History
Newsletters
Newsletters
History
Newsletters
Newsletters
History
ORAEYC Governing Board
President: Danielle Cunningham
With over a decade of experience in the field of Early Care and Education, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our organization.
Danielle’s career journey is diverse and inspiring. She has excelled in various roles, from being a lead teacher in a center-based setting and running her own family child care business to serving as an education coach and professional development trainer.
Her comprehensive background equips her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our field.
In her role as President, Danielle supports our team with a detailed and innovative approach that allows us to reimagine what it means to be a member of the ORAEYC. Her leadership is characterized by a collaborative spirit, ensuring that all perspectives are valued and heard. Danielle works closely with board members to clearly define and present program goals and action steps in an organized and comprehensive manner. This collaborative approach promotes a new vision for our organization, aiming to enhance our impact and support for early childhood educators across Oregon.
Danielle’s dedication to our mission and her strategic vision will undoubtedly drive us forward. We are excited to embark on this journey under her leadership and look forward to the positive changes and growth that her presidency will bring.
Vice President: Stacey Edwards Russo
Stacey Edwards Russo has been an advocate for ECE for nearly her life. From the early days of coaching, classroom teaching and mentoring youth to roles in education directorship and funding chairs to current program owner in both Clackamas and Washington counties. Her passion for equity in care has brought her opportunities to serve on regional, State and International boards, all in service of Early Childhood Education and Teacher Training. Now as the Vice President of ORAEYC, she longs to bring quality professional development to State educators, trainers, mentors and coaches. She would love to hear from YOU regarding your ideas, wants, needs and wishes--she is very excited about the year ahead!
Co-Treasurer: Merrily Haas
I have volunteered with ORAEYC since July 2019 when I fully retired from ORAEYC. I have helped organize the office, process financial transactions, prepare records for our Bookkeeper and provide reports to Sara. I have also coordinated the Building a Business program.
I would like to give back to ORAEYC and help with the transition to new leadership. I have years of history and experience as well as meeting many new/potential members through the Building a Business programs.
I have worked for over 30+ years with ORAEYC Board/Governing Council. I also serve as Advisor to the PCPO Board, and Co- President for the Order of the Silver Trefoil.
Co-Treasurer: Debbie Buta
I’m excited to serve as co-treasurer for OregonAEYC alongside Merrily Hass. This is a role I’ve taken on several times before, and I’m looking forward to working with you all again. If you have any questions or need assistance related to finances, please feel free to reach out.
After 16 years with Child Care Resource and Referral, I’ve recently retired and am looking forward to this new chapter in my life. Serving as co-treasurer for OregonAEYC is a wonderful way to stay connected to the field. I’m eager to contribute and support our community in this new role.
Here’s to a great year ahead!
Secretary: Amy Luhn
Hello fellow Oregon ECE colleagues, it's an honor to serve ORAEYC and hold various roles in that work. I've been engaged with the field of ECE in a variety of capacities over the decades; from student work in the UC Davis lab program in the mid-80's, to starting up an on-mountain state licensed child care at a NW ski area in the early 90's, to working as a preschool teacher in a full inclusion program, to
various admin roles in ECE centers and within higher ed. I'm currently the director of OSU's Family Resource Center, where campus ECE resides. However, I'm a preschool teacher at heart, and my previous work with a diversity of children and families, which was so impactful to my professional and personal growth, is what continues to fuel my passion today.
This is a challenging and exciting time in the field of ECE and some of our biggest collective work is rooted in ORAEYC's mission of promoting high quality early learning and care for Oregon's youngest children. My passion is for healthy, physically and emotionally safe, enriching, universally accessible quality care that
is rooted in the values, priorities and preferences of the families and communities who depend on early care and education. I look forward to meeting you and engaging in this work together!
