Our Staff
Sarah Bradham
Executive Director
Sarah has 23 years of experience in the nonprofit world including extensive experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, corporate relations, event management, database management, graphic design, communications, and marketing. Sarah had her own personal growth experience when she adopted her pup Quiggley in 2017 from the Oregon Humane Society. She learned first hand the challenges of training an adult dog, and expanded her own patience and compassion during that process. She is thrilled to take the reins at an organization that is dedicated to serving youth, providing powerful growth opportunities, and training and finding forever homes for dogs.
In her most recent position, Sarah spent 8 years at the Mazamas, a Portland nonprofit focused on mountain education and recreation, in roles ranging from Communications Director to Executive Director. She also spent 14 years at Saturday Academy. Sarah served on the Board of Directors of Girls on the Run of Portland Metro from 2015–2019, and was the Board President from 2018–2019, leading the organization through an Executive Director transition.
During her downtime, Sarah enjoys trail running, backpacking, volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society, and spending time with her husband, and their 18-year old kitty, Leo, and 8-year old pup, Quiggley.
Makai Brusa
Kennel Staff (employed by OYA)
He loves bringing his sweet dog Taz (a POOCH alum!) along with him wherever he goes, whether it’s on a hike through the mountains or a long walk along the river or beach.
He’s also a full-time dad who enjoys spending time with his sons.
Board of Directors
Joanie Joyce
Board President
Joanie was born in Guam but now splits her time between two of the most beautiful states – Oregon and Hawaii.
In addition to serving as the board secretary at Project POOCH, Joanie volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for CASA and GAL.
Although she doesn’t have any furry sidekicks of her own, she is the auntie to many adorable dogs and enjoys seeing the powerful connections made between dogs and people. She is also a chocolate and beer enthusiast.
Fred Carter
Board Treasurer
When he’s not leading the Project POOCH board meetings (with a Diet Coke in hand) or preparing taxes, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Although he doesn’t have any pets of his own currently, he loves that the youth and dogs at Project POOCH bring out the best in one another and help each other grow.
Maiya Martin Burbank
Board Secretary
Maiya is the mother to several amazing animals, including Mr. Fitz, who she describes as “a pure delight in dog form that is a mix of breeds known only to his mother” and Thelma, Henrietta, and Leticia who are chickens.
In addition to serving on the board at Project POOCH, she spends her time advocating for older adult and senior visibility in government, medical, and social policy. When she has some downtime, she can be found cheering on the Buffalo Bills, quilting, reading, or watching The Mandalorian again.
Her favorite thing about Project POOCH is the way it gives both humans and animals opportunities in life that might not otherwise be available.
Rob Walker
Board Member
Bio coming soon
Mike Paulsen
Board Member
After spending nearly two decades implementing integrated marketing campaigns and retail design strategies for Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and other for-profit companies, Mike was inspired by the opportunity to make a difference by forging nonprofit community partnerships and attended the Portland State University’s Institute of Nonprofit Management.
Since then, he has worked at several nonprofits developing and overseeing signature fundraising campaigns.
Living in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Mike shares three acres with four sheep, two rescue dogs, two rescue cats, two cockatiels, several rainbow fish, a turtle, and his partner, Dan.