As the Executive Director at Family SkillBuilders, Dezarae leads the implementation of overall strategy, resource development, and operations of the agency, including working with the Board to create and implement a shared vision. She leads the staff to work together to create a positive impact in the community and ensure the highest quality of service to children and their families, engages in fundraising and community partnering, and manages the organization in a way that upholds our mission, values, goals, policies, and procedures.

Dezarae has often considered how her life might have been different if her parents had a Family SkillBuilder parenting consultant to support them when she was growing up. Her firsthand experience with Child Welfare and an unstable family situation motivated her to do what she could to make the experience better for other children. When she heard about the unique services Family SkillBuilders provides, she knew had to be part of making sure Oregon children are safe and healthy.

Dezarae earned a BS in Social Science with a focus on Social Work and Psychology and has worked in social services for over twelve years. Dezarae serves on the board for the Oregon Alliance of Children’s Programs (which Family SkillBuilders is a member of) which is a collaborative of programs that advocates for the safety, health, and well-being of children, youth, families, and communities across Oregon.

Dezarae feels her greatest work accomplishment was overseeing the conversion of Family SkillBuilders to a nonprofit business, building a more diverse and flexible staff, and developing critical partnerships in the community.