Meet the Team

  • Dana Fuller Shephard

    Executive Director

    Dana leads Arrive with a deep commitment to helping families achieve homeownership as a pathway to stability and prosperity. She joined Arrive as Deputy Director in 2022 and became Executive Director in 2023. A Portland native, Dana previously managed a $10M annual homeownership budget at the City of Portland and worked 15 years in mortgage services. She is passionate about guiding families to sustainable homeownership, believing that ownership is a vital tool for economic empowerment.

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    Bernice Platz

    Lending Operations Coordinator

    Bernice plays a key role in keeping Arrive’s lending operations running smoothly, supporting the systems behind the lending process and the families navigating the path to homeownership. She joined Arrive in 2017 and brings over a decade of experience in financial coaching, homeownership counseling, and HUD-certified pre-purchase education. Bernice is motivated by the belief that homeownership is a pathway to economic stability and generational wealth, especially for historically underserved communities.

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    Christy Gifford

    Preference Policy Program Manager - HUD Certified Housing Counselor

    Christy guides first-time buyers through the homeownership process and supports them in building generational wealth. She joined Arrive in 2023 after five years in affordable rental housing and holds a BS in Community Health Education. Christy is motivated by the understanding that stable housing is crucial to families’ social, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

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    Darcie Lennox

    Office & Facilities Manager

    Darcie ensures Arrive’s day-to-day operations run efficiently. She joined Arrive in 2020 and brings over 14 years of experience in office management, accounting, and HR. Darcie values homeownership for the stability it provides families and the strength it brings to communities.

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    Jessenia Juarez

    Lending Director

    Jessenia helps families achieve homeownership while addressing the racial wealth gap. She joined Arrive in 2021 and brings 15+ years of experience in real estate and nonprofit housing programs. She is also the Chair of the Oregon Real Estate Board for 2026. Bilingual and bicultural, Jessenia is passionate about building trust in financing within the community and believes that ownership fosters stability and generational wealth.

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    Julian Arnaud

    Strategic Initiatives Manager

    Julian focuses on empowering families and communities through strategic initiatives. He joined Arrive in 2025 and draws on over nine years in social services and his experience as an immigrant, believing that everyone deserves opportunities to thrive.

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    Kimberly Swopes

    IDA Program Coordinator

    Kim helps families save for homeownership through our IDA program department. She joined Arrive in 2019 with 23 years of real estate experience and is motivated by the belief that invested homeowners help transform communities.

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    Laura Bower

    Homeownership Program Director

    Laura oversees programs guiding families toward stable homeownership. She joined Arrive in 2021 and became Homeownership Program Director in 2024. With over six years of experience in real estate, she is passionate about helping families build security and generational wealth.

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    Lesly Vazquez

    Bilingual Intake Specialist

    Lesly supports families navigating homeownership and overcoming barriers. She joined Arrive in 2026 and brings experience in eviction defense and nonprofit case management. Lesly values the stability homeownership provides families and the foundation it creates for children’s futures.

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    Mark Palardy

    Finance Director

    Mark directs and manages Arrive’s finances, blending expertise in nonprofit accounting with mortgage industry experience. He joined Arrive in 2022 and believes homeownership is one of the most impactful tools for family financial security.

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    Maya Zavala

    Community Engagement Coordinator

    Maya leads outreach efforts that build partnerships, foster collaboration, and increase awareness of Arrive throughout the community. She joined Arrive in 2026 and brings a background in bilingual communications, marketing, and community engagement. She enjoys building lasting relationships that strengthen communities and expand access to homeownership.

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    Mayra Paez

    Bilingual Homebuying Specialist - HUD Certified Housing Counselor

    Mayra educates and empowers first-time buyers, helping close the wealth gap. She joined Arrive in 2018 and previously worked in social services and foreclosure counseling. Mayra is driven by the belief that safe, affordable housing should be accessible to all.

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    Michele Geraci

    HUD-Certified Housing Counselor

    Michele guides families through the homebuying process. She joined Arrive in 2025 and brings 30 years as a mortgage loan officer, helping multiple generations achieve homeownership. She is motivated by the life-changing impact homeownership can have on families and communities.

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    Monica Johnson

    Senior Mortgage Loan Processor

    Monica ensures smooth loan processing to help families access homeownership. She joined Arrive in 2020 with eight years of prior experience and is motivated by her role in creating stability for families.

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    Predrag Radeta

    Loan Servicing Specialist / Accounting Clerk

    Predrag guides clients through home financing with expertise and confidence. He joined Arrive in 2026 with over 20 years in the mortgage industry. An immigrant himself, he is committed to helping minority and immigrant families achieve homeownership.

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    Quran Muhommad

    Program Coordinator - HUD Certified Housing Counselor

    Quran coordinates programs that support families in reaching financial and housing stability. She joined Arrive in 2022 and brings prior experience assisting renters facing housing insecurity. She believes everyone deserves access to housing and financial stability.

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    Randi Pittman

    Homebuying Specialist - HUD Certified Housing Counselor

    Randi empowers families to achieve homeownership and generational wealth. She joined Arrive in 2025 with 28+ years in human services and is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

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    Ryan Parker

    IDA Program Manager

    Ryan manages programs that help families save and access homeownership. He joined Arrive in 2025 and has 15+ years in nonprofit financial wellness. Ryan is motivated by the stability and opportunity his own affordable home provided his family growing up.

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    Sandy Gregory

    Loan Processor

    Sandy has been helping families achieve their goals of becoming homeowners since 1993. Sandy joined Arrive in 2026 and brings over 30 years of mortgage experience to Arrive. Sandy believes that homeownership gives families a sense of security and creates connections to their communities. 

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    Sara Pedro

    Executive Administrator

    Sara supports Arrive’s team and clients. They joined in 2023 and previously conducted outreach for federal nutrition programs. They value homeownership as a key part of building generational wealth.

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    Stafford Machen

    Accountant

    Stafford manages accounting for Arrive and believes homeownership strengthens families and communities. He joined in 2025 and has 30+ years of accounting experience, including nonprofit work.

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    Tai Love

    Director of Development

    Tai leads fundraising efforts to expand access to homeownership for families. She joined Arrive in 2024 with 20+ years in nonprofit development and is motivated by creating stability and opportunity for families in need.

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    Wilfredo Saravia

    Bilingual Loan Officer

    Wilfredo draws on eight years of banking experience and five years in the mortgage industry, he works closely with homebuyers to strengthen their financial foundation, identify mortgage financing solutions, and achieve their homeownership goals. He joined Arrive in 2025, and is passionate about giving all families access to homeownership.

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    Yanet Garcia

    Bilingual Homebuying Specialist - HUD Certified Housing Counselor

    Yanet guides first-generation and bilingual families toward homeownership. She joined Arrive in 2025 and brings experience in financial education and career readiness. As a first-generation Latina, she understands the impact of stable housing on long-term success.

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    Humberto Carlos

    Contracted Instructor (Spanish) - Homebuying 101, Decide Tu Futuro

    Humberto teaches Spanish-language homeownership courses, inspiring families to achieve their first home. Previously a Homebuying Specialist at Arrive, he is dedicated to expanding access to homeownership in the Hispanic and Latinx community.

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    Jacqueline Butts

    Contracted Instructor - Homebuying 101, Get Your House in Order

    Jacqueline teaches homeownership and financial literacy courses, supporting wealth-building for families. A HUD-certified counselor, she founded Sum Clarity to help close the wealth gap in the Black community.

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    Dr. Ulf Spears

    Contracted Instructor - Homebuying 101

    Dr. Spears brings decades of education and nonprofit leadership to guide families toward homeownership. He previously served as a Home Buying Coach and Community Homeownership Coordinator and has published books on leadership and family development.

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    Maria Romero

    Contractor - Bilingual Program Administrator

    Maria has been part of Arrive since 2001. She is passionate about helping families reach one of life’s biggest milestones: buying their first home.

Our Board

  • Debra Neal

    Board Chair & Member Since 2017

    Debra brings over 20 years of experience in real estate, with a deep commitment to supporting first-time homebuyers. As a principal broker and relocation specialist, she has spent her career helping people navigate the path to homeownership with confidence. Debra has long been connected to Arrive’s work, previously serving on advisory committees, and is driven by a passion for making homeownership more accessible to those just getting started.

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    Deona DeLong

    Vice Chair & Member Since 2022

    Deona brings more than 25 years of experience in banking and mortgage lending, with a strong understanding of down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs. She values long-term homeownership deeply, having purchased her childhood home, where she still lives today. She is motivated by helping others build that same sense of stability and community.

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    Adam Boomer

    Treasurer & Member Since 2024

    Adam brings 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry, with expertise in business development, strategy, and operations. He is passionate about creating inclusive, customer-centered systems and has been actively involved in first-time homebuyer education and DEI initiatives. Adam is motivated by expanding access to homeownership through both his professional and community work.

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    Alma Barraza

    Interim Secretary & Member since 2024

    Alma is a fundraising leader with more than 20 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations. Through her consulting work, she helps nonprofits build sustainable, equity-centered funding strategies. She is deeply committed to housing equity and believes in the transformative impact stable homeownership can have on individuals, families, and communities.

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    Alexis Ashby

    Member Since 2024

    Alexis brings over a decade of leadership experience in public service, currently serving in Multnomah County. A lifelong Portland resident, she has seen the impact of housing inequities firsthand and is committed to advancing opportunities for communities of color and historically underserved groups. Her work is grounded in creating more equitable systems that support long-term stability.

  • A young woman with curly two-tone hair, smiling, wearing earrings and a white dress with thin straps, sitting on a pink chair outdoors with blurred green foliage background.

    Camille E. Trummer

    Member since 2016

    Camille is a social impact consultant and founder of Interplay Collective, working at the intersection of community engagement, communications, and movement building. As a fourth-generation Portlander, her connection to place informs her commitment to housing, economic development, and community-rooted design. She is motivated by building trust and advancing justice-driven change.

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    Carissa Webber

    Member Since 2024

    Carissa is a loan officer and entrepreneur with a strong focus on homebuyer education and tailored lending solutions. Alongside her work in finance, she and her husband are involved in construction and property management, with a shared commitment to strengthening communities through quality housing. She is driven by a belief that homeownership should be accessible, practical, and within reach for more families.

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    Jeff Pratuch

    Member since 2018

    Jeff brings more than 25 years of experience in residential mortgage lending and financial services. He is known for his leadership and dedication to mentoring others, helping teams and individuals grow with confidence. Jeff is driven by a belief in strong relationships and the role homeownership plays in long-term financial stability.

  • A smiling Black man wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt, and yellow tie against a black background.

    Lonnie Bowden

    Member since 2024

    Lonnie brings experience in financial services and a strong passion for financial literacy and homeownership. His work centers on helping individuals plan for the future with clarity and confidence. He is committed to supporting pathways that make long-term stability achievable for more people.

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    Mesha Jones

    Member since 2023

    Mesha brings a decade of experience across both public and private housing sectors. Her work spans property management and housing policy, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the challenges renters and homeowners face. She is motivated by expanding access to education and resources that support equitable homeownership outcomes, especially for marginalized communities.

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    Mike Schrader

    Member since 2010

    Mike is an attorney specializing in public finance, with extensive experience working with governments and financial institutions to fund public projects. His work is grounded in building strong, sustainable communities. He is committed to supporting systems that expand access to housing and long-term community investment.

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    Ta’ Neshia Renae

    Member since 2023

    Ta’ Neshia is a U.S. Air Force veteran, housing advocate, and community leader dedicated to advancing equitable access to homeownership. As both a professional in housing development and a former Arrive client, she brings lived experience to her work. She is deeply committed to giving back and expanding opportunities for others to achieve housing stability.

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    Tanja Lux

    Member since 2018

    Tanja is a finance leader in the nonprofit sector, with experience supporting organizations focused on housing, education, and community development. Her work is driven by a belief in financial stewardship and the role stable housing plays in strong, thriving communities.

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    Robert Walker, Jr.

    Emeritus, Member since 2005

    Robert brings decades of experience across both public and private sectors, including leadership roles with the City of Portland and Nike. As a former Arrive client, he offers a personal perspective on the impact of homeownership. He is a strong advocate for the role stable housing plays in building stronger neighborhoods and opportunities for families.