Britni D’Eliso, PresidentBritni has worked in local social service and behavioral health care efforts for the past 15 years. Her experience ranges from providing direct therapy for individuals with chronic behavioral health conditions to enhancing system coordination at the macro level. She is trained to conduct Trauma Informed Care 101 level trainings and does so regularly with her current role at Lane County Health and Human Services. Britni is passionate about the Lane County community and is committed to supporting folks on their pursuits of wellness and thriving. In partnership with her husband, Mike, she is raising two incredible kiddos and constantly seeking out opportunities to enjoy the beautiful PNW outdoor scene in between sips of a tea latte.
“I have found the work of coming alongside individuals on their path to healing to be sacred and precious. I hope to be able to contribute to the systems and infrastructure surrounding our community to ensure that more individuals have access to their healing path without the risk of further harm.”
Toni Doveri, Treasurer
Toni is a native Oregonian with a strong commitment to community and organizational sustainability. She brings more than 15 years of senior-level experience in finance, operations, and global business leadership, with expertise in budgeting, risk management, and building strong, accountable systems. She is President Emeritus of the Board for the Positive Community Kitchen and is a co-founder of the Urban Wholistics Wellness Collective. Her work bridges financial stewardship with a values-driven commitment to community wellness, resilience and care.
Susan Walters, Secretary
Susan studied nursing at Chapman University and has worked as a Registered Nurse since 1989. Initially caring for mothers, babies and young families she transitioned into public and community health in 2006. She has managed home health, hospice and home infusion services in Florence and Eugene and currently serves as the assistant manager of Home Health services at Peace Health. Providing community-based care, Susan has become profoundly aware of the effects of trauma on physical health and the need for a holistic approach addressing trauma as part of any individualized plan of care. She is most passionate about promoting health literacy across the lifespan. Susan also serves as a TIPS volunteer and on the legislative committee for Oregon Association of Home Care. She is happiest spending time with family and moving dirt around in the garden.
Ruth Acheinegeh, Member
Ruth was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and at age 3 contracted polio, which led her to receive her elementary education in a school for children with disabilities. Despite the cultural stigma surrounding disability, she pursued her education and completed an advanced college certificate in business management at 28. She later took over her family’s business, becoming the first woman to sell at the city’s main market. In 2010, she attended a training for women with disabilities in Eugene, Oregon, organized by Mobility International which inspired her to found the Northwest Association for Women with Disabilities in Cameroon. After fleeing the civil war in 2017, Ruth settled in Eugene, where she now supervises volunteers at NextStep, a computer recycling center, with the goal of sending computers to Cameroon to help children with disabilities learn IT skills.
Karlene Clark, Member
Karlene works as an Operations Manager with the Oregon Department of Human Services in the Eligibility Program. She is also an ordained minister with the United Methodist Church, who has served as a Hospice Chaplain, in addition to many years of pastoral ministry. Karlene is a certified in trauma-informed personal training, utilizing movement and exercise for nervous system regulation and healing the body from stress and trauma. Karlene enjoys hiking, camping, used book stores, front yard chickens, and reading aloud around the fire pit with her family.
“Trauma is a destructive force, but when we focus on healing trauma we transform lives – from individuals to communities to entire systems. I believe in the power of healing trauma to support human thriving.”
Ilisa Rooke-Ley, Advisor-Member at Large
Ilisa fist became a lawyer in Florida in 1989 working for the Dade County Public Defender’s Office. She and her family moved to Eugene and she worked as a private lawyer representing indigent people and then with Public Defender’s Services of Lane County for thirteen years. She then worked as a Lane County Circuit Court judge for eleven years. She presided over Lane County’s Treatment Courts for four years and then Juvenile Treatment Court for two years. Her passion is empowering others without judging the circumstances that brought them before her.
“I have seen how trauma impacts people and their choices and I support the healing that everyone deserves to live their best life.”
(On temporary leave)
Ana Maria worked as a Community Health Worker for PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center and served as the Program Coordinator for Peggy’s Primary Connection at the Family Resource Center until her retirement in 2022. She first came to the Family Resource Center in Cottage Grove in 1993 and dedicated her career to enriching the lives of countless families with her warmth, grace, and spirit. Throughout her tenure, she helped families navigate complex medical systems, connect with local resources and shared her knowledge of child development with parents. In 2022, she was honored as the Minalee Saks’ Champion of Children in recognition of her lifelong commitment to supporting children and families in Lane County.
Current Opportunities
We are seeking members with fundraising & development skills and experience bringing products to market. The board of directors meets monthly. There are also occasional special meetings of the board and an annual planning retreat. For more information, email Elaine Walters or call her at 541-687-9447.