RISC members are students working within the Center for Improvement of Children and Family Services and Regional Research Institute. Many students join RISC simply for the support and connection with their peers. Others wish for Principle Investigators or other hiring staff to see their experience and know they are interested in continuing work at either institution. Please feel free to contact students directly through their e-mail links in their profiles.
Sharice Jackson
I am a student in the Advanced Standing Masters of Social Work Program, my concentration is Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations. I will be graduating in June of 2016. 3 years ago, I began at the RRI as an intern working as an AMP coach on the Achieve My Plan Project with Dr. Janet Walker. I have also worked on the NARA Nak-Nu-Wit project as a family interviewer. Currently, I am a training specialist on the AMP+ project. Some of my research interests are around peer support in the mental health workforce and community-based participatory research with communities of color. I have a lot of experience working with different communities and that is something I like to incorporate while doing research in a socially just and anti-oppressive manner. I love connecting with other students to learn more about what they are doing on their projects and how we can all be supportive to each other while working at the research institutes. I have two beautiful daughters, a wonderful partner, and family that I like to spend quality time with during my free time. I am a Portland native and I enjoy reading, watching netflix series, and the outdoors.
PROFILES
Molly Oberweiser Kennedy
I am currently enrolled in the MSW-PhD Social Work and Social Research program and will be completing my Master's in June 2016. I received my B.A. in Social Work in 1999 from the College of Saint Benedict, and in 2009 earned my M.Ed. with a focus on Youth Development and Leadership from the University of Minnesota. My professional experience has been working with youth and families across a variety of settings including alternative schools, community mental health, and residential and juvenile corrections placements. Most recently I worked as a Wraparound Care Coordinator for Washington County Mental Health. My research interests include youth development, adolescent mental health, foster care, the effects of intergenerational trauma, trauma informed practice, and Wraparound and Systems of Care. When I am not in school I enjoy being in the mountains, hanging with my wife and many fur babies, and working on house projects.
Jen Smith
In June I will be graduating from PSU with my master’s degree in social work having focused on the Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations track. I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2009 where I majored in Women's Studies and Political Science. After graduation I traveled and held many different job titles, eventually leading me here to Portland. Most of my social work background has been working with teens in both a homeless youth drop-in center and a high school setting. When I started at Portland State I thought I would eventually return to working with teens, but throughout the course of the program I began focusing on social work from a macro perspective. For a long time, I was frustrated by the "whys", but looking at social work through a macro lens encourages me to think creatively about solutions to the big problems. It is so energizing! I am interested in radical social work, research, feminist theory, cross-agency collaboration, trauma informed care and peer support. When I am not at work or school, I love playing music with my friends, getting outside, and spending time with my family.
Diane Reid
I'm a dual MSW/MPH student in my third year at PSU. My MSW concentration is Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations and I'm in the Health Promotion track at the School of Public Health. I graduated from Mills College with a BA in Sociology in 2003. Since then, I've primarily worked in program management and coordination, including grant writing, community needs assessment, and training development. I've worked for, and in partnership with, a range of community-based organizations in Portland, including Neighborhood House, Multnomah County ADVS, Boys & Girls Aid, and Head Start.
Roles at RRI/CCF: I'm currently completing my MSW advanced placement with the Center for Improvement of Child and Family services working on their P-3 initiative and a Community Health Needs Assessment in rural Oregon. I also work with Dr. Christina Nicolaidis through the Regional Research Institute as the Social Determinants of Health Initiative coordinator.
Interests: I'm mostly interested in research and evaluation with community based organizations, food systems and security, and social determinants of health. I have a soft spot for foster youth and sexual minorities, but don't restrict my projects to these populations. My self-care involves tea, travel, poetry, art, sarcasm, wine, and time with my loving partner and our adorable black lab.
Kendre Berger
In June I will be graduating from PSU with my master’s degree in social work having focused on the Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations track. I graduated from Washington State University (go cougs!) in 2011 where I majored in Human Development with a focus on adolescence. After working in Seattle for three years, I moved back to my hometown of Hillsboro, OR to pursue my master's degree. Most of my experience has been working with individuals and families experiencing disability, most often with those on the autism spectrum. While attending Portland State, I discovered my passion to work with individuals and families experiencing disability from a macro level perspective. As someone who has both personal and professional connections to disability, I strive to create a culture that values neurodiversity, inclusion, and support for a diverse and equitable community. My work is grounded in the critical theory of disability, family-systems, multidisciplinary collaboration, and self-determination. Outside of work and school, I spend my time with my family and friends, cheering on the Portland Trailblazers, hunting for the worlds best breakfast burrito, practicing my glamour shot poses, and going to concerts.