ALEXIS HAYES
Founder of T.H.R.I.V.E OR
+ Director of Communications
"Think Health & Reach Inclusion Via Exercise. I founded T.H.R.I.V.E off of my will for change and my years of experience in this field. I did so to help push not only my community In Newberg, but also our surrounding communities closer to reaching complete inclusion. Having no resources available to the percentage of our population experiencing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, got really old, really fast- I think you would agree with me on that. I have first-handedly seen the struggles and stress this lack of resources has brought into different families. The amount of both adults and children who experience those disabilities, already tend to go about their everyday life, feeling like they are not as entitled to physical and mental health attention as their peers, it breaks my heart. My vision for T.H.R.I.V.E is to eliminate that perception. Mental and Physical Health & Wellness is equally important for all of us- let’s treat it that way! One class at a time, our mission is to reach inclusion, together. To emphasize just how important this resource is in comparison to other extracurricular activities. To go hand-in-hand on a fitness journey. I want this class not only to build off of our physical strength potential, but our mental potential as well. This is a place where volunteers and athletes come to feel included, to be a part of something big. I have a real passion for helping others, and I am so glad I am not in it alone. Keep reading to learn more about the people who I care about, that also care about reaching inclusion."
CHEYANN LANG
Volunteer Director
"My dedication for pursuing my time and energy into being a part of T.H.R.I.V.E has come from a special place in my heart. Physical and mental health are so important in any individual's life; what better way to present it, than providing inclusion of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well? As a volunteer, I watch athletes prove their strength when they feel as though they don't have any, make friends when some fear they're too different to do so, and show every emotion without the fear of judgement. As Volunteer Director, not only do I find the perfect team mate for the athletes, but I get to witness the generosity, vulnerability, and happiness that every single one of those volunteers show when they encourage our athletes to do things that are outside of their comfort zone, with pride. My little brother is a regular active athlete and participant through T.H.R.I.V.E; because of some of his basic needs and disability, getting that weekly dose of physical activity has never been easy. Now he gets it thanks to T.H.R.I.V.E, he has support, he is always included, he proves his strength, and makes not only me, but himself proud of what he can accomplish!”
KATIE EDICK
Activity Director
"I choose T.H.R.I.V.E because being part of such an amazing group of people makes my day and continues to build connections I never though I would have. There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person for more than their disability."
CLAY VOYDAT
Community Outreach Specialist
“Hello there! I am 22 years old, and in January of 2020 I graduated from Linfield College with a BA in Business Management. Currently, I work at Domaine Serene Winery in Dayton and live in Sherwood where I also attended/graduated from Sherwood High School in 2016. While at Sherwood, I enrolled in a class Sophomore year helping out in what we call our Skills Center. This is the “homeroom” class for our ID/DD students. At the time I was unsure of exactly what I would be doing, or how I would be doing it. All I knew was that it would be a good learning experience. However, I found it would be much more than just a learning experience. I also found a passion. After graduating from Sherwood and beginning at Linfield, I volunteered to assistant coach for the Sherwood High School Special Olympics Basketball team. That was my last stop before I had to take time away from volunteering to focus on my schoolwork. About two years later, a notification from a news app on my phone caught my attention. This was the first big story released about T.H.R.I.V.E. I thought to myself, “I definitely have time to begin volunteering again. So why not?” The next day I wrote an email to Alexis and have been with T.H.R.I.V.E. ever since. Having seen firsthand in high school how much positive inclusion can do for this population, T.H.R.I.V.E. is an invaluable and exciting resource for the community, and I am just fortunate enough to be in a position to offer my help!”
CHEYENNA PRATT
Volunteer
"Hello! I am a 17 year old who has lived in Sandy my whole life. I have always had a passion for teaching. I loved my time volunteering at Impact Learning Center and being a TA for many classes in junior high and high school. This passion started out with just wanting to help kids in need but has turned into so much more than that. I have been able to see the true struggles some of these children have to go through and how important it is for them to have a healthy, dependable place to go with nothing but support and open arms. I’m thrilled to get to be a part of T.H.R.I.V.E and I’m excited for the opportunity to be a part of your kids life and I’m looking forward to helping them grow and thrive."
JESSALYNN WEIGANT
Volunteer
"Hello!! Since I was younger I would always take care of my brother Derek who has autism and I always told my mom that I would be a teacher one day. I am 18 years old and still have the same compassion and dream, I have worked very hard at everything I do. I have started a buddy system between the Junior High and Elementary kids. I have been a teacher assistant from 6th grade to now. I also currently work in a preschool. Lately I have wanted to give back more, and I felt like a good way to do that was to join T.H.R.I.V.E. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and can’t wait to connect with the kiddos and see them grow!!"
