OUR TEAM
We are here to help strengthen local communities by providing resources and services that support self-reliance, build relationships with those we serve, and empower those that work in child care.
Jessica Nguyen, MAdED (pronouns: she/they)
Deputy Director, Neighborhood House
Jessica Nguyen is the Deputy Director at Neighborhood House, bringing over 20+ years of experience in leadership and early education and has a deep commitment to anti-poverty work, human rights, and educational equity. She is also engaged in state and federal advocacy, working with legislators and community partners to champion early learning funding, immigrant and refugee supports, food security, and policies that protect the rights and well-being of all.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys hiking, photography, ballroom dance, and traveling.
Mina Smith (she/her)
OCCA Program Manager Neighborhood House
Mina Smith is a seasoned early learning leader with over 25 years of experience advancing equitable systems for children, families, and providers across Oregon and Washington. Before joining OCCA, she led major initiatives at Early Learning Multnomah, including coordinated enrollment for Preschool Promise and countywide quality assurance systems. Her background spans child care center directorship, workforce development, and policy collaboration. Guided by cultural responsiveness and partnership, Mina is dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s child care sector through advocacy, innovation, and community-driven solutions.
Heidi Martin
Business Coach
Heidi has lived in Central Oregon for over 20 years and believes that a child’s success in life is directly related to their early years. She feels fortunate to work with the Oregon Child Care Alliance and support providers’ businesses with sound financial advice and time saving processes so they can spend more time with nurturing the children they’ve been entrusted with. Heidi has been working in the finance for 20 years and finds this is the most important and meaningful work she’s done.
Sunny Yepez
Spanish Bilingual Business Coach
Monica Altamirano
Bilingual Business Coach
Monica has lived in Central Oregon for over 20 years and has been part of NeighborImpact for about 13 years. Monica knows the need for support for our providers. She is excited to be part of OCCA and able to work with our Spanish speaking providers, helping them save time and money so they can focus more on the job they love in spending time with the children they so effortlessly serve. What a rewarding job all the way around!
Danielle Cunningham
Program Coordinator & Business Coach
Danielle has over a decade of experience in the field of Early Care and Education ranging from center-based lead teacher, family child care business owner, education coach, and professional development trainer. At the Oregon Child Care Alliance Danielle supports our team as a Program Coordinator and Business Navigator. Danielle’s approach with her clients is centered around building trusting relationships to promote a journey of self-discovery allowing space for the exploration of a teacher’s core values, behaviors, beliefs, and ways of being to move forward in cultivating a connection with children, families, and the community.
Julia Smith
Bilingual Business Coach
Julia brings experience in Elementary Education, Business Management, and Bilingual skills to assist our Child Care Provider Community in Tillamook, Columbia and Clatsop Counties. Her goal is to build effective communication with Child Care Providers, and a strong trustable business relationship to work together to overcome challenges facing business owners. Her family has lived in the Tillamook Community for 13 years. They enjoy camping, hiking, road trips, and multiple sports with their children.
Josefina Lorance
Bilingual Business Coach
Josefina currently resides Salem with her wonderful husband, 2-year-old (JR) that keeps her on her toes and oldest daughter with 2 beautiful grandchildren (full house always). I have been with community action for a while in a few different roles, I started as a teacher assistant back in 2004, then as a Family Educator until 2023, and I spent about 3 months with Nutrition First as a Compliance Monitor, after that I took a break from the agency for about 9 months working as an HR Recruiter. I missed my community action so much that I had to come back and I am happy to be here. I look forward to meeting you all soon.
Kealey Browne
Business Coach, Admin Team
Kealey has worked with children and their families in the educational field for over ten years. Born and raised in Northeast Portland, she is well-versed in the benefits and challenges of running a childcare center in Oregon for families, educators, and program coordinators. OCCAs mission to provide tools, resources, and training to these small businesses aligns directly with Kealey’s goals to help communities flourish and give business owners more time they can dedicate to the young minds they are teaching.
Isabel Thompson
Bilingual Business Coach
Isabel’s background includes teaching and administration. She was a founding member and conductor of 2 elementary band programs where she wrote a grant for her school’s music department. She worked as customer experience supervisor and salesperson for KHS America. She developed a bilingual early childhood music class at Youth Music Project and manages all logistic P&L and tax work for her husband’s business. Her non-degree education includes photography, brand management, nonfiction writing and Salesforce administration.
Join Our Team
Interested in becoming an Oregon Child Care Alliance staff member? Please contact us and we will be in touch soon. You can also check for current job postings below.