Board of Directors

Kristin Heying, President
Kristin is a parent whose experience as a single mother inspired the idea for Café au Play. Drawing on her professional and personal experiences, Kristin envisioned a gathering place that offers caregivers and children informal and formal support and is accessible to their unique needs and routines. Kristin has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University and has taught both elementary and special education. In 2006, she attained her Advanced Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Portland State University.

Josh Lighthipe , Vice President
Josh got involved with Café au Play by volunteering his time as a civil engineer to help renovate the site to become a model of sustainable site design, something he's passionate about in his professional and personal life. After investing so much time and effort on this first phase of improvements, he decided to join the board to continue his commitment to improving the site and also to help Café au Play fulfill its mission. He is an associate with KPFF Consulting Engineers. He and his wife have a young son and will have a new baby girl any day now. They live only a few blocks away and love walking/biking over to the Café.

Charles Heying, Treasurer
In addition to being a father and grandfather, Charles is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. He has been active in traditional groups such as the PTA and neighborhood associations, and has also helped create new organizations such as an art support group, growers’ co-op, and direct action political committees. Charles’ commitment to Café au Play is a continuation of his efforts to create new community organizations that are responsive to the changing contours of our society.

Abigail Cermak, Secretary
In the Autumn of 2006, with the help of two other Portland State University students, Abigail helped create a video documentary about the future of Tabor Commons and the involvement of Café au Play. Becoming a board member for Café au Play has given her the opportunity to volunteer for her community and network with other parents. She currently lives with her partner Tim, and his son Dylan, who are also supporters and volunteers for Café au Play.

Hilary Nelson, Board Member
Hilary Nelson was a registered Day Care Provider for close to 18 years and now works with children with special needs, including her daughter. Having felt isolated and cut off from the mainstream, she was excited to read an article about Café Au Play moving into her neighorhood, and decided to become involved. Hilary has 2 daughters and 3 young grandchildren who will be frequent visitors to the Café.

Sofia Jamison, Board Member
Sofia has a master's degree in Spiritual Psychology, is a certified hypnotherapist, and enjoys volunteering in a variety of settings. She plans on joining a group counseling practice when her child starts kindergarten next year.  As a parent Sofia discovered how important community is when she experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her son and joined a group of moms going through the same kinds of challenges.  After attending events and following Café au Play's progress for several years, Sofia decided it was time to get out and help make this valuable resource available to families in the community.