Nov. 3, 2025
Cascadia welcomes new Board members
New voices bring consumer perspective
This fall, Cascadia Health welcomed three new consumer members to its Board of Directors, maintaining its commitment to honoring community voice and experience. As individuals who have received services from Cascadia, these new members will bring unique knowledge and awareness to the issues facing Cascadia, the community, and those seeking care.
“We are excited to welcome these new members to our Board of Directors,” said Steve Jaggers, Board Chair. “A strong board is one that understands thoughtful and intentional decision making to help Cascadia thrive, especially in increasingly complex environments. These new members bring important perspectives that will help inform and guide Cascadia forward.”
Cascadia’s Board of Directors provides oversight and support for the business of the organization. The board is responsible for approving Cascadia’s vision and goals, and serves as an advocate in the community.
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center Lookalike (FQHC-LA), Cascadia’s Board of Directors includes individuals who currently or previously received Cascadia services, or whose family members receive Cascadia services.
“These new board members bring their own unique story and motivation to supporting Cascadia and those we serve,” said James Schroeder, Cascadia’s Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to working alongside them as we work to achieve our mission and vision of providing integrated, whole health to our community.”
New Board Members
Minnie Horvath
With 12 years of advocacy experience, Minnie is an inspiring community leader with experience lobbying for issues such as sex trafficking and bullying. Minnie served on the Maricopa County Youth Board and Youth Leaders before coming to Portland. As a recipient of Cascadia Health services, Minnie is passionate about access and quality of care and advocating for those who receive services.
Ash Jorgensen
As a recipient of Cascadia Health services and someone living with disabilities, Ash Jorgensen speaks from experience to provide guidance and direction. Ash is an artist who has studied and worked in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from visual, theatrical, and sugar art. Her online Cookie Curio and cookie decorating tutorials have been featured on YouTube, Teachable, and the bi-annual Cookie-A-Thon. While attending university she served as an elected board member for the Organization of Student Theatre Producers, President of PSU’s Improv Club, and Vice President of PSU’s chapter of the National Theatrical Arts Honor Society: Alpha Psi Omega. While fulfilling these duties she helped facilitate meetings to create space for teamwork. She is currently an active member of several online communities that bring together people living with disabilities, including the non-profit artist group Chronic Pain Project PDX which continues to curate her art in exhibition in accessible public spaces throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Emily Williams
A first-generation college student and Cascadia client, Emily Williams was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. As a student educator, Emily has worked with displaced youth, especially those who experience addiction and housing related issues. She is an experienced facilitator and organizer with a wholistic understanding of the importance of community, connection, and the services Cascadia provides. Emily previously interned with former Portland City Commissioner, Chloe Eudaly’s office and has been active in committees across the Portland Community College campus, including being elected as the 2019-2020 PCC Sylvania Student Body President. Emily has since transferred to Portland State University where she plans to study sociology. Her primary interests are civic leadership, community engagement, access to care, public policy, behavioral health, disability and accessibility advocacy.