Staff and Partners

I am so fortunate to be the director of TIO. I started as the clinical director in 2014 at the beginning of TIO and became the director in 2018. In my role I work with organizations to apply TI approaches for both those served and the workforce through training, consulting, evaluating, and innovating. I work to stay informed of what is working across the globe and use this to keep the work relevant, responsive, and evolving. I also work to support the amazing ideas and talents of TIO staff and community partners to create flourishing environments.

I value that healing and flourishing can come from many places and spaces and often involves a weaving of tangible needs with connections and time. Often this process is disrupted as a result of agency or system policies and procedures. I am passionate about TIC because it focuses on removing barriers that cause harm or prevent healing and it invites everyone to find a place in this work. Beyond my work I spend time with my family playing games of all sorts. I also love to curl up with a book or sit in silence staring at the ocean (really any water). I also greatly appreciate other people's cooking.

You can reach mandy at madavis@pdx.edu

Dalia Avello Psy.M., MA, IMH-E (She/Her/Ella) is a Professor of Practice at Trauma Informed Oregon with a focus on mental health promotion and prevention practices within systems. She trained as a Psychologist, has a MA in Education and International Development from University College of London, an AMI Montessori teaching diploma, and the Infant Mental Health Endorsement at the Mentor Level.

Dalia has worked for over 15 years in private, public, and non-profit organizations in the areas of research and organizational development. She has dedicated the last 10 years of her career to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, with special focus on adversity, policy and implementation. In addition to her work with teams across the globe, she has led projects in Oregon in the areas of advocacy, professional development, inclusion and social justice.

Dalia spends her free time reading, knitting, and volunteering as a NICU baby cuddler in a local pediatric hospital.

You can reach dalia at davello@pdx.edu

I am a Research Assistant at Trauma Informed Oregon (TIO) and partner with other TIO members or community members to conduct research related to trauma-informed care. I am currently a Ph.D. student through PSU’s School of Social Work. My most recent project was in partnership with Dalia Avello which explored the process of culturally-grounding trauma-informed care trainings to improve training access for Latinx/Hispanic communities in Oregon. I have a background in community mental health as a social worker and have a strong interest in community disaster resilience, especially how trauma and disasters intersect, and hope to continue my research in this direction. Looking forward to working with you!

Beyond my work, I am a fur parent of two four-pawed fluffy butts. I love traversing the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest and indulging myself with new plant children.

You can reach christy at cdarosa@pdx.edu

Cleo Flynn (she/her) is the project and administrative support person at TIO. She works with the university and TIO staff to manage and coordinate all administrative aspects of Trauma Informed Oregon. Cleo previously worked as an assistant producer and editor in documentary film and is currently pursuing an MSW at Portland State University. Outside of work, Cleo loves to explore the outdoors and is learning to build and fix bikes.

You can reach cleo at cleoflynn@pdx.edu

Danielle Grondin, she/her/hers, is an Instructional Designer for Trauma Informed Care. Her undergraduate schooling focused on Sociology and Civic Leadership, while her lived experience illuminated the strengths and shortcomings of our current systems of care. She is finishing up an Executive Master of Public Administration program at Portland State University.

Danielle has been in educator roles for over a decade and is passionate about social justice, intersectionality, sustainability, and holistic healing modalities. She values integrity, community, and systems change work. Danielle is a pet parent to two dogs, loves laughing with her partner, and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

You can reach danielle at dcgrondi@pdx.edu

Liliana Kennedy (She/Her/Hers) is a Research Assistant at Trauma Informed Oregon. Liliana partners with various members of TIO to assist on projects. Advocacy has been a central theme to Liliana's work. She has volunteered at CARES NW and as a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for the Multnomah County District Attorney's office. Liliana has a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and is hoping to pursue a Mater's of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Portland State.

Outside of work Liliana has two cats and a dog. She enjoys reading literature on forensic interviewing and hosting murder mystery nights.

You can reach lilly at kenned22@pdx.edu

Steffannie Roaché, MS LPC, is an Asst. Professor of Practice at Trauma Informed Oregon and Portland State University with a focus on workforce wellness, equity and inclusion through representation and power-sharing within systems, and the promotion of resources that support healing for communities affected by racialized and historical forms of trauma. She has over 20 years of experience providing trainings focused on resilience, trauma informed care, and culturally centered practices, and nearly 10 years of counseling within group and private practices.

Steffannie has contracted with large and small organizations for workforce wellness, TIC, and DEI offerings and has successfully operated a private counseling and consulting practice. Her life’s passion is to work hand-in-hand with community partners to uplift hope, healing, and social justice within systems.

Steffannie enjoys reading and writing poetry; listening to jazz, fusion, and alternative forms of music; traveling nationally and abroad; and spending time with family and friends outside of work and career activities.

You can reach staffanie at sroache@pdx.edu

Sarai coordinates all incoming training requests and consultation needs and the Oregon Trauma Advocates Coalition (OTAC). She was a member of OTAC during high school where she collaborated with others to create accessible, trauma-informed resources and materials for mental health and overall wellness for youth across Oregon. She is a second-year student at Portland State University majoring in Communication with minors in Chicano/Latine Studies and Spanish.

Sarai has been a passionate advocate for social justice and mental health, especially within the BIPOC community. She hopes to uplift her Latine community through trauma-informed mental health advocacy, especially for the youth who are first-generation in the U.S. or have immigrant parents/guardians.

Outside of work, Sarai is a thrill seeker who enjoys activities like bungee jumping, zip-lining, extreme roller coasters, cliff jumping, skycoasters, and horror movies. She is an avid music lover and listens to various genres like Latin American music; Mexican; jazz; r&b/soul; alternative; Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and French pop, and hip-hop. She enjoys traveling nationally and hopes to start traveling abroad soon; spending quality time with her partner, friends, and family; attending concerts and music festivals; and binge-watching sitcoms, comedy, and drama shows.

You can reach sarai at sarai3@pdx.edu

Christine Whitaker, Trauma Informed Oregon’s project manager and recent graduate of the master’s program at Portland State University. Bringing with her six years of experience with the Oregon Department of Human Services, Christine has worked with families participating in the SNAP/TANF programs experiencing trauma as well as serving the foster youth/foster parent community within Multnomah County.

Coming from immigrant parents who made their way here from Egypt many years ago, she has loved and embraced her culture and those who have been so brave and courageous to choose the U.S. as home. Christine has learned that her passion in life is healing and people. Put them together and Christine is joyful.

Outside of work, Christine spends time with her two children and her quiet time learning ways to help others move towards their life goals.

You can reach christine at christine.whitaker@pdx.edu