Alison Dunfee

Senior Director of Outreach and Mental Health

Alison Dunfee is Cascadia’s Senior Director of Outreach and Mental Health Counseling. Alison has worked in social services in the Portland area for over twenty years. She has served the Latino community as a youth case manager in public schools, advocated for youth in immigration detention, and managed school-based services for El Programa Hispano, a local culturally specific agency. After obtaining her Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University in 2009, Alison worked with individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system. She has developed programs for children of incarcerated parents and served as the first MSW at a local public defender’s office.  

As the Senior Director of Outreach and Mental Health Counseling, Alison oversees Cascadia’s mental health outpatient counseling programs, including community and health center-based services. In addition, she leads the work of Cascadia’s housing and homeless support services, including street outreach services to people experiencing homelessness and permanent supportive housing services. 

Before Alison attended college, she was a professional ballet dancer. She danced in one season of the opera Aida with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and studied under Maria Tallchief, America’s first Native American prima ballerina. During her free time, Alison enjoys hiking, camping, and taking road trips with her family. You can also find her surrounded by plants and cats at home.