Foster Liaisons

Mark Henkels

In the past I was faculty advisor to Wolves Fostering Hope, and I enjoy academic advising no matter the program.

Christine Harvey Horning

Adjunct Assistant Professor of English, Criminal Justice Department

@mail.wou.edu |503.838.9712

As a writing instructor for over 20 years, I have read many stories of the various obstacles students have faced in their efforts to make a college education possible. Research shows how important good mentoring is to students’ success, and I would like to be another resource to students whose path to WOU has been through the foster care system.

Professor, Geography

hustons@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8296

We adopted our daughter from the Oregon state foster system and I have an interest in helping kids from the system make lives where they have choices. I know that our daughter carries a number of burdens that are hard to see or that she hides and that inhibit her from embracing her talents and intelligence. This seemed evident from other children we considered during our adoption process as well. My experience with my daughter has led me to want to bring that experience to help other kids from the system succeed in ways that will work for them.

David Janoviak

Professor of Theatre/Division Chair

janovid@wou.edu| 503.559.1551

Many families helped my sister and I when we were young and our family fell apart. I would like to offer my services, my support and perhaps just my attention to students who wish to connect and succeed. I want to be of use in any way I can.

Debbie Kenyon

Early Learning Project Specialist, Center on Early Learning/TRI,The Research Institute

kenyond@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8293 |Cell: 503.999.289

I volunteered because I have college age kids and I know how difficult it can be to navigate through the system and deal with things like financial aid, registration, etc. My own kids turned to me when they needed help and I can’t imagine how difficult it would be for students who don’t have a parent who can help them figure these things out. Foster kids have been through a lot and I’d just like to try to help so maybe college doesn’t seem so overwhelming and they will have a greater chance of being successful – in school and life.

Kristin M. Mauro

Transfer Specialist

maurok@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8157

As a long time student affairs professional who studied first­-year transition and retention in my doctoral program, I have seen students struggle first hand. I was also a guardian ad­litem in Texas and worked directly with children in the foster care system. I want to help students continue building the resilience and confidence they will need once they graduate from WOU. I want to be your cheerleader and let you know you can be whatever you want to be, regardless of the adversity you have encountered and survived. The old Verizon commercial comes to mind, I want to be in your network so I can help you learn the skills needed to be successful at WOU and beyond.

Allison Omlid

Computer Science Adjunct Lecturer

omlida@mail.wou.edu | 503.838.9272

I’ve attended some training classes about foster care and would like to get involved. I believe all students, despite their situation, have the skills to attend and complete college. Student success is a passion of mine so anything I can do to help would be an honor.

Rosario Peralta Cortez

English Writing Specialist for Spanish Speakers

cortezm@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8640

I’m interested in supporting foster students because I believe that the relationships we have with one another are the most important components of living happy, fulfilled lives. Having personal connections with those that have gone through the foster care system, I see the need for a supportive, compassionate, and uplifting community to ensure we care for one another and help each other succeed.

Emily Plec

Professor of Communication Studies

plece@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8819

I have been inspired by the stories of students I’ve met over the years who have experienced foster care, for better and for worse, and come through the experience resilient and inspired to enact social change. I want to connect with foster students at WOU to make sure they are getting the support they need to succeed and have the chance to forge the relationships they want for their future.

Tracy Powell

NTT Assistant Professor of Behavioral Studies

powellt@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8299

I have been an active Citizen Review Board member for the past 2 years and more recently, an Advisory Board Member with the Oregon Foster Care system. I am committed to the purpose and goal of helping these children and youth find forever families and thrive in their own self­ development. As many youth age out of the system we lose track of their whereabouts and hear low statistics of secondary school success. I would like to help change those statistics so that these young people can follow their dreams and aspirations to the fullest.

Sheree Solario

Educational Advisor, Student Enrichment Program

solarios@mail.wou.edu |503.838.8031

I have been blessed to work with students who continually impress and inspire me with their resiliency. I have the pleasure of working with students who sometimes feel that the deck is stacked against them, and I get to be a resource for them as they find their path and maneuver through the maze of higher education.

Chehalis Strapp

Professor Psychological Sciences

strappc@mail.wou.edu | 503.838.8316

Experience/Interest in foster care and supporting foster students: As a faculty advisor in Psychological Sciences for the past 20 years, I am passionate about working with all students to foster success at WOU and beyond. 

Jennifer Taylor

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

taylorj@mail.wou.edu

I am volunteering because before I came to higher education my work was primarily with at risk youth which included foster youth. I have witnessed first hand the difficulties that many foster youth face and have also been able to see what a positive impact someone taking the time to help can make on their lives. I would love the opportunity to help in any way that I can.

Taryn Vanderpyl 

NTT Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice Sciences

vanderpylt@wou.edu

My research focuses on improving outcomes of youth affected by the juvenile justice systemthrough interventions for at-risk youth, educational and rehabilitative programming for incarcerated youth, and reintegration services and supports – all with a focus on giving youth a voice in research, programming, and policy decisions. My earlier experiences as a high school special education teacher and consultant, as well as a foster parent, have contributed to her research interests in the disproportionate representations of vulnerable and marginalized populations in the criminal and juvenile
justice systems.

Kathy Cassity 

Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Science

cassityk@wou.edu | 503-838-8226 

I am an adoptive parent, and I was a first-generation college student who ultimately earned a doctorate, became a professor, and moved into college administration. My varied life experiences and perspectives have taught me the importance of quality mentorship and guidance, especially for students who face multiple challenges. I am always happy to inspire and encourage students through sharing stories and guiding them to available resources.

Andrea Emerson 

Assistant Professor, Education and Leadership

emersona@wou.edu |503-838-9244

My professional and academic training is in early childhood education and human development/family studies.  My experiences working with children and families have taught me so much about the diversity of “family” and the importance of a support system (regardless of their shape or size). I would love to have the opportunity to support foster students in the same ways I was guided and encouraged in my own student journey. 

Lars Soderlund 

Department Chair, English Studies Department

soderlundl@wou.edu |503-838-8325 

I am excited to support foster students because I know how challenging being a student can be, and have learned how much more complicated a foster student’s experience is on top of that. I am passionate about simplifying these experiences and supporting students in their struggles.