Leah Ciccarelli
She/Her
Agency Executive Director
Based in Hillsboro
Leah has a BS in Health Sciences and a Minors degree in Psychology. Prior to becoming The Opportunity Club’s Director, Leah worked as a Direct Support Professional for another local agency, and as an Early Learning Center Director. Leah is passionate about supporting and assisting our clients and staff to live their best lives possible. Some of Leah’s hobbies include photography, reading, yoga, and art. This agency has been a dream come true, and Leah is thankful for the support of her partner, son, friends, and companionship of her pets.
Paige Cochran
They/She/He
Community Living Director
Based in Tigard
Paige changed fields after many years of management, admin/office assistance & labor-based work. They are passionate about advocating for folx, helping others grow & inclusion. Driven by a heart that wants to build community, they enjoy looking for ways to bring fun & stability into the workplace. In their spare time, Paige is an artist, reader, home cook, gamer & movie enthusiast who loves karaoke. Paige finds solace at home with her loving partner of seven years and their three kids(cats).
Kristin Rosling
She/Her
Team Lead & Schedule Coordinator
Based in Hood River
Along with graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Spanish, Kristin also served in the Peace Corps in Peru and volunteered with the Special Olympics throughout her adolescence. After working for several years in criminal and civil justice, as well as being a licensed massage therapist, she felt the call to pursue a path in social work. Kristin enjoys supporting clients with their growth and helping them reach their goals. Most of her free time is spent hiking with her partner and their two dogs, but she also enjoys yoga, swimming, skiing, and running.
Envy Axlby
They/He
Administrative Assistant
Based in Gresham
At 20 years old, Envy relocated to Oregon in 2022, drawn by a passion for growth for their family and career. With a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive environment, Envy advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance, representing as a nonbinary person themselves. Envy strives to create spaces where all individuals feel valued, supported, and uplifted by those around them. Whether working directly with clients or collaborating with colleagues, Envy’s dedication is to make a positive impact.
Outside of work, Envy enjoys DIY projects, raising rodents, and playing tabletop games. Involving creativity with growth, they enjoy bringing new ideas to the table.
Tanisha Porath
She/Her
Team Lead & Direct Support Professional
Based in Estacada
I was drawn to this position because I love helping people. I have a giving heart and I believe all people are equal. I have a varied work history, adding to my toolkit of resources to help others! In my free time I like to read, knit and listen to music. I am also an AAA Commercial Photographer!
Jaime Fernandez
He/Him
Job Coach & Direct Support Professional
Based in Gresham
Jaime has a BA in Spanish Studies and Social Work from Portland State University. Prior to The Opportunity Club, Jaime was a manager at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Jaime is passionate about sports, and feels being a DSP is a rewarding career.
Colleen Ezeobi
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in Beaverton
Colleen joined The Opportunity Club as a way to switch careers and explore a field that she feels is something she’s actually been doing her whole life with friends and family. She’s passionate about health, and enjoys supporting our clients in connecting to community resources and in making friends. Colleen has a BA in Speech Communications and Liberal Arts, and minor degrees in Music and International Studies.
Some of her hobbies are making jewelry, crocheting, sewing, creative cooking, thrift shopping to find historical vintage items, and roller skating. Colleen also is a world traveler! She has been to many countries including Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, Germany, Austria, the Gambia, Senegal, Canada, all over the USA, including 5 islands in Hawaii!
Rene Zaner
She/Her
Job Coach & Direct Support Professional
Based in Portland
Rene has been doing this type of work her whole life, it’s dear to her heart, and part of who she is. Outside of work she enjoy rocks, making jewelry with them, and admiring all the beauty they bring. Previously she experienced homelessness and found that once she became housed and back on her feet, the experience had brought her a lot of compassion and life experience that supports her ability to relate to our clients who have experienced housing instability.
“Whatever I can do to help others have a better life, I want to do it.” – Rene Zaner
James Kitchin
He/Him
Job Coach & Direct Support Professional
Based in NE Portland
James switched careers to find purpose through positively impacting the community. James comes from the UK and is very proud of his heritage. As an immigrant, empathizing with the normally ostracized has come easy to him. He loves to experience different cultures through food and traditional activities. His hobbies include TV, movies, comics, books, professional wrestling, basketball & football.
Karrie Brothers
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in Beaverton
Karrie comes to us with a Bachelors in Political Science and is working towards her Masters in Applied Linguistics. She had a beloved uncle who experienced a developmental disability and was a thriving artist and member of his community during a time when institutionalization was the norm. In her off time she is cooking, needle working and playing video games. She has a lovely family that consists of her husband, 4 children, 1 Miniture Dachsund & 2 Maine Coon cats. (Yes, the cats are bigger than the dog.)
Sara Derby-Ocon
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in SE Portland
After a career in the service industry, I am excited to use my life skills to help our clients grow and flourish. I enjoy seeing my clients experience new things and explore the possibilities available to them. I have lived in SE Portland for 12 years and use my knowledge of the area to enrich the time I spend with my clients. In my spare time I love to bake, do jigsaw puzzles and hang out with my husband, our son and our two spoiled cats.
Vanessa Rice
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in Gresham
I was drawn to this work because of my partner. He has been doing this for a while and I’ve been around it for years. I enjoy the time I’ve spent with clients and getting to know The Opportunity Club. In my free time I like to read, care for my plants and animals, as well as doings arts & crafts. I have 4 cats (Roxy, Bean, Spicey, Odie), 1 dog (Dexter), 5 chickens (Trixie, Layla, Lucy, Boots, Buttercup) 2 lizards (Lizo, Zilla) and 1 fish (Oscar the shark slayer).
Leah Schmidt
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in East Portland
I have a background as a CNA and a caregiver. I’m passionate about helping others and building relationships. I also have completed courses as a massage therapist as well as clinicals. In my spare time I love to be outside and do art!
Tylar Hewlett
They/Them
Direct Support Professional
Based in Tualatin
My experience started in food service and retail, but I felt no real purpose. In my previous role I was a Housing Specialist and DSP for a year. I have also worked at two homeless shelters. I found passion in helping people, animals and the Earth. I’m a new vegan, an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and am active in the community. I love farmer’s markets, books and cooking. I’m currently in school to follow my dreams of Marine Biology. I have two cats, Ginger & Gunther.
Annalise Rand
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in SE Portland
I was drawn to this work from a sincere desire to help people with whatever they are going through. It seems to be a natural fit for who I want to be in the world. As a single parent, I feel like my whole life has been preparing me to navigate a role like this. I have experience in small business management programs and also am certified as a massage therapist. When I’m not working, I love to explore beautiful nature spots with my kiddo and golden retriever. Fun fact: I have carried a canoe for 9 miles doing the Grand Portage in Minnesota which leads from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to Lake Superior!
Ember
They/Them
Direct Support Professional
Based in North Portland
I have worked as a Day Program Support Worker & Job Coach at Toolworks in the past. I studied Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. I decided to get back into care work and TOC seemed like an especially welcoming and enjoyable agency to join. In my free time I enjoy singing and playing piano, reading & nature walks. I have a four year old cat named Silly. Fun facts: I was born on Mother’s Day, I prefer writing letters to texting and I’m learning how to sew so I don’t need to get rid of clothing as often!
Koan Davis
He/They
Direct Support Professional
Based in North Portland
I’ve been a DSP for about a year. Prior to that I’ve volunteered and interned at elementary schools and caregiver programs in California. I graduated from New Technology High School in Napa, California. I applied to join TOC’s team because it’s a very professional company and I love this line of work. In my spare time I like to exercise & be outside either hiking or swimming. I take my friends to the movies all the time! At home I play video games. I had a world record in a mario party mini game for six months. Bonus fact: I have a kitty cat named Vivi!
McKayla Leavitt
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in Forest Grove
With a GED & Certificate in Peer Support, I thought my skills would be effective in a Direct Support Professional role. Previously I worked customer facing roles such as pizza delivery. I’m passionate about this work as I am deeply empathetic and enjoy helping others. I have a dog named Rory! In my free time I enjoy nature, hiking, video games, art, tv shows, rockhounding & meditation.
Sydney Moore
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in East Portland
I’m excited to connect with people in my community! I have a background in healthcare and crisis intervention. I have a lot of previous experience with direct patient support. I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2020. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, arts & crafts, video games and paddle boarding. Fun facts: I am the oldest of three, I’m a spontaneous person and I have a spaniel mix dog named Dizzy who is 11 years old.
Kimberly Allen
She/Her
Direct Support Professional
Based in SE Portland
I was previously a DSP at Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunities (ALSO), I did a college internship through a non-profit called KindTree, where I assisted with an improvisational theater class and encouraged creativity! I have a BA in Arts Management with a focus on non-profit administration through University of Oregon. I love supporting other people and helping them feel like they’re a part of their community. Outside of work, I spend time playing video games, doing puzzles, traveling & learning about pop culture and nerd culture. I have a collection of keychains, posters, art pieces, random tchotchkes that all align with my personal interests. I’m hoping to get a dog someday, fingers crossed for a corgi!
Molly Hopkins
She/Her
Client Lead & Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
About 15 years ago, I traded the mountains of Colorado for the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest—and I’ve been loving life in Portland ever since! I previously studied at Ohio University, and I’m now exploring the next step in my academic journey: pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Portland State University.
Outside of work and studies, I’m passionate about scuba diving and spending time with my two beloved cats, Profit and Pilott. I genuinely enjoy creating bonds with people and learning who they are at their core, both of which I value personally and professionally. I’m thrilled to continue this journey of growth and connection for our world in a big way.
Guy Compton
He/Him
Day Program Trip Planner & Disability Support Specialist
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
After growing up in the northeast, my career path has been a winding road with stops in New York entertainment, adventure guiding and education, including almost fifteen years abroad in Asia, with my heart finally leading me here to TOC. In my spare time I love camping with my wife and seven year-old twin girls, reading and meditation.
Tiffany Rios
She/Her
Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
My journey to The Opportunity Club began with a desire for a fresh environment and a drive to expand my skill set. With a culinary degree and an associate’s degree in (insert field here), I’m passionate about learning, creating, and connecting. I love exploring new places, tasting diverse cuisines, and collecting miniature statues along the way. Fun fact: I once won a strawberry-eating contest—and I’m obsessed with mangos!
When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me hanging out with my fiancé and our two cats, Jane and Poppy. I’m excited to bring my experience, curiosity, and tenacity to help uplift and grow this incredible community!
Diana Walker
She/Her
Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
Originally from upstate New York, I’ve called Oregon home since I was 16. These days, I’m here with my wonderful three daughters, three grandchildren, and our sweet cat, Sophia. One of my most cherished memories is the seven years spent performing mime together for children and schools with my family! I’m also passionate about creative, hands-on activities like crocheting, sewing, gardening, rock collecting, and repairing things.
At my core, I have a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. I completed my education at PSU in Child and Family Studies, and I believe The Opportunity Club will give me additional space, tools, and community to help others grow. I’m so excited to be part of it!
Kiley Bonin
Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
details to come soon!
Manny Gonzalez
He/Him
Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
I got into this work because I was looking to try something new, and people have always told me I’m great with others—so it felt like a natural fit. I really enjoy getting to know people and being part of a team that makes a difference. Building genuine connections and supporting others has become an exciting chapter in my journey of personal and professional growth.
A few fun facts about me: I’ve got two amazing dogs who keep life fun and full of energy, I’m currently working toward my degree in mechanical engineering, and I’m a big fan of pickleball and gardening. I’m always looking for ways to grow (and have fun while doing it!).
Doug Smartt
He/Him
Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
Doug relocated from Alabama to Oregon in August 2025 and brings with him a strong commitment to community support and service. He was drawn to The Opportunity Club because of its mission to empower individuals and create meaningful change. He holds an educational background in computer systems and has a solid interest in technology and problem-solving.
Outside of his professional interests, Doug enjoys reading, watching football, and playing World of Warcraft. Doug’s family is a central part of his life, consisting of his wife of 15 years, his two adult sons, Alex and Andrew, his cat named Jonyie and two dogs, Bear and Max.
Jem Rocel Sio
She/Her
Disability Support Specialist – DSA Program
Based at the Hillsboro DSA Clubhouse
Jem graduated with a BA in Business Administration and also is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Jem applied to TOC because she likes a challenge and is excited to gain experience while making people happy and helping them achieve their goals.
Jem enjoys crafting, brainstorming, coloring, and reading. She relaxes by watching movies and eating finger food after a long day. Jem has two young children and has been married for 10 years. Fun fact: While remembering names is not her forté, she’s very skilled at remembering faces.