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.
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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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Immediate Past President
Kyle is a passionate special educator and researcher at the University of Oregon, overseeing special education teacher certification. He holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Oregon and has served in various roles, including behavior interventionist, customized employment coordinator, and high school SPED teacher. Kyle is committed to improving outcomes for students with disabilities and enjoys hiking, cycling, and spending time with his family.
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Vice President
Margaret is a business leader with over 20 years of experience in financial institution compliance and risk management. She joined OnPoint Community Credit Union as VP/Enterprise Risk Management Director in August 2022. 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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Treasurer
Briana is a parent of a transition-age daughter with intellectual disability and ADHD, and has master’s degrees in special education and public policy administration. She now works as a City Administrator for a small rural community in Oregon. As a longtime resident of rural Oregon, Briana is committed to bringing voice to challenges unique to small communities. Briana is dedicated to supporting families and educators in disability systems and enjoys organizing inclusive activities for her daughter and their community.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Director
Connor Kavanaugh has been a dedicated professional in the area of Special Needs and Financial Planning since 2012. As the founder of Palladio Consulting LLC, he has built his career around supporting families in the disability community, combining expertise with a deep passion for making a meaningful impact. Connor lives in Oregon with his wife, Lexi, and their three young children: Dolly (5), Palmer (3), and Crawford (2). His personal and professional lives are both guided by his commitment to empowering families to plan for the future with confidence.
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Director
Jan is a Product Category Director at a large footwear company and has held leadership roles in apparel and accessories product development. She is a single mother to a bi-racial and autistic son and is passionate about advocating for inclusion and breaking down ableism.
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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.