Many of you already know Dani and the care, dedication, and vision she brings to her work. For those who may not know her as well, we’re excited to share more about her journey at Quest and the experiences that have shaped her leadership.
Dani joined Quest in 2010 as an Addictions Intern for our Finding & Sustaining Recovery (FSR) Program. At the time, Quest had just 23 employees - a vast difference from our current workforce of nearly 80.
Before Quest, Dani worked at Central City Concern (CCC)’s Letty Owings Center, supporting women and children through residential substance use treatment.
Her personal understanding of addiction and mental health, and close connection with LGBTQIA2S+ communities, have fueled her drive to further Quest’s mission.
Lived experience continues to inform Dani’s approach to leadership and reinforces her commitment to looking beyond the surface to understand the experiences and systems that shape people’s lives.
Through this understanding and experience, Dani has been integral in bridging gaps in care and shepherding Quest through significant milestones such as the establishment of our WISH non-opiate pain management program, the opening of Oregon’s first LGBTQIA2S+ recovery house, and Quest’s purchase of the building we currently call home.
We look forward to the next chapter of Dani’s leadership and continuing to build an organization grounded in the belief that community is at the forefront of healing.
Please join us in welcoming Dani into her role as Interim Executive Director as we continue building Quest’s next chapter together.
Get to know Dani: Q&A with Quest Center’s Interim Executive Director
Q: How long have you been working at Quest? What was your position when you began?
A: “I started in 2010 as an Addictions Intern in our Finding and Sustaining Recovery (FSR) Program. At the time, the program had only 4 staff members. FSR now operates with a staff of 12! I’m so proud of what our team has built.”
Q: What connects you to Quest’s mission?
A: “I am a person in recovery with lived experience overcoming addiction, navigating mental health challenges, and I have a close personal connection to LGBTQIA2S+ communities. This work will forever be close to my heart.”
Q: What are some of your proudest moments at Quest?
A: “I am incredibly proud of the programs and services that we’ve created and fostered out of community need. For example, I have loved seeing our WISH non-opiate pain management program grow from a simple idea that we needed better systems of care for our folks dealing with chronic pain, to a collaboration with CareOregon and Clackamas County that has helped hundreds of individuals in their pain management journeys.
Quest opening Oregon’s first culturally specific LGBTQIA2S+ recovery house is another project that I’ve been incredibly honored to be part of. As a substance-use treatment center providing culturally responsive care to LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, we frequently came up against the challenge of finding safe and supportive housing for our non-binary participants. From this need, we were able to partner with Bridges to Change and Multnomah County to create a brand new safe space for our community members. I’m proud to see how it’s grown, as Quest now operates not one but 3 transitional houses for participants engaged in our Finding and Sustaining Recovery Program.
Additionally, the attention myself and my team has been able to focus towards staff wellness has been so positive. In the same way that Quest believed in me as an Addictions Intern, I see so much value in providing staff opportunities for growth. I’m proud to see Quest offer continuing education opportunities, sabbaticals, and a culture that sees each individual as humans beyond their roles at work. I’m so excited to continue building on this energy.”
Q: What else are you excited to build on in your work at Quest Center?
A: “I so value the community partnerships that Quest has developed over the years, and look forward to continue developing new and existing relationships. I believe that collaboration and connection are essential to the wellness of our organization and those we serve.”
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: “I love spending time outdoors with my family, which includes my sweet and silly pups and cats. I’ve recently gotten very into Stained Glass! I frequent markets around town, and you can follow my work at Deer and Bloom Studio.”
