We are here because we believe in all people.

Since 1971, we have served thousands of families in the Portland Metropolitan area.

We are committed to our community.

For more than 50 years, we’ve been supporting Portland area families in their parenting journeys. Mother & Child Education Center is an independent nonprofit organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. As a standard 501(c)(3), Mother & Child is not religiously affiliated, while we do enjoy and appreciate support from many different types of organizations. 

Mother & Child is supported by donations, grants, and fundraising events.

We are staffed by interns, volunteers, and a few paid staff. We appreciate volunteer inquiries as we do have specific needs from time to time.

Classes (education) You can register for parenting classes…

Setting up baby (preparing for baby’s arrival)

Supplies at all stages of childhood

Board of Directors

  • Cathy Sherick | Board President

    Occupation: Policy and Training Coordinator, Multnomah County Office of Community Involvement

    Cathy and her husband have called Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood home for many years. They’ve raised two sons who attended David Douglas, Eastern Oregon University (Go Mounties) and Oregon State University (Go Beavs)!! Her strong beliefs in the betterment of the community through fostering connections, being empathetic and creative, and providing education has brought a pivotal perspective to the organization. Cathy finds joy in exploring the Oregon coast, hiking, and participating in local festivals. Despite admitting her gardening skills are less than stellar, her passion for cultivating connections within her community shines through. Professionally, Cathy brings a wealth of experience in public administration and education to the table. Her diverse career in higher education and local government has equipped her with valuable insights and skills. Since joining the Board in 2022, Cathy's expertise has been instrumental in shaping strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration. With an extensive background in the nonprofit sector, Cathy excels in developing partnerships and programs, organizing impactful events, and managing community initiatives. She is committed to building strong community bonds and fostering open communication. Cathy actively serves on several boards and volunteers with local organizations, contributing to the community's growth and well-being.

  • Richard Barsotti, MD | Treasurer

    Occupation: Pediatrician, Metro Pediatrics

    Dr. Dick Barsotti is a pediatrician who has been serving communities in East County for over 40 years. He, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recognizes the significance of the first 1,000 days of a child's life - from conception until the age of two - in shaping their long-term health outcomes. He loves children and is dedicated to their health and well-being. In addition to his healthcare expertise, Dr. Barsotti has technology experience and is an avid photographer. He is a father of four and grandfather of seven, and he brings his personal and professional experiences to the Mother and Child Education Board, where he is a valuable resource. Dr. Barsotti went to Oregon State University for his undergraduate, Oregon Health & Science University for medical school, and USC/LA County Medical School for his residency. He returned to Portland after three years with the Air Force. Dr. Barsotti joined the board in 2014.

  • Patrick Duffy | Director

    Occupation: President, American Machine & Gear

    Patrick Duffy believes that when individuals have their fundamental needs met and are provided with some resources to succeed, they grow. As a father of three and a husband to a retired teacher, he places great emphasis on education and how it can bring about positive change in a community. Patrick owns three small manufacturing companies in Portland and Vancouver, which employ 48 people. Patrick has served on several local non-profit boards and is very active in his Catholic community. He is a well-known soccer and track & field official. He brings more than 50 years of business expertise, financial acumen, and connections in the local health and fitness community to the Mother and Child Education Board. Patrick graduated from Jesuit High School, Occidental College, and Harvard University and joined the Board in 2012.

  • Kristin Russo | Vice President

    Previous occupation: Account Director, Razorfish

    Kristin Russo, a Portland native, recognizes that having a community to rely on is crucial when raising children. As a mother of two, she is aware of the difficulties of parenting and depends on the support of those around her. Kristin started her career with one of the pioneering digital agencies in the country, where she managed accounts for major companies such as Quaker Oats, Visa, and Dole Foods. After moving to New York, she focused on direct mail and media for magazines like Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Upon returning to Portland, she got back into digital marketing at Razorfish, where she served as an Account Director for clients such as MillerCoors and Best Buy. Her extensive knowledge in advertising, marketing, and media, has allowed her to establish consistency in messaging, branding, and social media endeavors for Mother and Child Education Center. She is a graduate of Santa Clara University and joined the Board in October 2014.

  • Kanika Saraiya | Director

    Occupation: Director, KPMG Consulting

    Kanika believes opening doors and hearts without biases is crucial. She, an immigrant, and mother of two, advocates for inclusivity and early childhood resources to foster healthy communities. As a Director at KPMG Consulting with 16 years of experience, she advises executives and leads teams through innovation and transformation. With an engineering degree and MBA, she offers expertise in technology, business, and risk enabling companies to realize growth and value. She brings a global perspective having worked internationally in India, China, Europe, and the USA. Known for her empathetic leadership, she develops and leads high-performing teams enabling professionals to bring their best. She promotes knowledge sharing and community engagement, speaking at conferences and volunteering locally. Serving on the Mother and Child Education Center board since 2022, she plays a vital role in guiding the organization's future growth and impact. Kanika embodies a commitment to diversity, equity, and community well-being, leveraging her professional insight and personal values to drive positive change.

  • Kira Anderson | Secretary

    Occupation: Research coordinator at OHSU

    Kira has a deep commitment to values-driven public health initiatives. Her foundational belief that "we all do better when we all do better" serves as a guiding principle in her work. Kira's journey in public health began with an internship at Mother & Child, where she cultivated her passion for supporting maternal and child well-being. Drawing from her experience in disability services, Kira brings a person-centered perspective to her endeavors, placing dignity at the forefront of caregiving. This perspective informs her approach to research and advocacy, as she seeks to empower individuals and communities alike. As a graduate of the OHSU/PSU School of Public Health, Kira's academic pursuits have centered on investigating the intersection of maternal socioeconomic status and low infant birth weight. Her honors thesis on this subject reflects her dedication to addressing systemic inequalities and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. In her current role as a research coordinator at OHSU, Kira continues to collaborate with Mother & Child, intertwining her values with her professional responsibilities. Through this ongoing partnership, she strives to foster a collective sense of responsibility for supporting early childhood development, recognizing the profound impact it can have on individuals throughout their lives.

Meet the Staff

  • Jess Rengo

    Executive Director

    Jess was the Program Director at Mother & Child from 2014 to 2024. Prior to Mother & Child, Jess spent five years on local boards, in property management, teaching preschool, nannying, and traveling through Europe and Japan. Jess attended Marylhurst University, where she received a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Art Therapy, Business, and Community while completing an internship at Mother & Child. After graduation, Jess joined the Mother & Child staff in a lead role. She teaches Childbirth, Newborn Care, and Safe Sleep classes at Mother & Child.

    Jess is the mother to three amazing kids, is a co-chair on the Parent Child Family Health Community Advisory board for Multnomah County and also participates on the Parent Child Family Health Family Partnership Collective. She is also passionate about photography. She builds community through art, listening, connecting with people with a compassionate approach, and by holding space for those expecting or caring for children.

  • Maggie Nixon

    Program Assistant

  • Karen Villatoro Ramos

    Client Care | Spanish Support

  • Liz Tanner

    Development Lead

  • Chelsea Nave

    Volunteer Coordinator

  • Marianne Freeborn

    Social Media & Communications