MFS AmeriCorps
Who We Are
Our AmeriCorps members work in partnership with schools and serve communities in the greater Portland area as part of the larger Metropolitan Family Service mission. MFS is a nonprofit rooted in our culturally diverse community since 1950.
Current Team
Kelley Lusk* - Cherry Park Elementary
Jessaire Sagapolutele - Glenfair Elementary
Yadira Guiilen Ramos & Della Price- Hunger Relief
Kyla Mertz* -Economic Empowerment (ARPNI)
Anay Acevez Martinez -Economic Empowerment (Successful Families)
Marcus Warrick - Davis Elementary
Leonardo Lozano - H.B. Lee Middle School
Joseph Herrera* - Gresham High School
Elias Rodriguez - CASH Oregon
Contact MFS AmeriCorps
Staff Bios
Amanda Hart (she/her)
AmeriCorps Program Manager
Thoughtful, curious, a bit of a procrastinator :)
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To fly! Though that probably wouldn’t be all that appealing in the PNW rain...
What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting to witness all the brilliant ideas, creativity, and inspiration members bring to their roles each year.
What is the best advice you would give to an incoming AmeriCorps member?
One of my favorite philosophies from Gloria Steinem and the BLM movement: “Lead with love. Low ego, high impact. Move at the speed of trust.” Relationships are at the heart of our work, and relationship-building takes time, patience, and trust in the process.
What does your ideal Portland weekend look like?
A hike in the Gorge or Forest Park followed by a visit to one of Portland’s many soaking pools, and eating…there’s too many delicious options to list just one!
Brittani Holland (she/her)
AmeriCorps Member Experience Coordinator
Genuine, considerate, proactive
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Elemental Manipulation, particularly water! Can you tell that Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of my favorite animated series?
What is your favorite part of your job?
Advocating for each member of the team. As an AC alum, I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and collaborating on making this year successful (and fun!)
What motivates you?
I am deeply motivated by the people I work with. MFS has so many passionate individuals that I have learned a lot from in the past few years.
What is the best advice you would give to an incoming AmeriCorps member?
You don't have to have it all together. This is the time to find out about you, and how your passions align with the communities you serve. Just be present and show up for yourself as well your community
What does your ideal Portland weekend look like?
For the summer, a day at the lake and floating with my friends is so much fun, camping, and watching sunsets! The Dog Bowl is my favorite spot.
Also, staying in and playing PS4 while eating a good bowl of ramen is my introvert routine
Lilah Toland (she/her)
Climate Resiliency Community Liaison, AmeriCorps Program
Resourceful, big-hearted, intentional
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To be able to understand and speak any language!
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to work alongside incredible people who continually inspire me. I am always learning something new and am grateful to be involved with such engaging and dynamic work.
What is the best advice you would give to an incoming AmeriCorps member?
This is a time to learn, build relationships, and connect with the community you are serving. Approaching your service with openness and curiosity may lead you to discover things about yourself, your interests, and your community that you never would have anticipated!
What does your ideal Portland weekend look like?
During the summer, I love spending time in nature and sleeping under the stars. There are so many amazing places to discover right outside the city! When winter arrives, I embrace the cozy weekends with a good book, lots of home cooking, and trips to the rock-climbing gym for a little movement.