Board of Directors
If you’d like to learn more about serving on the Active Children Portland Board of Directors or work with us on a particular project email board@acportland.org and we’ll contact you to talk about the opportunities.
Mitch Gonzalez (he/him) - Interim Board Chair
As Senior Partner Manager at Design+Build, Mitch focuses on cultivating strong partnerships and guiding teams through periods of growth and change. His work is grounded in collaboration, trust, and a commitment to creating environments where people can thrive and do their best work.
Beyond his professional role, Mitch has a lifelong passion for soccer and the community it creates. As a former varsity soccer coach, he remains deeply connected to Portland’s vibrant sports community, where the game continues to be a source of connection, growth, and belonging. For Mitch, sport isn't just about competition; it’s a way to create belonging, inspire confidence, and build bridges across communities.
He believes the lessons learned through sport — teamwork, resilience, leadership, and accountability — extend well beyond the field and into every aspect of life. That belief is at the heart of why he’s proud to support ACP’s mission: giving kids in Portland the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through the power of play and community.
Laura Sullivan (she/her) - Secretary
Laura is a former professional soccer player who had the opportunity to play in both Argentina and France. Originally from Michigan, she has lived in Portland since 2015. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in International Relations and Romance Languages and Literatures, Laura spent time teaching English in Brazil before making her way to Argentina and pursuing a soccer career. After 2 years and 1 championship, Laura moved out to Portland before jumping over to France to play for a year, with a short break to compete in the Futsal World Cup in Balaguer Spain.
Having grown up playing soccer from a very young age, Laura is passionate about getting, and keeping, girls in sports. She joined the Board of Active Children Portland in 2019, supporting the team build out their 3-year strategic plan, joining the Programming Committee, and stepping up to the Executive Committee as the Board Secretary.
Currently, Laura works in Retail Marketing Operations for Nike, supporting the Global Retail Marketing team. Prior to her time in Operations, Laura worked with Vive Northwest and Child Aid, two Portland based non-profits. Additionally, she has interned with the Timbers Community Relations department and worked on Nike’s Social and Community Impact team. Laura also previously volunteered with the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Portland. In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, trail running, backpacking, and playing futsal and volleyball.
Ryan Yonts (he/him) - Vice Chair / Finance Chair
Ryan Yonts is originally from Walla Walla, Washington and the child of two educators who instilled an appreciation not only for the work that teachers and coaches do, but for education and athletics overall.
Ryan currently lives in Portland and works as an IT Support Technician at Forrit Credit Union as well as manages the Portland-based pop-punk band Never Sunny.
When asked why ACP, Ryan shared that “[he] believes sports and after-school [programs add structure to children’s lives while teaching them life long lessons about teamwork and determination.”
In his free-time, he snowboards around the PNW, exploring the local food scene, and hanging out with his pup and fiancée.
Sammy van den Berg (she/her)
Sammy is Project Manager at adidas, where she helps manage partnerships with non-profit partners who are working to provide access to sport for youth and break down barriers to careers, skill development and mentorship. She started at adidas in 2016 in Human Resources before moving into the Global Purpose team in 2018. Her team now works closely with their business partners in adidas to build a network of support for their non-profit partners and the impact programs that they bring to life. On top of her day job, Sammy is currently reprising her role as the co-lead of adidas’ LGBTQ+ Network for North America, helping work on policy change and internal education.
Sammy earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication with a Business Administration minor from the University of Portland, where she was active in student government and programming events for the student body.
Outside of work, Sammy captains multiple soccer teams, attends a concert or two every week, and is equally happy heading outdoors as she is glued to the couch with her loved ones. Besides non-profit work and trying new wine and beer, her truest passion is getting overly competitive with her family in fantasy sports leagues.
Nathan Oakley (he/him)
Nathan Oakley is a Corporate Real Estate Advisor at Apex Real Estate Partners, where he specializes in office and industrial tenant representation and advisory services for clients ranging from local businesses to regional and global organizations. Over the past five years at Apex, Nathan has managed nearly every facet of commercial real estate operations with the company, including financial analysis, market research, transaction management, marketing, and business operations.
Nathan is actively involved in the Portland community, serving as a board or committee member for several local nonprofits, including SMART Reading, Active Children Portland, and Volunteers of America - Oregon. He is passionate about helping develop solutions to the challenges facing Portland and believes that meaningful change begins with ensuring every child who calls Portland home has the resources and opportunities they need to learn and succeed both in the classroom and after school.
A native of the Portland area, Nathan grew up in a family of endurance athletes and was a three-sport athlete himself, playing baseball, football, and soccer. Nathan earned his bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Lewis & Clark College in 2022. During his time there, he chaired multiple student organizations and served on the student body senate. Today, he lives in downtown Portland with his wife, Sarah, and their 8-pound chihuahua mix, Rip. In their free time, Nathan and Sarah are active supporters of the arts and participate in several local choirs and theater programs.
Erin Block (she/her)
Dr. Erin H. Block is an educator, researcher, and licensed school counselor with nearly a decade of experience supporting students across elementary, middle, and high school settings. She recently earned her Ph.D. in Education from Oregon State University, where her research focused on social-emotional learning, social justice education, and equitable learning environments.
Erin currently serves as a school counselor at Edison High School in Portland, OR and has led initiatives in restorative justice, student wellness, equity-centered curriculum development, and community engagement. Her professional and research experience reflects a deep commitment to helping young people develop confidence, belonging, and the skills needed to thrive.
Joan Flora
Joan Flora, Ed.D., is a lifelong educator, athlete, and leadership coach whose career spans the classroom and beyond. She began as a high school English teacher and literacy specialist, later serving as a school leader and director of clinical practice for student teachers.
Today, she leverages that deep experience in her work as a leadership coach and consultant, supporting educators and executives in developing resilience, clarity, and confidence in their roles. A decades-long athlete, from softball to racquetball to kayaking on the Columbia River, Joan brings the same discipline and joy of movement to her professional life, helping others lead with strength and balance.
Kiki Zeise
Kristen “Kiki” Zeise is the Assistant Director for Alumni Relations within New York University’s Department of Athletics. She joined the Board of Directors for AC Portland after a stint as event manager for Sport Oregon, organizing events like first annual golf tournament and the Fuel the Future Fundraiser.
She is passionate about our work because it will prepare students to succeed in school and life. Not enough students have access to mentorship or may not have a mentor at home. Having spent time as a coach and volunteer working with youth in different capacities over the years, provided Kiki with the opportunity to see how powerful mentorship can be. She also coaches a volleyball team!
When Kiki isn’t working, coaching, or supporting ACP, she’s hanging out with her dog and reading fantasy novels.
Committee & Advisory Board Members
Shiraz Bengali - Finance Committee
Lauren Overton - Finance Committee
Carrie Huffman - Finance Committee
Jennifer Seekamp -Human Resources, Advisor