Team Members
At Circle of Friends, our strength comes from a team driven by heart, professional excellence, and deep community roots. We bring together former educators, social workers, and local leaders who believe supporting youth requires active presence and specialized expertise.
-
Lived Experience: Our staff and board bring decades of combined background in trauma-informed care, youth advocacy, and community leadership.
-
Relational Culture: We lead by example—the trust, empathy, and accountability we practice internally mirror the strong relationships we build with our youth.
-
Hands-On Leadership: Our board members aren't just advisors; they actively show up, mentor, and advocate alongside our team.
Lisa Gies
Board Chair
Retired Faculty Member, Kellner College of Education, Literacy & Leadership at Cardinal Stritch University
Debbie Newport
Board Member
Retired Educator
Board Members
Shawn Bradshaw
Board Secretary
Project Manager, Willamette Valley Vineyards
Phoenix Ries
Board Member
Retired Child and Family Licensed Professional Counselor
Jane Slingsby
Board Treasurer
Certified Public Accountant
Duncan Campbell
Board Member Emeritus
Founder
Nicole Woodson
Executive Director
Guided by a lifelong commitment to youth advocacy and community connection, Nicole leads Circle of Friends with visionary heart, hands-on care, and deep expertise in youth development. Under her leadership, our team transforms compassion into lasting, life-changing mentorship for local youth.
Staff Members
Karen Isberg
Executive Assistant
Driven by organizational excellence and a heart for service, Karen keeps Circle of Friends running seamlessly every day. With incredible attention to detail and warm dedication, she provides vital support to our leadership team, ensuring our mentors, staff, and families have everything they need to make a lasting impact.