PDX Diaper Bank – STAFF
Rachel Alston
Executive Director/Founder
Rachel manages the day-to-day operations of PDX Diaper Bank. After the birth of her first daughter in 2007, Rachel experienced Diaper Need firsthand. It was this struggle as a first time mother that inspired PDX Diaper Bank to open its doors, and continues to fuel her passion to support Oregon children & families. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
Myranda Rusie
Director of Programs
Interested in hosting a diaper drive or becoming involved in our mission? Myranda can help! As a mother of two, she is extremely passionate about cloth diapering. So passionate if fact, that she volunteers teaching our Cloth Diapering on a Budget workshops, showing families simple cloth diapering solutions, along with the health, financial, and environmental benefits it offers. Myranda has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
MEGAN BUGBEE
Community Engagement Coordinator
Want to help the PDX Diaper Bank? Contact Megan! As Community Engagement Coordinator, Megan will be working to bring diapers to families in need by securing diaper donation drop off locations and creating more opportunities for community involvement in our mission. Megan is excited to come up with creative ways to challenge donors, building symbiotic relationships between the local and the global. It is her dream to make the world a cleaner, safer place for all. As a mother of one, Megan appreciates how important it is for families to have their basic needs met while raising children. She is looking forward to incorporating her skills with organization as well as communication to expand the PDX Diaper Bank’s reach. Before becoming a mother, Megan worked as an equestrian educator and trainer, teaching horsemanship to children and adults. She graduated from Union Institute & University with a BA in writing and literature.
Natalie Hornstein
DDDRP Project Coordinator
Natalie joins PDX Diaper Bank as the Diaper Distribution and Demonstration Research Pilot (DDDRP) Program Coordinator, helping to manage a new federal grant to distribute diapers to families in need across Oregon. Natalie has had over 10 years of experience serving children and families with non-profits in the Portland metro area, including classroom teaching, home visiting, and community engagement work. Natalie is a mom of two girls, an avid baker, and reader. She graduated from Portland State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Spanish.
PDX DIAPER BANK – Board of directors
Fiona Simms
President
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
at Reed College
Fiona works on the Advancement team at Reed College and brings more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit administration. She and her husband moved to Portland from Oakland, California 6 years ago and are passionate about contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. Fiona is delighted to contribute to the mission of the PDX Diaper Bank. She joined the board in December 2022.
Ryan Scarcella
Vice-President
Partner at Mayer Brown LLP
Ryan is a partner at an international law firm focused on project finance in the renewable energy sector. Ryan grew up in the suburbs of Portland and has recently returned to Oregon after spending nearly 10 years in Chicago. After moving back, he and his wife had their first child which is what opened Ryan’s eyes to the importance of diapers and associated needs in the community. He is excited with all of the amazing work PDX Diaper Bank has already done and looks forward to helping the organization continue to increase its support throughout Oregon’s communities.
Ava Plasse
Treasurer
Online Education Creator at Udemy
Ava Plasse is an online education creator, with over a decade of experience making educational video content at scale. A Portland resident and new parent, Ava is passionate about community and believes deeply in the outsized impact that access to personal care essentials like diapers can have on the health, dignity, and opportunity of all families. She is proud to support the PDX Diaper Bank’s mission to create a stronger and more equitable Oregon.
Sandy Reams
Secretary
Accountant
Sandy was born and raised in Portland. She is married with two children, a son and a daughter. She has her bachelors in accounting from PSU and has been an accountant for 10 years. She has worked for the same company for approximately 20 year, where she began as a receptionist. She has been a PTA treasurer, and loves to read, watch movies, go to concerts, and spend time with family and friends.
Sally Stauffer
Member
Occupational Therapist
Sally currently works as an occupational therapist in private practice in the Portland area. As a disability advocate working with populations experiencing poverty, she is committed to providing resources, education, and support to these communities.
Taitiana Shellmire-McChesney
Member
Curriculum Development Specialist at Self Enhancement Inc.
Taitiana is a Portland native currently working for a culturally specific nonprofit in North Portland. She has 20+ years of experience working with children and families in various capacities. On both a personal and professional level she has seen the impact access to diapers has on individuals and families. Taitiana joins the PDX Diaper Bank with a heart for advocacy and community support. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and chiweenie (dog).
PDX DIaper bank – lead VOLUNTEERS
Santi Alston
Volunteer
Associate Director, Gift Planning at Reed College
Santi has been a dedicated volunteer of PDX Diaper Bank since 2012. He volunteers as the Master of Ceremonies at our annual fundraiser dinner, Dining for Diapers. He has also assisted with grant research and writing, donation courier duties, and general fundraising.
Megan McAlister
Donations Courier
Occupational Health Nurse
Megan joined the PDX Diaper Bank team as a volunteer in 2021. She is a native Oregonian and mom of two young girls. Megan is passionate about supporting and empowering families, and providing access to cloth diapering resources for all. When not “momming” and working full-time, she enjoys camping, disc golf, and reading.
Angela Chandler
Volunteer
Home Lending Operations Director
Angela joined the PDX Diaper Bank team as a volunteer in 2017 through Columbia Bank’s “Connect” volunteer program. She is our expert at sorting, organizing, and re-wrapping donated diapering supplies. Angela recently got married, and she and her new husband enjoy visiting the Oregon coast, watching football, and spending time with friends and family.
Chris Marshall
Volunteer
Home Lending Systems Manager
Chris Marshall began volunteering with PDX Diaper Bank in 2017 through Columbia Bank’s “Connect” program. He quickly found joy in the hands-on work of sorting, organizing, re-wrapping donated diapering supplies, and operating the automated diaper packager. Outside of volunteering, Chris is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new places abroad and taking road trips closer to home. He’s a passionate fan of college football and Formula 1, and values quality time with friends and family.
