Review Committee for five years; being a member of the Mayor/County Chair’s Education Cabinet; serving as a regular education blogger for the Chalkboard Project; being actively involved with public school advocacy issues with Stand for Children; and serving in various capacities at his daughter’s school’s PTA.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
is the Director of Communications for the Children's Institute. She is a journalist with 35 years of experience as a writer, editor and senior manager. Before joining the Institute in February 2013, she was the editor of Oregon Business, and also has worked at several metro daily newspapers, including the Orange County Register, the San Jose Mercury News, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Her work has received numerous awards, including a Robert F. Kennedy award for coverage of disadvantaged children, a Casey Medal, and Pulitzer Prize finalist recognition. She has a journalism degree from the University of South Florida. Most importantly, she is Auntie to 27 (and counting) nieces and nephews.
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has been with the Children's Institute since 2006. He leads the Institute's major research projects and is integral in developing the organization's policy agenda and strategies. Prior to joining the Children's Institute staff, David was a visiting assistant professor at Reed College and adjunct faculty at Portland State University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University and received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. David is a past member of City Club of Portland's Research Board and has contributed to a number of the club's studies. He has also been an advisor and volunteer on local political campaigns.
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joined the Children's Institute team in 2011 after nearly twenty years providing parent education and support to families facing significant challenges. At the Institute, she draws on that rich experience and an extensive network of connections in the early childhood and social service community to develop and coordinate the Early Learning Initiative. A focus on public policy studies at Duke University followed by a master's degree in social work at UCLA gave her an appreciation for the intersections of policy and clinical practice. In collaboration with her colleagues, Molly focuses on developing and coordinating the Institute's programmatic, policy and advocacy agenda with an emphasis on implications for practice.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
brings to the Children's Institute a cross-section of policy and strategic communications. While completing her master's in public policy at the University of Chicago's Harris School, she interned with the Chicago Community Trust reviewing grant proposals and conducting all aspects of due diligence for three of the Trust's initiatives. Esra also worked in the University of Chicago's research development office during a $2 billion capital campaign. Her understanding and commitment to early childhood development is rooted in her experiences as a legal advocate for a South Asian domestic violence organization. Esra is committed to ensuring the critical link exists between disadvantaged communities and the vital resources needed to thrive. She received her bachelor's in journalism from Columbia College.
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joined the Children's Institute staff in February, 2011. She is the principal contact for the Executive Director and provides administrative support to the management staff. Cynthia also assists with event planning, data management, and accounting. Cynthia graduated Cum Laude from the University of Vermont in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in mathematics. Studying abroad in Sweden intensified her passion for visiting new places. An East Coast transplant, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest and planning her next big adventure.