Staff

Deborah Waggoner, Community Living Supports Specialist

Deborah is an advocate for social change in multiple arenas, from coordinating events for persons of color, advocating for disability rights and equal rights for all communities, as well as dedicated nonprofit work. In addition to being an Inclusion and Living Supports Specialist, she coordinates our Parent2Parent Group and Socializing Colorfully Program.

 Some interesting things about me: I love to sing! Even though I don’t know the lyrics to my favorite songs, I make up my own lyrics. I co-host a social group for forward thinking women called speakSHEasy. My family is the best thing that has happened to me!

Kris DeMaria, Bookkeeper

Kris is known for her versatile experiences including financial management, farming, and business ownership. She managed a local organic farm for several years and owned a coffee shop. Currently she is the financial manager for People’s Food Cooperative, in addition to helping out with On-the-Move bookkeeping. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Syracuse University.

Some interesting things about me: I love running, biking, hiking, eating, and farming. I ran a half-marathon last summer, and am happiest with my hands in the dirt and ears listening to the birds!

Kris Gonzalez, Community Inclusion Specialist

Kris is currently a student at Portland Community College pursuing a BS in Special Education. She has experience working with disadvantaged children and adults and helped start a local non-profit branch of services for people experiencing homelessness in her hometown of Lake Elsinore, CA.  After moving to Portland, Kris was longing for a way to continue her work giving back to the community and was ecstatic when she found a place at On-the-Move.

Some interesting things about me: I am an aspiring musician, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) craft fanatic, and avid reader. I enjoy long hikes and camping trips with my life partner Jordan and my dog Kannon, as well as watching really bad TV series and eating too much ice cream. Most of all I care about my community and making it a better, greener, and safer place for everyone to be who they are.

Leah Gagliano, Program Manager

Leah holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management.  Prior to working as program manager at On-the-Move, Leah was a program manager at The Community Place in Rochester, NY and worked for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.  She has also worked as a paraprofessional in special education classrooms and was a counselor at a camp for kids with special needs.

Some interesting things about me:  I grew up in the county in western NY and moved to Portland in July 2012.  I was drawn to Oregon because of the mountains, trees, closeness to the ocean, and of course On-the-Move!  I enjoy spending time with my husband and my adorable boston terrier, Jake.

Leigh Anne Kranz. Community Inclusion Specialist

Leigh Anne has been with On-the-Move since 2008 and developed community partnerships with the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Food Bank Learning Garden, and Happy Trails Riding Center to offer clients access to animal-centered volunteer programs.   She supports the On-the-Move Zoo Crew in caring for the elephants, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, and creating enrichment projects for the mental health of animals in captivity.  She helps clients pursue life goals, build independent living and job skills, and offers a cooking group to teach clients to cook whatever they desire—from family recipes to global cuisine.  Leigh Anne graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies:  Animal Behavior and Education.  She participated in a study of Northern Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Reserve, taught environmental education, and was senior research assistant with the Gorilla Foundation—a sign language study involving lowland gorillas.  She later worked for an educational software company that addressed the needs of students with different learning styles and English as a second language.

Some interesting things about me:  I love being in nature, writing, photography, playing guitar, and volunteering at KBOO Community Radio.  Little known fact:  I’m a pinball wizard.

Matteson Knox, Community Inclusion Specialist

Matteson received a BA in anthropology from Reed College in 2009, and spent the next two years in South Korea working as a public school English teacher. On her return to Portland, she wanted to do meaningful work in her community, and found that opportunity at On-the-Move. She speaks six languages conversationally, including Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin.

Some interesting things about me: I have traveled all over the world, and love Portland best. In my free time, I volunteer for social justice organizations, wrangle cats, and read mountains of books. I aspire to both become an organic farmer, and pursue of PhD in social science (as soon as I figure out which one I like best).

Molly Mayo, Founder and Executive Director

Molly has worked with individuals with special needs in academic, vocational, residential, recreational, and wilderness settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Portland State University and a Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts from Earlham College. After years working at Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp, she founded On-the-Move to provide year-round opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals with differences. Molly speaks conversational Spanish and French.

Some interesting things about me: I love animals, especially dogs! In March 2011 I went to Cameroon, Africa to volunteer at a chimpanzee and primate sanctuary. I taught English for a year in Damascus, Syria. I am on Portland’s rollerdisc team (frisbee combined with roller-skating), have completed 5 marathons, and occasionally squeeze the accordion. I am a vegetarian and live car-free.

Rachel Moreaux, Community Inclusion Specialist

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Southern Oregon University and is currently interested in becoming a speech and language pathologist.  Rachel loves spending time at On-the-Move and finds the work to be very rewarding.  Rachel speaks conversational French.

Some interesting things about me:  I love to travel and I spent a year studying in Lyon, France and traveling around Europe.  I enjoy studying languages and I hope to begin learning Spanish and American Sign Language in the upcoming year.  I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and pets.

Rory Kilcullen, Community Inclusion Specialist

Rory has been with On-the-Move for over two years as a Community Inclusion Specialist. Prior to working in his current position Rory coached Portland youth lacrosse and worked for two years at the Oregon Garden non-profit in Silverton. He is also a full time student at Portland State University working on a Baccalaureate degree in Liberal Studies.

Some interesting things about me: I love to travel. From sleeping on the Great Wall of China to admiring the statue of David in Italy, I've been fortunate enough to visit many amazing places around the globe. When I am not on the move, I enjoy watching movies and playing a variety of sports, especially ice hockey.

Sean Brennan, Community Inclusion Specialist, Reading Instructor

Sean has had experience working with diverse age groups and abilities in many varied settings in his prior jobs and volunteer work.  With a bachelors degree in elementary education and a masters in Education with a focus on literacy, Sean was a classroom teacher in Rhode Island and Montana before moving to Portland in 2012.  Sean has also worked for years as a program director and jack of all trades at Camp Make-A-Dream, an oncology camp for children and young adults outside of Missoula, Montana.

Some interesting things about me: I love learning!  The world constantly fascinates me, especially the people in it (including myself!)  I grew up in Montana and its mountains and vastness have always captivated my heart.  My brother and I hiked the Continental Divide Trail through Montana, which took just over 2 months to complete the 950+ miles; it was awesome to see the varied beauty of the state from Glacier (north) to Yellowstone (south). I continue to love exploring, which is one of the reasons I love On-the-Move and the inherent adventurous nature of each day!  When not exploring, I enjoy sewing, cooking, gardening, playing various musical instruments, teaching a weekly dance fitness class (Oula), and spending time with my husband, friends, and family.

Scott Sheldon, Substitute Inclusion Specialist

A decade ago, Scott left a career in the technology industry and committed himself to exploring how to help develop a sustainable economy.  He's an active community organizer, focused on developing "neighbor markets" in ultra-local production, processing and distribution of goods, beginning with the urban food economy.  Scott holds a bachelor's in computer engineering and masters in management.  His work at On-the-Move brings him close to the human side of sustainable community and prepares him to address the community service economy.

Some interesting things about me:  Portland called me home from stints in Europe and two other western states, this time to stay.  I love river swimming, rock climbing, collecting wild herbs and mushrooms, and practicing traditional ways of making food & medicine at home.  Since giving up my car 2 years ago, I walk or ride my bike almost everywhere, with an occasional boost from TriMet.  I still miss easy access to the woods, but am slowly learning to see the same beauty within Portland then I once found in the forests and ocean.

Thamara Shabazz, Community Inclusion Specialist

Thamara has worked with individuals with special needs since 1998. She is a trained Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, and ran her own adult foster care home for four years. She brings high energy, compassion and laughter to On-the-Move. Thamara was born in Guatemala and is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Some interesting things about me: I enjoy hiking, cross-fit, and knitting.

Vincent Aguas, Community Inclusion Specialist

Vincent received his Bachelor of Arts in Art from Marylhurst University. He has been a bank teller, worked at a bookstore, and as a flipbook technician. He finds his work at On-the-Move to be meaningful and enjoyable! Vincent speaks Filipino.

Some interesting things about me: In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my boxer, Aspen.   I am an avid runner and have participated in many races. I am currently pursuing my Master of Fine Arts in Photography at   the Academy of Art University.