Celeste Trull Janssen

Program Manager

What I do at Oregon Mentors

I work with the team here on “programmatic issues” like professional development, volunteer recruitment, training, evaluation, nonprofit sustainability, and other projects that arise.

Pictured here

At Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, in 2005.

The favorite thing about my job

Offering support to so many other great nonprofits. And the people that I work with, both in Oregon Mentors and at mentoring programs.

Why I believe that mentoring makes a difference in the lives of youth

I believe in mentoring because I’ve witnessed it working. Throughout my life, informal mentors have challenged me to broaden my perspective, set higher goals for myself, build developmental assets, and adapt to changes with a positive outlook.

My favorite pastimes

I’m an avid reader. In the winter I play mah jongg, pinochle, and board games like Acquire and Settlers of Catan with friends. In the summer I grow vegetables, take long camping trip via bicycle, and barbeque with friends. I’m learning to knit, I’m trying to swim, and I’m always up for a movie.

Where I want to travel next

New Zealand! And then eventually Turkey, Bolivia, Peru. I want to bicycle through Ireland, and the Canadian Icefields Parkway.

Best kept secret in Portland

The St. John’s neighborhood! I have awesome neighbors, progressive coffee shops, second-run movie cinemas, a disc golf course in Pier Park, the St. John’s North End Players theatre group, a hot breakfast spot, the best taqueria in town, and of course, the St. John’s bridge.