Our Team
Amy Paterson, Co-Founder
In addition to being a mother and a community volunteer, Amy enjoyed a long career as a public relations executive. Amy's experience in grant writing, fundraising and nonprofit boards, as well as personal experience of the health care system as a patient greatly benefited MLWR. Amy received the Hello Tomorrow Fund award from Avon, the Pink Power Mom award from Kids II/Bright Starts, and a Points of Light Tribute Award for her work to bring drop-in child care to hospitals. She received her BA from Connecticut College. Amy lost her battle with cancer in November 2018. She's survived by her husband and son who live in Portland, Oregon.
Melissa Moore,
Co-Founder, Board President
Melissa is also a mother, community volunteer and reputable corporate communications executive. She has conducted public relations campaigns for many national and local non-profits and private endeavors focused on children’s causes, and currently works in the energy industry. Prior, Melissa spent 13 years in broadcast news as a reporter, anchor and producer. Melissa graduated from the Honors Program at Washington State University where she majored in Broadcast News and was one of 15 students in the nation chosen for a fellowship at CBS Network News. She serves on the Oregon Public Broadcasting community advisory board. Melissa, her husband and daughter live in Portland, Oregon.
pam Grater, Board member
Pam is the proud sister of Amy. She is a longtime community volunteer, parent of three teens, and currently the Director of Human Resources at local non-profit Education Northwest. Pam’s volunteer work focuses on local and face-to-face support on projects related to the eradication of cancer, career readiness and student development. Pam has worked in organizational development and human resources for over 20 years in a variety of sectors. She earned her M.A. in Organizational Communication from Purdue University and her B.A. from Willamette University and lives in Portland with her family.
MICHELLE WARD, BOARD MEMBER
Michelle became connected with My Little Waiting Room after responding to the initial RFP through Volunteers of America, where she worked for 18 years as a director in the Children and Family Services Division. There, Michelle helped start and directed the Family Relief Nursery and Drop-In Services including My Little Waiting Room, CourtCare at the Multnomah County Courthouse and Gateway Children’s Center for domestic violence. Michelle has a degree in Social Services. She recently left VOA to work at the White Salmon School District as a Wellness Coordinator. She currently lives in the Gorge with her family.
STEphanie Smith, Board treasurer
Stephanie is the co-founder and COO of Carpenter Smith Consulting, llc, For more than 15 years, Stephanie has coached and consulted local leaders and companies to deliver stellar results, create greater impact and influence, and find greater meaning and purpose in both life and work. Before founding and running her own company, Stephanie held leadership roles in non-profits, university research settings, and mental health environments. She has authored numerous articles, training models and curriculums. Stephanie has an M.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences and a B.A. in psychology. She lives with her family in Portland, Oregon
Tricia SULLIVAN, board secretary
Tricia Sullivan was a development officer for the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation and through “ other duties as assigned” came to know and love My Little Waiting Room. Her career then took her to Providence Portland where she became the regional director of Volunteer Services—and the project manager for My Little Waiting Room. She retired from Providence in 2019. Tricia previously served as a advertising writer, school fundraiser and her most important role, mom to her two children Erin and Rick. She is thrilled to continue with My Little Waiting Room as a member of the board.