Jamey McDonald Jamey McDonald, Chair

COMMANDER, TIGARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Jamey McDonald is a lifelong Oregonian who enjoys playing competitive soccer, playing with his two Golden Retrievers and spending as much time outside as possible. After spending several years working in private business, he decided to act on his calling to serve the community and make a difference and joined the Tigard Police Department in 2001.

Jamey joined the New Narrative Board of Directors in 2015 and has spent three years as the Board Chair.  He is passionate about the mission and the organization .  “New Narrative makes such a huge impact in the lives of the people we serve, I am honored to be a part of such a forward thinking, progressive organization.”

Kascadare Causeya, Vice Chair

PROGRAM MANAGER, CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

Kascadare helps vulnerable populations navigate the confusing maze of disability benefits as program manager of the Benefits and Entitlements Specialist Team (BEST) at Central City Concern and co-coordinator of the Medicaid Outreach and Enrollment Team. His benefits expertise has led to speaking engagements at a number of conferences, including the National Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) Conference. Kascadare holds an MBA from Aspen University and a BA from the University of Washington, where he won a PAC-8 and Rose Bowl Championship as a member of the 1977 Huskies football team.

Dr. David Peaslee, Secretary

RET. EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIAN, PROVIDENCE SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL

David brings a breadth of mental health experience to his role as our board secretary. An emergency room physician for 30 years — the last 23 at Providence Saint Vincent Hospital — David frequently cared for mental health patients in crisis. His first job in health care was at a psychiatric hospital, giving him a unique perspective on the mental health system and a passion for the work we do.

Ken Kornelis

PSYCHOLOGIST

Ken originally studied biology but went back to school for a degree in psychology out of a desire to help others. He’s a passionate advocate of the work we do and loves the positive interaction between staff and other board members. A parent of three, Ken enjoys spending his free time with friends and family, but also aspires to make positive contributions to the community through his writing.

Amber OntiverosAmber Ontiveros

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, ONTIVEROS AND ASSOCIATES

Amber’s experience spans two decades of advocating for civil rights among impoverished groups and communities of color. She is a former Bush and Obama advisor at the US Department of Transportation. Her firm, Ontiveros and Associates, specializes in change management, policy development, quantitative analysis and coalition building, including DBE contracting, Title VI, and Environmental Justice laws for which she authored. She is passionate about lifting up the voices of community leaders of color in participatory policymaking.

Lynn Boose

RET. CEO, COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC; ADVISORY BOARD LIAISON, NORTHSTAR CLUBHOUSE

Following five years as a lieutenant in the Navy (pre-Vietnam) and an MPH from the University of Minnesota, Lynn moved his family to Southern California to start a 30-year career with Kaiser Permanente as a hospital and medical center administrator. After leaving Kaiser, he earned his PhD at Portland State University and embarked on a 23-year stint as president and CEO of Community Services, Inc, a non-profit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lynn operates an in-home program for his son, who experiences chronic mental health and development disability challenges. He’s also an avid gardener who brings his dahlias into the NorthStar Clubhouse each week.

Al RoqueAl Roque

CHIEF DEPUTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Al is a Spanish-speaking Cuban immigrant who grew up in NJ with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, then lived in Arkansas for three years before moving to Oregon in 1997. Al spent 16 years working in private industry, primarily in various production facilities doing OSHA and EPA compliance work then transitioned to technology. Al’s last private sector position was a Program Manager at Intel then became a Reserve (volunteer) Patrol Deputy at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office before being hired as a full time deputy in 2003. Al has worked in the Patrol, Investigations, Services and Executive Divisions as a deputy, WIN investigator, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, contracted Cornelius police chief, commander and chief deputy. Al is also on the executive board of the county non-profit Vision Action Network. He enjoys travel, food and wine, hiking/snow shoeing, golf, and is huge dog lover. Al has been married for 22 years to wife Jean, with two sons, Calvin (30) and Colson (28) now living together in Los Angeles.

Michelle Waddell

CONTROLLER, CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

Michelle is a seasoned financial leader with a diverse and accomplished career spanning various industries. With expertise as a CFO and VP of Finance, she has effectively managed finance and accounting departments in manufacturing, distribution, medical devices, construction, and non-profit organizations. Michelle’s professional journey has taken her across both domestic and international arenas, working with companies ranging in size from $20M to over $150M.  Currently serving as the Controller for Central City Concern, Michelle provides financial leadership across healthcare, housing, and employment sectors. Her passion lies in joining companies experiencing robust growth, where she not only contributes to financial strategies but also spearheads operational and process improvements.  Beyond her employment work, Michelle is dedicated to giving back to the community. She generously supports smaller community-based non-profits, offering her extensive finance and treasury expertise. Michelle’s volunteer work has included organizations such as the Oregon MS Society, Construction Financial Management Association, and Breast Friends of Oregon.  Michelle has been married for 32 years and enjoys travel and spending quality time with family and friends.

Jahed HeadshotJahed Sukhun

PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) – RETIRED

Jahed was born in Palestine and grew up in Kuwait, moving to the United States in 1980 to pursue his education. He holds a degree in Computer Information Systems and a minor in Business Administration from Idaho State University. Jahed worked at Portland State University and Oregon Food Bank managing different IT departments. He also worked at the Muslim Educational Trust as its Chief Operating Officer. After working 35 years, he decided to retire in April 2022 and help where he could. Throughout the years, he has  volunteered and continues to volunteer on different boards and committees ranging between governmental, equity and inclusion in the schools, and social justice issues. He enjoys meeting new people and learning about other cultures. In addition, he is a fan of travel, wood working and spending time with his 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

Executive Team

Our executive team offers a unique mix of nonprofit and corporate experience, fusing to create a mission-driven team with impact. We’re passionate about our mission and dedicated to being a force for change.

Julie Ibrahim

Chief Executive Officer

William Allen

Vice President of Operations

Beth Cooke

Vice President of Development & Advocacy

LaFreda Ceaser

Vice President of Equity, Culture, & Talent

Lindsay Downen, LPC

Vice President of Quality & Impact

Janelle Kent

Vice President of Finance

Daniel Nicoli, DO

Medical Director

Iris Sexton

Vice President of Residential Services

Allie Sheets, LPC

Vice President of Clinical Services

Haven Taylor, PSS, LPC, CADC III

Vice President of Peer Services