Meghan Ferns

Assistant Program Manager

What is my role at Oregon Mentors?

I provide programmatic support including training, professional development, and coaching for all registered programs. You'll likely find me out in the field facilitating trainings, disseminating research, or providing support to program practitioners across the state.

What's the best part of my job?

I get to connect with the community and spread the word about mentoring every day. By keeping a pulse on current mentoring research and the incredible impacts associated with these programs, I'm naturally empowered to communicate the importance of quality mentoring.

Who are my mentors?

I feel so fortunate to have grown up with not one, but many natural mentors in the small community of Hood River. With so many supportive coaches, teachers and parents, it's hard to highlight just a few. However, three particular individuals stand out: my first grade teacher, Mrs. Maynard; my sixth grade math teacher, Jack Sprague; and my stand-in big sister and horseback riding pal, Shauntel Thompson. These individuals took extra time to listen closely and help me develop a sense of my strengths and interests.

Who do I mentor?

I recently celebrated my two-year match anniversary with a young lady from Portland who I can hardly believe is now in her second year of high-school at David Douglas. We were matched by Impact Northwest and we love to snowboard, rock climb, swim, bike, hike, and snow-shoe. I also serve as an informal mentor for youth participants in Clackamas County Juvenile Department's Drug Court program.

What do I like to do in my free time?

In my free-time, I love getting out to the Gorge for outdoor recreational activities. You might find me mountain biking Dog River, cross-country skiing around Trillium Lake, or picking huckleberries outside of Stevenson, WA. Outside of my outdoor pursuits and spending time with friends and family, I enjoy reading, traveling, and writing.