• OUR STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Brandy Selover, MPH, Executive Director
(Pronouns: she/her)

brandys@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100, ext. 250

My life’s work has been rooted in principles of equality, social equity, honesty, creativity, strategy, prevention, and service to community, and I have been a leader by example in all those tenets. I have been active in the movement to end gender violence, specifically sexual violence, for more than two decades through a multi-layered and rich journey. My background includes having served as a Detective in law enforcement for more than a decade, specializing in sex crimes investigations and as a child forensic interviewer. I significantly shifted approaches to the work toward social justice in 2011 by beginning to focus on primary prevention strategies that address root cause issues at the core of oppression in an effort to address societal and systemic norms that impact social determinants of health. I have served as a Program Manager, Project Director, and staff empowerment evaluator with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence in statewide and national technical assistance roles, as well as developing multifaceted community-centered prevention programming under funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office on Violence Against Women. Also, I served as the Executive Director for the Idaho Public Employees Association where I engaged in overall organizational oversight, visionary leadership, strategic vision for the organization, stakeholder engagement, and funds development. And in the role of Board President of the Advocates Against Family Violence, a domestic and sexual violence program and shelter in rural Idaho for individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence in their lives. I earned a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on community education from Concordia University- Seward, NE, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Boise State University. In my free time, I enjoy long-distance hiking/backpacking, riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle, fishing the rivers with my partner and husband, Jarod, and playing with my kiddo and two dogs. Contact me by email at brandys@sarcoregon.org.

Kirsten Adkerson, Administrative Assistant
(Pronouns: she/her)

kirstena@sarcorgeon.org
Direct 971-770-3015 | office 503.626.9100, ext. 247

I am so honored to be supporting a group of people committed to serving our community. It is through everyday interactions with clients and coworkers that I am continuously energized to engage in the conversations needed for true liberation to happen. I enjoy reading, cooking meals with friends, and contemplating the inner thoughts of my two dogs. I hold the words of Audre Lorde and Octavia Butler close to my heart and in all I do-

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own”. -Audre Lorde

“Without positive obsession, there is nothing at all.”—Octavia Butler

CRISIS INTERVENTION

Brianna Ellingson, Program Manager
(Pronouns: she/her)

briannae@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100, ext. 222
Languages: English and some Spanish

I started at SARC as a volunteer in 2009 and decided to change my educational and career paths to work here. My background at SARC includes several years of providing case management services and I specialized in working with incarcerated people who have experienced sexual violence during that time. My approaches to advocacy are grounded in how sexual violence intersects with race, class, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity, nationality, age, incarceration and more. It’s important to me to provide meaningful and accessible services, representative of the people accessing them. In my current role I get to work collectively with staff, interns, volunteers and clients to mitigate trauma, address oppression, create change and move towards identified goals together. Community, collaboration and equity are at the center of all of that work.

Raquel Orona, Case Manager
(Pronouns: she/her)

raquelo@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100, ext. 228
Languages: Spanish, English

I have been in the Social Service field for about 15 years. I have worked with children, youth, elderly, survivors of domestic violence and the houseless community. Throughout these years, it has been of great fulfilment seeing clients take off on their journeys with the resources and tools needed to navigate our complex systems in society. I am very grateful of the opportunity to work with the SARC team. The team’s genuine interest of supporting the clients and staff has sparked a new perspective in me to a better tomorrow for all. I am appreciative of SARC’s continued effort to learn and include all communities in their services.

Alise Murphy, Case Manager
(Pronouns: she/her)

alisem@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100 Ext. 225
Languages: English

I count myself blessed to be a part of the Crisis Intervention Team whose main goal is to walk along side and support people who have experienced sexual violence. I’m committed to challenge and bring change to the cultural attitudes around sexual violence and victim blaming by having hard conversations and investing time to bring awareness around these issues. Won’t you join me?

Riley McNutt, On Call Support Line Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her or they/them)

Language: English

In summer of 2020, I realized I wanted to help survivors and luckily, with some research, I discovered SARC was accepting volunteer applications. I completed my training in October of 2020 and even though there wasn’t much I could do as far as volunteering at the time, I tried to remain active by attending monthly meetings. Spring of 2021, I started volunteering on the 24hr support line and as of July 2021, I was hired as an employee to work as an on-call advocate on the support line. I am so excited for this opportunity as I am going to school for Community Advocacy and Social Policy through Arizona State University online and it is work I am truly passionate about. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn how I can best support survivors and working for an agency that has values that align with my own.

Kory Radul, On-Call Support Line Advocate
(Pronouns: they/them)

Languages: English, Russian, Spanish

I joined SARC in the fall of 2021 and am excited to be working with such an amazing team and an organization that shares my commitment to equity for all marginalized groups. As an advocate my priority is providing a supportive, caring environment for the client in a time of crisis. My background is in suicide prevention and housing instability services. I am hoping to start a master’s in social work program in the near future and eventually become a therapist. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy meditating, playing guitar and spending time in nature.

Tiffany Jimenez, On-call Support Line Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: Spanish, English

Hi there! Tiffany here. Your local support line advocate. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a wonderful team that helps survivors access and obtain the support they need. As a former teen leader, preschool assistant, workshop facilitator and youth mentor, my passion has always been outreach and social services. My internal drive for helping others and advocacy is for one simple reason, I want to be there for others the way kind strangers were there for me. My additional interests outside of advocacy include, exploring the worlds (nature) greatest treasures, reading, coloring, and meditation.

Stephanie Womack, On-Call Support Line Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English, Some Spanish

I have always been passionate about helping others in one facet or another since I was a small child, and after 17 years in the administration, marketing, and finance world, this passion and my conviction grew to a point where I just couldn’t continue on without making it my main focus in life. It was then that I decided to make a major career and life change. I went back to school to earn my Bachelors degree in Social and Behavioral Studies and am now attending graduate school to earn my Master’s to become a marriage, family, and individual therapist. I am SO excited!

Becoming an On-call Support Line Advocate for the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) has been an immense privilege for me and continues to be a source of humility and honor as I am able to not only be entrusted with the details of survivors’ journeys, but also be given the opportunity to support them and offer the wonderful resources SARC has to offer as a way to help them heal. I am grateful to have become part of such an honorable organization!

On a personal note, I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2017 and quickly fell in love with the amazingly beautiful scenery and all it has to offer to those who love the outdoors. I became an avid hiker, explorer, camper, and in-door rock climber (not feeling like I’m good enough to take it outdoors yet!). I also love music and play the guitar, ukulele, piano, sing, and would love to learn the drums and cello next!

Areebah Zaidi, On-Call Support Line Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English, Urdu

I’m new to SARC and super excited to work along with all this amazing team. I have experience with mental health and working with youth in crisis. I’m also graduating this year from Portland State with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology Honors, which I’m super excited about! I plan on continuing my education and hopefully going into the medical field. As a confidential support line advocate, I support people who have experienced or have been exposed to sexual violence. As a woman of color, I’m very passionate about getting support to those who need it and hopefully one day, I’ll be able to work in preventing it too. I’m looking forward to learn more ways I can support to others.

Samaiyah Young, On-Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Language: English

I am new to the SARC family as an On Call Crisis Response Advocate and look forward to being a support and to continue to serve my community. I am a Portland native that graduated from University of Oregon with a degree in Sociology in 2012. Since graduation I have spent the bulk of my career serving at risk, and high need communities within the human services and criminal justice systems. I have served in the following capacities; In reunification with the Department of Human Services, as a Juvenile Court Counseling Assistant and Juvenile Court Counselor with Multnomah County juvenile probation services, a Juvenile Intake Specialist with Clackamas County, a Victim’s Advocate and Juvenile Detention Counselor with the State of Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

My goal is and will continue to be assisting people with finding and magnifying their voices. To be seen, heard, and accepted are the greatest of human gifts.

On my free time I love to find new places to eat, spending time near water and sand, and adding stamps to my passport.

Kate Rocker, On-Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English, Some ASL

I joined SARC in 2021. I have a B.S. Psychology from Portland State University and experience as a Crisis Intervention Specialist answering crisis hotlines including the National Suicide Lifeline and Veterans and Military Crisis Lines. I have additional experience providing in-person trauma intervention, suicide bereavement support, grief counseling, and peer support group facilitation. My passion is suicide prevention/postvention and supporting individuals in crisis.

Caitlin Baird, On-Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English

I began my work as an advocate working with youth in foster care who wanted to connect with family members and friends that they lost connections with while growing up in the foster care system. Shortly after that, I began working with youth and young adults as a Wraparound youth partner. In this role I used my lived experience as someone who has experienced trauma and mental health struggles to help young people advocate for themselves. I quickly began supervising other youth peer support specialists and used that experience to help survivors feel empowered. I currently work at Portland State University for the System of Care Institute and provide training and coaching on Wraparound and supporting client centered care.

In my free time I like to hike with my best friend (and dog), Polo, snuggle up with a book and my other best friend (and cat), Jude, practice yoga, read, journal, pickle all the things, and grow as a plant mom!

Amina Griffin, On-Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English

I started my journey in social work in 2014 at New Avenues for Youth. After completing my internship, I partnered with Mad PDX and worked with the houseless population for a few years. In 2017 I spent some time in the medical field and honed my skills in management. I realized my passion is in social work and sought the opportunity to work with SARC in 2021. I am a black woman from Portland, Oregon raising three young queens. I come from a single parent household. I am also someone who has experienced sexual assault. I am an out going realist who enjoys traveling. I live in the moment and create great memories.  I am thankful for the opportunity to connect with people and be a part of their journey.

Chelsea Hoskins, On-Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English

I am a new edition to the SARC team and am very excited to fulfill my role as an On Call Crisis Response Advocate. I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies. I also have volunteer experience working as a transcriber with the NYC Trans Oral History Project. I am a passionate person who hopes to see equitable change in our world that values and validates the identities of all people. I feel that everyone is capable of creating change, no matter how small. It is very exciting to witness the individuals working and volunteering here at SARC, as they are all apart of the change I wish to see. I hope to be a valuable contribution to the team and others while supporting those who have experienced sexual assault.

Renee Junio, On-call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her and they/them)

Languages: English

The sound of coffee beans clinking against the blades of the coffee grinder as I pour them in.
The first breath I take in of the crisp morning air after a night of rain.
The smooth feel of my favorite blue jeans that fit just so, like it’s a second skin.

I have the privilege to take pleasure in these little things and other snippets in time. It’s a beautiful thing! They’re moments that are so simple yet come from such complex inceptions.

Becoming an on-call crisis response advocate will give me a new privilege to empower survivors so that they too, from their complex and multifaceted beginnings and histories, can sit back and revel in life’s little things.

R.J. Barnes, On-call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: he/him)

Languages: English

East coaster born and raised. I was born in New Jersey, lived in Georgia, and  South Florida where I lived for 17 years. I currently reside in Beaverton, OR. I have my Associate of Science in Psychology, and my Bachelors in Criminal Justice. I am a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. I have direct and indirect experience in dealing with personal trauma. On my off time I like to going to church, enjoying time with my friends, and going to the gym. I love learning about different cultures and different types of people, as well as listening and hearing others stories.  I enjoy researching on a variety of topics. My favorite TV shows of all time are Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. In my early jobs I have worked in retirement communities, call centers for a variety of different businesses, and I was a hairstylist for 7 years.

Amancia Kaushal, On-Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English

While I am new to the field of work done by SARC, I am honored to join the agency as an On-Call Crisis Response Advocate. I have spent most of my adult life as a stay at home mom of 3 kids. My first position after returning to the workforce was working in direct support of adults with disabilities, which was a deeply personal position, as the mother to an autistic son who may engage these type of services for himself one day. I am currently a student at PCC, and will complete an Associate of General Studies early next year. I am trying to figure out what degree program to pursue next, that best aligns with my desired purpose. Connecting with and supporting minority and multicultural families (such as mine) has always been a priority for my heart. I believe there is so much value in seeing people for who and where they are, not in comparison to anyone else, and supporting them from that point, and not a preconceived idea of who or where one should be.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, roller skating, and listening to podcasts (The Huberman Lab is my current favorite)

Tabitha Peters, On Call Crisis Response Advocate
(Pronouns: she/her)

Languages: English

After three years of working as a property manager in low income housing I developed a passion for serving people in my community, specifically those in need of specialized services and resources. Working with a diverse group of people from a variety of backgrounds inspired me to support those who were most in need. I have assisted people with barriers to housing such as those who are houseless, individuals experiencing various forms of trauma and people with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Working in this field gave me the opportunity to become better acquainted with the challenging circumstances facing marginalized populations. With SARC I am looking forward to being able to apply what I have learned in my previous roles to assist those in their time of need. The opportunity to work at SARC is one that I am excited about and honored to have. Working within an organization that aligns with my personal values while uplifting individuals in my community gives me a great sense of fulfillment and pride. I am passionate about working with people who have experienced interpersonal violence. As an advocate I will use non judgmental listening, empathy and compassion to help individuals begin their healing process. I am grateful to be apart of the SARC team and look forward to applying my skill set in a positive way to help those in what may be their greatest time of need.

ALDER PROGRAM

Counseling Services

Rachel Lowenthal, L.C.S.W., Mental Health Clinician
(Pronouns: she/her)

rachell@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100, ext. 223

SARC is the kind of place that believes that all who come for support are welcomed with warmth, kindness and dignity. SARC believes that we are not defined by past events, and that with an understanding supportive community we can reconnect to our core selves. Our counseling program is firmly rooted in these philosophies, providing a strong foundation for gentle exploration and guidance toward health and healing.

Megan Irwin, M.S.W., C.S.W.A., Mental Health Clinician
(Pronouns: she/her)

megani@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100, ext. 240

I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with survivors as part of SARC’s counseling team, and to be a part of the movement to end sexual violence. I believe we all have within us the resilience we need to heal and reconnect with ourselves, and my approach to counseling focuses on providing gentle guidance and a compassionate witness to the journey. My work centers the unique experience of each survivor and collaboration with clients on goals and selecting the best treatment approach. I use EMDR, Internal Family Systems Theory, emotional exposure processing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to support growth and healing.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Lindsay Spaulding, Community Education Program Manager
(Pronouns: he/him)

lindsays@sarcoregon.org
503-626-9100, ext. 224
Languages: English

I’ve been with SARC since June of 2019 as the Volunteer Coordinator, but in June of 2021, I became the manager of SARC’s Community Education program. I gained most of my advocacy and prevention experience in my years at a local sexual violence and domestic violence agency in Lincoln, Nebraska. There, what stood out to me most was the fierce resilience and courage of every person I met, whether they were disclosing violence they experienced, standing for justice against oppressive systems, or advocating for change in their community. I learned the foundations of trauma-informed advocacy and education, as well as the importance of building community to prevent violence. In my time on the SARC team, I have learned and committed to further integrating violence prevention and anti-oppression work. I’m so grateful to be a part of a team – staff, volunteers, and community members- that is committed to ending sexual violence and oppressive systems. When it comes to doing education, trainings, or changing social norms in our community, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Yarit Rodriguez, Social Change & Community Engagement Coordinator
(Pronouns: elle/el, they/he)

yaritr@sarcoregon.org
971.770.3016 ext. 244
Languages: Spanish / English

Hola hola, my name is Yarit (Yah * Reet)—a little bit about myself—I was raised in Guadalajara, MX. Born in L.A. and spent my late teens to early ’20s in Idaho. I have supported as an advocate, organizer, facilitator, consultant, etc. in the movement to end violence for a long time now. I specialize in prevention and education, utilizing storytelling as my main tool. The older I get the more I realize my life intersects a lot with the kind of work I do. It’s hard to “clock out” when the communities I am a part of are constantly experiencing some form of violence. I schedule personal time so I can remain grounded in my values. These activities look different depending on my capacity (journaling, exercising, going to therapy, etc.). Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of dancing and listening to boleros, cumbias, and corridos as I cook some yummy meals for my loved ones. I appreciate you reading a little bit about me and I hope to connect soon!

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