RESOURCE SPECIALIST & SCHOOL AGE LEAD

Alonzo is committed to supporting children and youth with special health needs. He holds an MPH from Oregon State University and a B.S. in Public Health from the OHSU–Portland State University School of Public Health. A former U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, he is dedicated to reducing barriers to care. Outside of work, he enjoys board games and spending time with his wife, family, and their two cats.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH LIAISON

I have been blessed to serve the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental needs of families for over 20 years. I have more recently been privileged to join the passionate, capable team of caregivers at Help Me Grow. In addition to spending quality time with my wife and two daughters, and practicing my faith in Jesus Christ, I enjoy time on the golf course (especially if I am playing reasonably well).

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CHILD HEALTH PROVIDER OUTREACH

As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I am passionate about supporting all families and improving cross-system connections. I bring experience in healthcare provider outreach, relationship‑building, and school‑based disability advocacy, and enjoy collaborating with child health providers and community partners to strengthen referral pathways. Outside of work, I enjoy book club and playing games with friends and family.

RESOURCE SPECIALIST - MEDFORD

Jamie is excited to be on the team and brings many years of experience in the early childhood field. With a degree in child development and extensive work in public and nonprofit family support services, Jamie is dedicated to helping families thrive.  Jamie loves to cook, develop recipes and share homemade treats.  Gardening is a new endeavor, and the tomatoes always end up in the marinara!

AUTISM ALERT NAVIGATOR

I’m Jayden, originally from Beaverton, Oregon, and a graduate of San Diego State University. I earned my RBT license while working as a Behavioral Therapist supporting children with autism. I’m excited to be part of this team and love supporting families in my community. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, cooking, and playing with my puppy.

SENIOR MANAGER

Joseline is passionate about supporting children and youth with special health needs. She holds a PhD in Kinesiology with a focus on Adapted Physical Activity, an MPH in Health Promotion and Health Behavior, and an MS in Animal Science. Her work centers on empowering children and youth with disabilities and their families. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Before joining Swindells, Kris worked in the Children’s Emergency Department at St. Vincent’s. She also spent over 17 years as the sole caregiver to her son who had Hunter Syndrome—an experience that shaped her deep empathy and compassion. Kris now brings that lived experience to every family she meets, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered. In her spare time, Kris can be found building Stained Glass Art.

AUTISM ALERT NAVIGATOR

Hello! I’m Lauren. I am a Portland native, and love living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I have worked with children and families for the past 15 years. I really enjoy connecting with families and helping them find the support and/or resources they need. Other things that keep me busy are parenting my two girls, pets, hiking, travel, reading and playing around with art.

DATA LEAD

Greetings and salutations! I’m Lotus. I’m passionate about supporting families and community members. Drawing on my B.S. in Communication Studies with a focus on intercultural and interpersonal communication, I bring a strong foundation in compassionate communication and creative problem‑solving that enriches both my work and the connections I build.

Outside of Providence, I co‑founded the Portland plant business SymbiOp, and I enjoy reading, gardening, meditating, and life in my intentional community in SE Portland.

RESOURCE SPECIALIST

As a mom of three and now a grandmother, I love to help other parents navigate the systems that I too had to navigate for my children. I also love the challenge of finding just the right resources for families. Kind of like a scavenger hunt! I am proud to work at Providence helping families. Prior to being at Swindells, I was a special education preschool teacher, worked for Head Start for many years, and volunteered with some great mentoring programs. I’ve had the joy of working with kids and families for my entire career, and I look forward to many more years of supporting families, improving systems, and increasing services for our community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my grandkids, traveling, kayaking, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with my family and friends.

AUTISM ALERT ADMINISTRATOR

I’ve had the joy of serving children and families for over 20 years - as an elementary school teacher, resource specialist, parent educator, family coach, and mentor. I have a passion for bridging resources and finding solutions to barriers for families so they can receive the supports they need. In my spare time I love playing games, exploring different foods, and spending time with my family. Fun fact: I used to own a bubble tea food truck! ‍ ‍

AUTISM ALERT NAVIGATOR LEAD

My passion is to be a blessing to those around me. I am a wife to an amazing husband, a mother to three wonderful young adults, and a grandmother to five beautiful children. The many paths and struggles I’ve walked through have given me the wisdom and compassion to support others on their journeys.

Live life to the fullest, my sweet friend!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH LIAISON

Patricia has over 40 years of experience supporting young children—with and without disabilities—and their families in early childhood education. She holds a B.A. in Early Childhood, an M.Ed. in Special Education, an Oregon teaching license, and is an ORO Master Trainer. She also serves on the State Interagency Coordinating Council and the FACT Oregon board. Patricia is a mother of three and a grandmother of four, one of whom experiences autism.‍ ‍

RESOURCE SPECIALIST - MEDFORD

I’m a Southern Oregon native and have been part of the Providence team for almost 4 years. I am passionate about the work our team does and enjoy all the connections I get to make with families, caregivers, community partners, and providers. I hold an AAS in Human Services and am just a few months away from completing my Bachelor’s in Social Work. I enjoy my free time soaking up every moment with my 8‑year‑old son.

AUTISM ALERT NAVIGATOR

For the past 20 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving families in our community. I recently joined the Help Me Grow team and it’s been fulfilling to connect families to valuable resources.

I really enjoy spending time with my family, whether it is playing games, or cooking/baking.

DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUP LEAD

Hello! I’m Shany. I hold a B.S. in psychology. I have experience working in mental health settings and providing family-based treatment. I enjoy working and supporting children and their families.

In my free time, you can find me serving my local community and volunteering. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, creating art, and traveling.

RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Hello! I’m Willow. I’ve supported children and families in many roles, including Preschool Teacher, Nanny, Resource Specialist, Playgroup Facilitator, and Parent Educator. I am also a certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. Helping families grow and connect brings me deep joy, and I’m grateful to do this work through the Help Me Grow program. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring nature, reading, and making art.