Board of Directors

Kristin Heying, President
Kristin is a parent whose experience as a single mother inspired the idea for Café au Play. Drawing on her professional and personal experiences, Kristin envisioned a gathering place that offers caregivers and children informal and formal support and is accessible to their unique needs and routines. Kristin has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University and has taught both elementary and special education. Currently, she is working towards attaining a Masters degree in Public Administration with Nonprofit Specialization and the Advanced Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Portland State University.

Charles Heying, Treasurer
In addition to being a father and grandfather, Charles is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. He has been active in traditional groups such as the PTA and neighborhood associations, and has also helped create new organizations such as an art support group, growers’ co-op, and direct action political committees. Charles’ commitment to Café au Play is a continuation of his efforts to create new community organizations that are responsive to the changing contours of our society.

Abigail Cermak, Secretary
In the Autumn of 2006, with the help of two other Portland State University students, Abigail helped create a video documentary about the future of Tabor Commons and the involvement of Café au Play. Becoming a board member for Café au Play has given her the opportunity to volunteer for her community and network with other parents. She currently lives with her partner Tim, and his son Dylan, who are also supporters and volunteers for Café au Play.

Lisa Silverman, Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa is the mother of two children, a former academic, and now a preschool teacher. She is committed to creating places where children and their families can thrive. For her, Café au Play has the potential to be just such a place, one where we can jointly be present for moments of change, share another person's insights, and celebrate moments of growth and connection.

Traci Sullivan, Board Member
Traci Sullivan is a union journeyman electrician and mother of (soon to be) two. Just before her oldest daughter started kindergarten across the street at Atkinson Elementary, Traci read an article about Café au Play and the Tabor Commons site renovation and became inspired to get involved. She is looking forward to bringing both of her girls to hang out at Café au Play, connect with other Atkinson families, and show her little ones the cool community gathering space that mommy wired.

Hilary Nelson, Board Member
Hilary Nelson was a registered Day Care Provider for close to 18 years and now works with children with special needs, including her daughter. Having felt isolated and cut off from the mainstream, she was excited to read an article about Cafe Au Play moving into her neighorhood, and decided to become involved. Hilary has 2 daughters and 3 young grandchildren who will be frequent visitors to the Cafe.

Stephanie Musho, Board Member
When Stephanie had her daughter last year, she experienced many challenges common to those raising children without extended family close-by. Making the switch from a full-time career in Marketing for the medical industry to being a full-time mother further highlighted the lack of opportunities for social interaction and support for parents of young children that are both local and free. Contributing to the creation of Café au Play is her way of bringing about those opportunities for her own family and for her community.