Executive Director
Rhonda McDowall
Rhonda has more than 30 years of professional experience in early childhood education. Our Executive Director implements policy, selects and supervises staff, maintains fiscal control of the agency, and functions as program advocate. She reports to our board of directors and is responsible for the overall operation of the Center.
Operations Director
Naomi Chavira
Our Operations Director manages all aspects of the program including supervision of Lead Teachers, classroom curriculum and communications, and provides support for the vision, mission, and goals of the center. She works closely with our board of directors, management and teachers, current and former parents, volunteers, and the greater Portland community. Naomi has been at Fruit & Flower since 2003 and working in the field of childcare for 20 years. Naomi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Humboldt State University and has dedicated her life to creating exemplary early childhood education programs.
Human Resources Director
Chrissy Verpoorten
Chrissy has more than 23 years of professional experience in early childhood education. Our Human Resources Director provides direction, guidance and a mentoring staff. She is responsible for staff relations, staff orientation, staff scheduling, staff training, and implementation of safety policy and procedures.
Finance Director
Jessica Beneski
Jessica has more than 15 years of professional experience in non-profit/education business administration. Our Finance Director is responsible for financial forecasting and tracking, bookkeeping, payroll, benefits administration, and USDA tracking.
Community Development Director
Maura Stine
Maura has over 12 years of professional experience in higher education and municipal fundraising, event planning, and recreation programming. Our Development Director is responsible for fundraising for tuition assistance, communication, supporting the board of directors, and event planning.
Office Manager
Ashley Johnson
Ashley started at Fruit & Flower in 2014. She manages the Front Desk and is responsible for: children’s files and individual contact information, accept and record payments, facilitate communications between families and program staff, daily attendance records and reporting, immunization recording and reporting, and answering phones and greetings.
Rock Creek Center
Program Director
Stephanie Derkatch.
Stephanie has over 10 years of early childhood experience, and has been with Fruit & Flower since 2011 . Responsibilities include: staff supervision, classroom support, scheduling, and family involvement.