Governance
Our governing bodies consist of our Board of Directors as well as our Policy Council for Head Start and Early Head Start, and our Advisory Council for Healthy Families.
Each governing group is comprised of both parents and community members who desire to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
These groups help us to set and achieve goals for healthy child development and school readiness, family stability and self-sufficiency, and community connection and partnership.
Interested in serving on our Board or either council?
Call 503-675-4565.
Meet Our Board
Dawn Hendricks, EdD
Chair
Early Childhood Education Expert
Dawn has more than 25 years of experience working in a variety of positions in early childhood including teacher assistant, statewide education specialist, and director of early childhood services in a statewide Head Start program serving nearly 3,000 infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Dawn also worked for a national early childhood publishing company, Teaching Strategies, where she lead initiatives to ensure the curriculum and assessment materials met the needs of today’s culturally and linguistically diverse children. Currently, Dawn serves as the Department Chair of the ECE, Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services programs at Clackamas Community College. In her free time, she loves to travel, cycle, read and spend time with her young adult children and husband.
Brian Stewart
Vice Chair
Retired Banker
Brian joined the ClackCoKids Board in June 2026 after completing a nearly 40-year career in the banking industry working primarily with JP Morgan Chase and their predecessor, Washington Mutual. He finished his career as the Client and Community Relations Director of PNC Bank, driving local marketing, sponsorships and philanthropic efforts within the community. Throughout his career, Brian has taken a leadership role with a number of local nonprofits, including board service with The Portland Housing Center, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Partnerships. He resides in Gladstone and is married to his wife, Mary, and they have two children, Libby and Alex. They enjoy traveling, attending sporting events, and living an active lifestyle. Brian believes that early childhood education is the essential component for preparing students for continued success in school and in life.
Anita Pohlschneider
Secretary
Public School Educator, Retired
Ken Edwards
Foundation Owner
Community member, longtime supporter of Head Start. Likes: travel, good food, Art Nouveau, collecting eccentric items, dance performances, and afternoon naps. Education: several degrees, from various colleges. Employment: Philanthropic ventures, otherwise retired.
Candace Krause, DMD
Dentist
Zach Perez
Past Program Parent
Miranda Stevens
Policy Council Chair
Miranda Stevens began her journey with Clackamas County Children’s Commission in October 2022 when she enrolled her then 10½-month-old daughter, Avery, and her then 2-year-old niece, Ariyah, into the Early Head Start program. Ariyah is now almost 6 years old and has successfully progressed on to kindergarten while Avery, who is now almost 5 years old, is currently getting ready to attend her final year at the Lake Road location. Inspired by the positive impact the program had on her family, she quickly became involved with the Parent Policy Council, where she served as a member for one year before being elected Policy Council Chairperson. She also serves as a member of the ClackCoKids Board of Directors. As a parent leader, Miranda is passionate about advocating for children, families, and the importance of early childhood education. She finds fulfillment in advocating for and empowering parents who may not feel comfortable speaking up for themselves. She has represented ClackCoKids at the Oregon State Capitol, as well as at national conferences in California and Washington, D.C., where she has advocated for Head Start and Early Head Start programs while sharing how these services have positively impacted her family’s lives. She believes every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves to have their voice heard. Miranda is grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and support her family has received through the program. Miranda lives in Clackamas, Oregon, with her husband, Anthony, their daughter, Avery, and their beloved pets, Sage their cat and Doja their dog. Together they enjoy creating meaningful memories, and giving Avery opportunities and experiences they may not have had for themselves while growing up. Outside of her volunteer leadership, Miranda enjoys the outdoors and quality time with family and friends. She is honored to serve the ClackCoKids community.
Thomas D. Jensen, MSc, CFPⓇ
Wealth Management Advisor
Thomas Jensen is the founder and Principal Advisor of Capital+Intent Wealth Partners, an Oregon-based financial planning practice. Before entering financial planning, Thomas spent his early career in the nonprofit sector, first working in microfinance programs serving low-income families, then as a private consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, where he worked on asset-building initiatives, including financial literacy education and savings programs for underbanked households. That work shaped a belief he still holds: affordable, safe childcare isn’t a peripheral social service but a core piece of economic development, directly tied to a family’s ability to build assets and work toward long-term stability. Thomas later became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, earning his certification through the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business, and holds a Master of Science in Economic Development and Anthropology from the University of London. Originally from Bornholm, Denmark, he has lived in Oregon since 2003 and resides in the Damascus area with his wife and daughter.
Ariel Stavitsky
Energy and Environmental Attorney
Ariel is an attorney and partner with Stoel Rives LLP. Her practice spans environmental, natural resource, and land use litigation and permitting and administrative law issues. Ariel is committed to expanding access to justice and supportive resources for children and families in our community. She also serves on the Oregon State Bar’s Energy, Telecom, and Utility Law Section Executive Committee and as a volunteer mock trial coach for Portland’s Jefferson High School.
"Policy Council is a vital part of CCCC. It is the point where parents and community representatives can have their voices heard and their ideas put into action. This is the place where change is initiated, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s provided for my family.”
“During these difficult times parents are not always able to participate in Policy Council. I recommend Grandparents of Head Start students like me join. With their wealth of knowledge they could help bring a new perspective and also represent their grandchildren and their children in the process.”