About the Board of Directors

Interested in joining our Board of Directors? Learn more today!

The Board of Directors is a dynamic group of leaders committed to FACT Oregon’s mission, vision, and values. They actively champion and steward the organization to help us do the best work possible in pursuit of our goals to equip and empower families and transform disability. As an organization that is family-led, FACT Oregon’s board maintains a majority presence of parents of youth with disabilities and seeks to have diverse leadership that reflects the racial, cultural, geographic, and linguistic diversity of the families and communities we serve.

Image of Alexa Stuart - Woman with brown hair

  • President

    A native Portlander, Alexa Stuart is a retired project manager with degrees from Portland Community College, University of Northern Colorado, and the American University of Paris. She and her husband have two sons, one of whom has a disability. Alexa enjoys family time, exploring the outdoors, and global travel.

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  • Vice President

    Margaret is a business leader with over 20 years of experience in financial institution compliance and risk management. Margaret and her husband have a child with a disability and are passionate about supporting families navigating disability. She enjoys reading, hiking, and raising grass-fed beef on their small farm.

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  • Secretary

    Karen McKenney is a committed advocate and parent to her adult son with a developmental disability. She has served in various capacities at FACT Oregon and is currently a board member at Self Determination Resources Inc. Karen aims to leverage her extensive background to support FACT Oregon’s mission and vision.

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  • Director

    Kevin Macpherson brings experience as a former special education teacher, district administrator, and state-level consultant to his work improving outcomes for students with disabilities. At WestEd, he supports state education agencies with strategic planning and implementation of their monitoring, accountability, and technical assistance systems. Kevin holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and lives in Beaverton with his wife and daughter. He enjoys cycling, basketball, and family hikes.

Emily Braman

  • Director

    Emily Braman is the Executive Director for The Arc Oregon and a dedicated parent of two adopted children with disabilities. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and is committed to helping families navigate the complexities of raising children with IDD.

Image of Paul Carson - Male in a pool with a young boy with Down syndrome

  • Director

    Paul specializes in learning and development programs for clinicians who serve vulnerable healthcare populations. He is a native Oregonian and a graduate of Portland State University. 

    As the parent of a high-schooler with a disability, Paul is an advocate for disability rights and produces education seminars that help health care professionals navigate complex physical and behavioral health situations. He enjoys writing fiction, public speaking, and spending time with his family.

Alison Rose - Image of board member Alison Rose

  • Director

    Allison is a social worker with over 20 years of experience serving children and families and a focus on early childhood. She is a parent of two sons with disabilities and is deeply committed to promoting meaningful change for families navigating disability support systems. Allison serves on the Policy Council for Clackamas County Children's Commission and is a board member of the National Head Start Association.

Hilary Langley - Photo of board member Hilary

  • Director

    Hilary Langley is a parent, advocate, and community connector who brings deep lived experience and resourcefulness to navigating disability systems in Oregon. As the mother of two children

    with disabilities, including one with a rare genetic syndrome, Hilary has learned to creatively problem-solve across complex systems — from special education and healthcare to housing and public supports. She is passionate about helping families feel seen, supported, and equipped, especially when resources feel scarce. Hilary is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services at Portland State University, with goals of continuing her work in family support and disability justice.

Image of Tad Hansen: man with short light brown hair wearing a green collared shirt stands outdoors on a sunny day, with a grassy lawn, trees, and a river in the background

  • Director

    Tad is proud of his advocacy efforts in changing special education terminology in Oregon and views his role on the FACT Oregon board as an opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in access and opportunity. He and his wife are proud parents of two middle school-aged children—a son and a daughter who receives disability services at school. With many neurodivergent family members, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, Tad understands firsthand the importance of equipping families with the knowledge and tools to support their loved ones. He enjoys exploring Oregon’s natural beauty and engaging in community service.

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  • Director

    Julie Farrell is a parent to two children with disabilities and a dedicated advocate for families navigating special education and disability services. She is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer and formerly served as Chair for the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. Julie is passionate about creating welcoming environments and organizing inclusive activities for her children and their friends.