OUR STAFF

  • Sarah Bradham

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Sarah has 24 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 firsthand the challenges of training an adult dog and expanded her own patience and compassion during that process.

    Sarah has completed the Fear Free Shelter Program Training is currently taking Trish McMillan’s Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship Course.

    Sarah’s previous roles included 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, yoga, backpacking, volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society and spending time with her husband, and their 10-year-old pup, Quiggley, and 12-year-old kitty, Maggie.

  • Tiffany Cortes

    KENNEL COORDINATOR

    Tiffany has 14 years of experience working hands-on with dogs in social and kennel settings. Tiffany specializes in canine socialization and dog-on-dog interactions. Tiffany started her dog care journey working in a doggy daycare, moving on to opening and operating her own outdoor hiking dog care business for 10 years. She enjoys creating strong bonds and relationships within groups of dogs and building their confidence in the world. She is a volunteer trainer for K9 Kavalry, an organization that provides no-cost dog training and care guidance to participating veterans.


    She is currently working toward her CDPT-KA certification and developing a training program to provide assistance to multi-dog households. Tiffany is excited to share her knowledge of dog behavior and welfare through the Project POOCH program. She truly believes that understanding animals and their behavior will offer us insight into ourselves and our personal challenges to help us grow.

Our Board

  • Joan 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

    Fred has been dedicating his time and energy to Project POOCH for 26 years in addition to serving as a CPA.

    When he’s not participating in a 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.” He is a “last chance” rescue from LA who was a street dog with absolutely no training. He now spends his time on couches, beds, laps, and fields.

    In addition to serving on the board at Project POOCH, she serves on the steering committee for the Washington County Suicide Prevention Council, is passionate about community access to mental health support, as well as presents on creative funding options and program development based on her experience establishing a community funded older adult mental health support program. Maiya also advocates for older adult visibility in government, medical, and social policy. When she has some downtime, she can be found cheering on the Buffalo Bills, quilting, reading, or gardening.

    Her favorite thing about Project POOCH is the way it gives both humans and animals opportunities in life that might not otherwise be available and brings visibility to the needs of both.

  • Terry Panowicz

    BOARD MEMBER

    I am a native Oregonian and have been in education for 22 years. Formerly as a School Counselor and currently as a Mental Health and Behavior Education Specialist with the Willamette Education Service District.

    I am the proud human caretaker for Franny, aka Nora. Franny is a Project Pooch 2019 graduate. The addition of Franny to my life was an amazing gift as we were quarantining. I am extremely grateful to the young men and staff of Project Pooch for the love and care they gave to Franny aka Nora.

    I am so happy and proud to be a small part of this amazing organization. Throughout my career I have seen how important it is to offer opportunities and allow for second chances. Project Pooch is an organization that embodies this philosophy.

  • Susan Russell

    BOARD MEMBER

    Susan has worked in the criminal justice system for the past three decades, as a lawyer and advocate. She also volunteers with a local nonprofit to facilitate writing workshops with youth, including at-risk and incarcerated youth. Susan is an aunt to several dogs and owns a very engaged cat who sometimes thinks she’s a dog.

  • Rob Walker

    BOARD MEMBER