Meet out Team!
NE Swap and Play is run by an awesome and dedicated team of volunteers with support from the Rose City Community Collective located at Rose City Park United Methodist Church and it’s Building Manager. All share a passion for community and creating spaces where all people are welcome, kids can have fun and community members can connect.
Hello! I’m Stephanie. I started volunteering with the Swap and Play shortly after it opened in 2019.
I “close” the swap and play once a week, which consists of tidying up toys and cleaning up the space. I also manage the playroom and post updates on social media. I LOVE choosing toys for the space, and I try to put a lot of thought into the choices. I am always open to feedback if any members have any ideas or suggestions on how to improve things! I’ve also been the one behind reorganizing the swap room to make it easier to sort through the many wonderful items we have that get donated by our members.
I love the Swap and Play and what it stands for: a low-cost, community play space where everyone is welcome. Outside of the Swap and Play, I have one active tiny human who keeps me on my toes! I love going on adventures with my family, being outside, and reading books or listening to podcasts.
Hi, I'm Alex! I've been a volunteer member since Swap & Play's start in 2019!
I strongly believe in Swap and Play being a community space without barriers that can be accessible to all. I truly enjoy meeting new members and encouraging everyone to volunteer in a small role or in one they would like to create. In my co-coordinator role I attend to repairs, supplies, deep cleaning of the space, and help to replace toys/supplies as needed. This means I come to S&P at various times of the day at least 1/week and speak to people in the building or communicate through email about our needs.
I'm currently raising my two little ones full time and I'm also a member of RCNP, the co-op preschool that is in the classroom upstairs of Swap and Play. Fun fact: I am teaching my girls to speak Polish and we attend Polish Saturday school!
Hi, I'm Sarah! I've been a volunteer with NE Swap and Play since December 2023.
My current volunteer involvement with NE Swap and Play has me corresponding with our members and potential members via email. I get to manage our email inbox and answer questions that come our way; along with managing all of our new member sign ups. It has been great getting to know so many of you all in this way, and I'm looking forward to expanding my impact with NE Swap and Play by finding more ways to contribute to this space I love so much.
As a new mom in 2023 I found NE Swap and Play to be a sanctuary space to bring my baby and spend time with other parents in the neighborhood. I've always had a love of community, but the need for community once becoming a parent was strong, and I am forever grateful to have found this space. I feel lucky that I get to volunteer and contribute to the growth of NE Swap and Play and our wider community. Being able to trade around toys and clothes is an extra special perk - good for the planet and the wallet!
During my time away from the NE Swap and Play email box and away from my full time job, I enjoy adventuring with my now 18month old son Leo and my husband Michael. We spend lots of time with family, hiking, and wine tasting. We are fortunate to have a lot of family in the Portland area and we stay busy making sure Leo gets lots of quality time with all the people who love him.
Hello I’m Elsa! I’ve been the Rose City Community Collective Building Manager since 2018!
In my role as Building and Facilities Manager for the Collective located at Rose City Park UMC, I engage with all the groups who the church shares space with which includes many non-profits and community outreach groups. More about the Collective HERE. I love to help the Swap and Play by keeping the facility running well, manage Swap and Play building tours and connect with Swap and Play families when I’m in the building. The Swap and Play is an important part of the Collective as a building focused on being a community outreach space that is accessible to all.
In my free time, I love to be with my family (husband, daughter and son) all around Portland and the PNW. As a Chicago girl, I especially love the close access to so many different options from mountains to coast and just can’t believe how much there is to explore here!
Shout out to our other awesome volunteers! Jess T, Audrey P, Josh B, and Savannah B!