Celia Murphey – Chair. Celia Murphey is a Portland native who graduated from the University of Oregon and later earned her master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She worked as a rehabilitation counselor with injured workers; and has been an account executive, human resources generalist and manager in the insurance industry for 20 years. Celia is a full-time mom to three children, including her 11 year old daughter born with Down syndrome. This has driven Celia’s interest in promoting awareness of the disability community, including early intervention and the needs for safe housing in a dignified, independent setting. She is a recent graduate of the 2010 Partners in Policymaking class and is serving her 4th year on the governing board of the Albertina Kerr Centers.
Ava Bartley – Secretary. Ava Bartley is married and the mother of two boys. Her youngest son experiences a disability, and has been the driving force behind her increasing interest in advocacy within the developmental disability community. She is a graduate of the 2010 Partners in Policymaking (PIP) class, and recently served as the Interim Policy Analyst at the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. Ava practiced law in the Wealth Management and Corporate practice groups at Stoel Rives LLP from 1997 to 2006. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Ava worked at Weyerhaeuser from 1986 to 1991 and Nike from 1991 to 1994. Ava currently practices law and lives with her family on a small farm in Dundee, OR.
Sheryl Jensen – Treasurer. Sheryl is the mother of four children, three of whom she fostered and adopted. One of her children experiences a severe mental health disability along with developmental disabilities. This has driven Sheryl to be active in the mental health community. She strives to provide a mental health perspective as a FACT Board member. Sheryl currently works as a Family Partner for the Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, and has served as parent representative on several mental health initiative committees, including the Governor’s Subcommittee for Children’s Wraparound Initiative. She is a graduate of the 2010 Partners in Policymaking (PIP) class.
Doyce Bedortha is a central Oregonian who graduated from the University of Oregon with a master’s degree in early intervention and special education. She is the parent of an adult child who experiences a learning disability, and has worked in the field of special education for over 20 years. For the past nine years, Doyce has worked as a specialist in early intervention and early childhood special education for the High Desert Education Service District. Her interest in the disability community is fueled by lifelong experiences. She has sat on “both sides” of the table at IEP meetings, giving her a perspective that helps her realize the importance of advocacy throughout the lifespan and the need to build inclusive communities.
Coleen Carey is a Chicago native and Oregon resident for the past decade. She and her husband Jim have two children, including her elementary school-aged daughter who experiences a developmental disability. Coleen is a 2010 graduate of Partners in Policymaking (PIP) class, and is passionate about the importance of the inclusion of children with disabilities in their schools and communities. Her business career spans 20+ years in telecommunications, consumer products and high technology. Coleen holds an MBA from Notre Dame, and is employed in marketing at Urban Airship in Portland.
Cheryl Goeken is the mother of a young man who experiences quadriplegia and cerebral palsy. She has been actively involved in advocacy for seniors and people with disabilities since 1994. She has participated in the development of programs that provide support to people with disabilities, assisting these individuals in accessing a self-determined life. Cheryl has served with the Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities Council for numerous years, along with service to the Lake Oswego Special Education Advisory to the School Board. She is retired from a career in the medical field as a physician’s assistant to raise her family.
Eli Ettinger is a Human Services Board-certified practitioner with a master’s degree in special education. He is an individual who experiences spina bifida. Eli grew up in Beaverton, and experienced special education services in the Beaverton School District. Eli’s interests are in adolescent transition, advocacy, and inclusion, as well as helping others learn to navigate and acquire community resources.
Becky Stringer is a southern Oregonian who graduated from Southern Oregon University with a master’s degree in special education. She is the parent of a young son who experiences cerebral palsy, and she currently works as a resource specialist in the Klamath County School District. Prior to her career in special education, Becky worked in the accounting field for eight years, most recently as internal controls manager for Jeld-Wen, Inc. in Klamath Falls. She is a graduate of the 2010 Partners in Policymaking (PIP) class. Becky is passionate about bringing together, educating, and empowering families in southern Oregon.
Pat Tangeman grew up around St. Louis, MO and moved to Portland in 1969. Married with an adult son, Pat experiences a voice disability that resulted from an auto accident as a teenager. Pat has been an advocate of disability rights, optimal health, and school-based services for people with disabilities most of her career. She has advanced degrees in special education/early intervention and organizational development. Pat has worked as a grant project director and manager at OHSU, as well as a special education supervisor and educator in the fields of physical therapy and early intervention. She has served on the boards of directors for United Cerebral Palsy, Arc of Oregon, and Oregon Parent to Parent. Pat is now retired from full-time employment, and enjoys volunteering on projects that make a difference for families, children, and adults with disabilities.
Pamela Cunningham is an educator with 15 years of experience in special education, working with children and young adults. She is passionate about building collaborative relationships with parents to achieve excellence for students. Pamela is currently a Program Administrator for the Reynolds School District in East Multnomah County, which serves a very diverse student population that includes families that speak a language other than English, and students living in poverty.