Meet our team

Welcome

Welcome to our team page where you can learn about our amazing Care Connections & Education team. We are here to answer questions, provide technical assistance and connect early learning professionals to resources. Need support with Oregon’s early learning system? Give us a call. Want a second set of eyes on your program set up? We can come over. Having difficulty with a behavior (parent or child)? We have great strategies. Thinking about your professional development step or starting a college class? We can help. Call our team below with any of your early learning profession and program needs. Care Connections & Education team provides regional service to Douglas, Klamath and Lake counties.

Douglas County Office

Heather Freilinger

Program Coordinator for Childcare Resource & Referral, Care Connections & Education

Education

Bachelor’s degree and Step 10 on the Oregon Registry

Experience in Early learning

I have worked in the field of early learning and care since 1988 and held several classroom roles, as well as program lead and director roles in variety of learning settings that include public, private, and faith-based programs. I have over 30 years of experience in program director roles with both volunteer and paid staff.

Why I joined the CCRR team

In 2014, I left my position at Head Start to join Child Care Resource and Referral as a Quality Improvement Specialist. In 2017, I became the Director of the CCR&R serving Douglas, Klamath, and Lake counties. In 2020, our grant moved to the Douglas ESD, and I remained in the lead role, just with a new title, Program Coordinator

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.

How I help people through CCR&R work
I oversee the regional work of the CCR&R and work closely with a highly qualified team of early learning professionals that support ECE students, providers, teachers, and programs working towards continuous quality and professional development goals.
Contact

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

It was a natural fit for me as I have a passion for serving others and an expertise in office systems and business finance.
How I help people through CCR&R work
I help our early learning professionals connect to resources, access trainings or conferences, navigating systems, grant application and budgeting. It is my pleasure to serve our early learning professionals and community.
Contact

Theresa Songer-Tuckey

Quality Improvement Program Facilitator -Infant/Toddler

Education

AAS Early Childhood Education

Experience in Early learning

During the past 36 years as an early childhood professional, it has been my pleasure to experience a variety of ECE occupations. From a teacher’s aide, teacher, lead teacher, mentor, assistant director to director. Now I can share my experience and knowledge with a new generation of early childhood professionals.

Why I joined the CCRR team

I enjoy teaching, training, and supporting our community of early childcare professionals.
How I help people through CCR&R work
Working through the CCR&R as a Quality Improvement Specialist provides me with the opportunity to work with a team of highly qualified Specialist who mentor, provide trainings, and support our community of Early Childhood Professionals caring for our families and their children.
Contact

Danielle McKiddy

Preschool Promise Facilitator

Education

I have a BS degree in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Sociology from Oregon State- Go Beavers!

Experience in Early learning

I began working with children when I was 16 at the Parent Relief Nursery.  I have been in the field at various agencies and in various roles since.

Why I joined the CCRR team

I joined the CCRR team because I have loved to watch the field professionalize over the years and wanted to help spread the word!
How I help people through CCR&R work
I support Preschool Promise Programs in Douglas County with educational coaching with the Teaching Teams as well as high quality consolation with the administrations of these programs
Contact

Cherry Camonayan

Quality Improvement Program Facilitator- Training Coordinator 

Education

Associates Degree in Teacher Education
Bachelors Degree in Child Development and Family Studies

Experience in Early learning

Worked with children 0 to 15 since 2011. I started working with school aged children then journeyed over to early childhood education where I found my passion in early learning and child development. I started as a teacher’s aide and held every classroom/childcare position all the way to Director.

Why I joined the CCRR team

I was looking for the next step in my educational career. While pursuing my degree, I found an enthusiastic spark for creating and providing professional development to educators and early learning providers.
How I help people through CCR&R work
I help educators and providers find and attend professional development trainings needed for their programs. I also assist Umpqua Community College students with completing their Associates Degree or Certification in Early Childhood Education debt free.
Contact

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. 

How I help people through CCR&R work

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.

Contact

Barbara Lynch

Administrative Assistant

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business from the Carlson School of Mgmt. U of MN.

Experience in Early learning

Started as Teacher Asst, became lead teacher, moved over to ECE administrative side for Head Start and then to Care Connections & Education for the same reason.

Why I joined the CCRR team

Opportunity to work in broader field to help more ECE professionals.
How I help people through CCR&R work
With the access to various support systems, I help people by showing them steps to become licensed.
Contact

Stephanie Cravalho

Quality Improvement Program Facilitator – Inclusion Supports

Education

AAS in Early Childhood Education, ORO Step 9

Experience in Early learning

I started as a parent volunteer at Head Start and eventually applied for a position.  I have worked as a classroom assistant, teacher assistant, and teacher.

Why I joined the CCRR team

I want to support early learning providers in creating programs where all children can be successful.

How I help people through CCR&R work

I’m available to offer consultations and technical assistance with implementing inclusive supports in your program.

Contact

Coming Soon

Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Contact

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. 

How I help people through CCR&R work

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. 

Contact

Terri Lawrence

Preschool Promise Facilitator

Education

Associates of Applied Science Education Paraeducator, Career Pathway Certificate Education-Paraeducator and currently persuing bachelor’s degrees at Southern Oregon University. Currently in ORO I am a Step 8 with 9.5 pending. 

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.

How I help people through CCR&R work

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.

Contact

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.

Contact

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.

Contact

Coming Soon

Adminstrative Assistant-Bilingual