Our Team

Brook

Board President

I am a disability advocate and strategist passionate about public health. I love planting flowers. My favorite things to do are sit in the sun with my dog and listen to music at home or at live shows. Connecting people with resources, information, and potential collaborators is my joy.

Josh

Board Treasurer

I am a part-time student at Portland Community College (PCC). I am working toward my Associate of Applied Science in Gerontology. I also work with the school newsletter and am developing a gaming program at the school. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games and being involved in advocacy work. I believe in creating inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of age or ability, has a voice and can lead a fulfilling life. I’m also a father to two amazing kids, RJ and Isabella.

Erin

Executive Director

I’m a lifelong musician and an advocate for accessible, anti-ableist futures shaped by joy, justice, and deep community connections. I find peace in forest bathing, waterfalls, and being anywhere near water. In my free time, I’m usually outdoors or planning my next adventure. I love traveling and staying in unique places—think stargazing capsules, quirky motels, or cabins tucked away in the woods.

Jenni

Community Engagement Coordinator

I absolutely love being part of this amazing community. I’m a mom to three wonderful kids and a proud grandma to two sweet granddaughters that I love spending time with. My happy place at the beach, whether I am taking a sunny stroll or simply sitting in the sand listening to the waves on a stormy day, it is where I find peace. In my free time, you’ll find me gardening, reading a good book, or (very patiently) trying to learn how to sew.

Steve

Board Member

I come from the industrial engineering world, and I have 3 cats: Hank, Moe, and Curly. When I am not committing my time as a board member with Upstream Access, I love riding my adapted bike, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with my kids.

Nicole

Board Member

I genuinely believe that we are better together. Being in community, building community and learning as a community gets me excited. When I’m not working, I love to garden and hang out with my dog, Kona. She reminds me to slow down, to not take things too seriously, and to play.

Laura

Board Member

I’m a Recreational Therapist. I am excited to be sharing my passion of promoting accessibility, inclusion, disability advocacy and allyship as part of the Upstream Access Board.  Some activities I enjoy are building LEGO, being in nature with my partner, pets and road trips to the coast or mountains.  Networking, problem-solving with others and meeting new people are some skills I bring with me.

Kiersi

Board Member

 I am passionate about emergency preparedness, response and recovery; public health; and working to improve disability justice, accessibility, and inclusion. I enjoy creating art, cooking and baking food to share with others, and spending time in nature. I am most at home in and around water, swimming and kayaking. I once spent a week with a dolphin pod.

Merry

Emergency and Disaster Navigator

I am passionate about emergency preparedness, response and recovery; public health; and working to improve disability justice, accessibility, and inclusion. I enjoy creating art, cooking and baking food to share with others, and spending time in nature. I am most at home in and around water, swimming and kayaking. I once spent a week with a dolphin pod.

Krystal

Board Member

Well, hello, I am Krystal! I am a proud mom, a caregiver, and a recovery counseling student at Mount Hood CC. As a former rock singer and lifelong disability advocate, I dedicate my time to Upstream Access for the same reason I am becoming a drug and alcohol counselor: both roles allow me to use my own journey to help others along theirs. I am passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone is heard, because every story has value.