As the Safe Connection Program Director, Elena leads the team of safe visitation and exchange facilitators, ensuring the visit center is a welcoming and safe environment for parents, children, and staff and that facilitators have the training, mentoring, and support they need.

Elena began supporting families when she was 17 in an Early Childhood Migrant program where she quickly became invested in supporting children and their parents. She came to believe that no one should feel alone navigating the many challenges that arise when raising a family.

Elena has been working in social services for 27 years, including working with migrant families, prenatal to five years of age in a wrap-around program, an Early Head Start home visitation program in Alaska, and Healthy Families home visits in Oregon. She is still in awe of the strong resiliency caregivers and children demonstrate in their journey to live full, safe, and healthy lives.

When she is not working with Oregon families, Elena loves to explore new trails to hike with her family, visit National Parks, and take short road trips.