Meet our team
Welcome
Douglas County Office
Heather Freilinger
Education
Experience in Early learning
Why I joined the CCRR team
I love that the CCR&R works to support amazing professionals in the professional field of early learning and care. As a former teacher, it is my greatest pleasure to support and resource teachers and care givers with incredible opportunities and resources. My role at the CCR&R allows me to bring all my leadership strengths to the table to serve providers, programs and our communities.
Michelle Bassett
Early Learning Program Facilitator
Education
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and currently a Step 9 on the Oregon Registry.
Experience in Early learning
I joined Care Connections & Education in early 2019 as administrative support specifically working with budgeting and grants, training and conference logistics, CCR&R communications, and all things office processes related. I have 25+ years in business and adminstration management.
Why I joined the CCRR team
Theresa Songer-Tuckey
Quality Improvement Program Facilitator -Infant/Toddler
Education
Experience in Early learning
Why I joined the CCRR team
Danielle McKiddy
Preschool Promise Facilitator
Education
Experience in Early learning
Why I joined the CCRR team
Cherry Camonayan
Quality Improvement Program Facilitator- Training Coordinator
Education
Bachelors Degree in Child Development and Family Studies
Experience in Early learning
Why I joined the CCRR team
Nicole Martin
Preschool Promise Facilitator
Education
Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Step 10 on the Oregon Registry.
Experience in Early learning
I have work directly with children ages zero to five since 2011. I have held various positions including classroom assistant, lead teacher, family service educator, and inclusion support mentor.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I joined the CCRR team to support the hard working early learning professionals in our region who support families and chidlren in our community.
I support hard working early learning professionals by building and developing supportive relationships with Preschool Promise staff and administration. I can provide educational coaching and professional development opportunites.
Barbara Lynch
Education
Experience in Early learning
Why I joined the CCRR team
Stephanie Cravalho
Quality Improvement Program Facilitator – Inclusion Supports
Education
AAS in Early Childhood Education, ORO Step 10, Master Trainer
Experience in Early learning
My experience in early learning began as a parent volunteer at Head Start. After six months of volunteering, I applied for a position and began my career as a Classroom Assistant. I continued to grow professionally, moving into Teacher Assistant and eventually Teacher roles. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in early childhood education and helped me develop a passion for supporting children, families, and educators. My journey from parent volunteer to teacher has shaped the way I approach my work today and continues to influence my commitment to creating inclusive, supportive, and high-quality early learning environments.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I joined the CCR&R team because I am passionate about supporting early childhood educators and helping create high-quality, inclusive environments where every child can learn, grow, and belong. I value the opportunity to work alongside providers, offer practical support and resources, and help educators feel confident in the important work they do every day. I was drawn to CCR&R because of its focus on strengthening the early learning system while building meaningful relationships with educators, families, and community partners. Being able to make a positive difference for children by supporting the adults who care for and teach them is what makes this work so rewarding for me.
Through my CCR&R work, I help early childhood educators feel supported, valued, and confident in their work. I provide individualized coaching, resources, professional development, and practical strategies that educators can use in their everyday classrooms. I especially enjoy helping providers problem-solve challenges, strengthen inclusive practices, and find solutions that work for their unique programs and the children and families they serve. My goal is to meet people where they are, listen to what they need, and work alongside them to build their skills and confidence. Ultimately, I hope my support helps educators feel less overwhelmed and more equipped to create welcoming, responsive, and high-quality learning environments for every child.
Markelle Owens
Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Education
Experience in Early learning
I have worked as a mental health associate and advocate, supporting children who have experienced abuse or witnessed violence and helping children and their families navigate life after a traumatic event. My work has included identifying needs, connecting families with resources, providing emotional support and regulation strategies, and helping children build social-emotional skills in the classroom, at home, and in their community.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I wanted to help providers in our community recognize their value and introduce them to new knowledge, tools, and strategies that can help the children in their care thrive.
How I help people through CCR&R work
I collaborate with providers to better understand children’s behaviors and needs, strengthen social-emotional skills, and build positive, healthy relationships that help children succeed in their programs. Just as importantly, I support the well-being of providers by offering a safe space for reflection, consultation, and encouragement.
Anna Aasen
Outreach Specialist
Education
Experience in Early learning
I began working with CCR&R in 2010, spending more than five years supporting child care providers through technical assistance, training, and guidance in navigating early learning systems, requirements, and resources. I also supported families in finding and accessing child care that met their individual needs. This experience provided me with a strong understanding of the early learning system from both the provider and family perspectives and strengthened my ability to connect people with resources, build relationships, and support quality early learning opportunities.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I stepped away from my work in early learning for a time to prioritize the needs of my young family. Now, with my daughters grown and off exploring the world on their own, I’m excited to return to a field I care deeply about and reconnect with an incredible team of people who are passionate about early learning and, most importantly, are truly amazing human beings.
How I help people through CCR&R work
Oregon offers many valuable early learning initiatives and opportunities, but navigating the system can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming. As an Outreach Coordinator, I can help break down programs and resources into manageable, easy-to-understand information while building awareness of the opportunities available to providers. My goal is to listen to providers, understand the barriers they face, and connect them with the resources and support they need to access available opportunities, strengthen their programs, and better serve children and families.
Klamath County Office
Melisa Miner
Preschool Promise Facilitator
Education
Bachelor of Science Sociology, minor Native American Studies, Montana State University
Master’s degrees:
Master of Science Criminal Justice – concentration Behavior Analysis, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA
Master of Education Infant Toddler Mental Health, Portland State University
Experience in Early learning
I’ve worked in the field of Early learning for many years with varied positions including classroom teacher for both Pre-K and preschool and as a behavior specialist for children ages 3–6-years old. I have also worked as a Behavior Care coordinator supporting children with Autism. Currently, I am a Preschool Promise Facilitator and work with Early childhood professionals in Klamath, Lake, and Douglas counties. I provide coaching and technical assistance to Preschool Promise grant providers by supporting childcare practices in alignment with the grant manual. This includes elevating the provider’s understanding of each piece of the early learning system so administrators and teaching teams are better able to support the families and children in their care. I am also a Master trainer for the state of Oregon and offer a variety of training options throughout the year to Early learning professionals.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I joined the CCRR team because of the opportunity to elevate the teaching profession in Southern Oregon. What an honor to support the hard working early learning professionals in our area so they are better able to support families and children in their care. In this area we are considered a “childcare desert”, so for me, it is crucially important to help build the supply of high-quality childcare providers so more young children have the opportunity to be part of high-quality learning which can ultimately affect their lives into adulthood.
I’m able to help people through CCR&R work by developing supportive relationships with Early learning professionals in my area. I support the development of young children in childcare settings by offering training and professional development to established providers as well as prospective providers. By offering a variety of trainings such as Spark (Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System) or the Second Step curriculum, I can help providers elevate their early childhood care and educational programing so children can enjoy success in school. I also offer information on starting a childcare business and partner with providers as they work through steps to become licensed providers. As a Preschool Promise Facilitator, I provide coaching and technical assistance to site administration and their teaching teams by visiting classrooms and supporting administration.
Terri Lawrence
Education
Associates of Applied Science Education Paraeducator, Career Pathway Certificate Education-Paraeducator and currently a Step 10 on the Oregon Registry.
Experience in Early learning
10+ years experience in early childhood and school age care programs. I have worked in preschool classrooms started as a teching assistant and moved into a lead teacher role and a lead teacher in a PSP site.
Why I joined the CCRR team
It provides a unique opportunity to create a connection between child care resources for providers, and an opportunity to reach child care professionals and staff by providing training and supports to increase the quality of care on a larger level.
I help support Preschool Promise classrooms by coaching classroom teachers and providing resources to best practices. I provide trainings to providers to increase quality of services to families.
Amber Singh
Quality Improvement Program Facilitator
Education
Associate’ Degree in Early Childhood Education and Step 10 on the Oregon Registry.
Experience in Early learning
With over a decade in early learning, I’ve had the joy of supporting children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, as well as their families. My journey began as a preschool aide and grew into a center director role, shaped by many meaningful positions in between.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I joined the CCRR team because I care deeply about Early Childhood Education and wanted to support providers in our community. I love having the ability to connect with educators, share helpful resources, and be part of their growth and success. This work allows me to keep learning while helping others succeed, which is something I truly value.
How I help people through CCR&R work
I help early learning professionals access valuable resources, training opportunities, and individualized support. I also assist college students as they navigate earning their ECE degree or certificate. Whether working with seasoned providers or new students, I do my best to prioritize strong relationships, trust, and meaningful connection to ensure every educator feels confident and supported.
Trudy Willhite
Regional Inclusive Facilitator
Education
I hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education and an AAS as a Paraeducator, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Teaching program at Southern Oregon University. Additionally, I have achieved Step 10 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO), reflecting my ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in the field of Early Childhood Education.
Experience in Early learning
I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for nearly four decades, providing care and education for children and youth from infancy through age 18. Over the past 25 years, I have served within a local school district in a variety of roles that reflect both leadership and direct service experience.
My professional background includes working as an in-home child care provider, an inclusion support staff member in an elementary school setting, and a role model supporting high school students in a child care aide program. I have also served as a Certified Center Teacher, Certified Center Head Teacher, Family Case Manager, and Program Coordinator. For the past 13 years, I have held the role of Certified Center Director, providing leadership, oversight, and support to staff, children, and families.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I am deeply passionate about Early Childhood Education and have dedicated my entire professional career to this field. I believe this work is both meaningful and essential, as it plays a vital role in supporting young children and their families within our community. I am excited to join CCRR and contribute to an organization and team that recognizes, supports, and celebrates Early Childhood Education, as well as the dedicated providers who work tirelessly to serve our community.
How I help people through CCR&R work
In my new role as Regional Inclusion Facilitator, I look forward to utilizing my extensive background in Early Childhood Education, along with my education and professional experience, to support children, families, and educators across our region. With nearly four decades in the field—serving in roles ranging from in-home provider to Certified Center DirectorI bring a comprehensive understanding of diverse learning environments and the unique needs of children from infancy through adolescence.
My experience in inclusion support, family case management, program coordination, and leadership has equipped me with the skills to collaborate effectively with educators and families to create inclusive, supportive, and high-quality learning environments. Coupled with my academic preparation, including degrees in Early Childhood Education and Education, current graduate studies in the Master of Teaching program, and ORO Step 10 recognition, I am committed to promoting best practices, fostering equitable access, and empowering providers to meet the needs of all children in their care.
Daniela Cardenas
Bilingual Administrative Assistant
Education
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and Step 10 on the Oregon Registry.
Experience in Early learning
I have experience working in early learning and education in different roles since 2018. I started as a preschool teacher in Mexico and later, after moving to the U.S., worked as a Teacher’s Aide in a childcare center. I also worked in adult education as a Spanish instructor for GED classes. Before joining CCR&R, I worked as a childcare provider in my home.
My experience with Montessori education grew through a little over a year-long project in which I became a Certified Family Child Care (CF) provider and operated a Montessori-inspired childcare program in my home. This experience gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Montessori principles in a family childcare setting.
Why I joined the CCRR team
I joined the Child Care Resource & Referral team at Douglas ESD as an Administrative Assistant. This is an exciting new chapter for me and an opportunity to continue doing what I love: supporting education and the professionals who work in this field.
I am especially happy to bring my Spanish language skills and my experience in education to this role. I enjoy helping others, connecting people with resources, and being part of a team that supports childcare providers and the early learning community.
In my role as an Administrative Assistant, I help support the CCR&R team with administrative tasks, communication, resources, and coordination. I also provide Spanish-language support to help connect Spanish-speaking childcare providers with information and resources. I enjoy helping our team stay organized, connected, and able to better support the providers and communities we serve.
