Meet Our Newest Interviewer, Jess
August 29, 2019
Our newest interviewer, Jess, moved from New York to join our team in June. We are incredibly fortunate to have her here at Children's Center. Get to know her better!...
Staff and Board
Leadership transition announcement
July 29, 2019
Children’s Center works with the community to end child abuse and neglect through assessment, treatment, and prevention. Our vision is a world where all children are safe, valued, and heard. Executive Director Tom Soma, who has successfully led Children’s Center for three years, has announced his retirement....
Another Simple Thing: Spare the Rod
July 16, 2019
“Disciplining your children is NOT easy! The most challenging part of parenting is understanding your child’s developmental stages—and then figuring out the most loving, consistent, and developmentally-appropriate way to discipline them without crossing the line into physical punishment. It’s my role as a pediatric professional to help parents along this journey, so that both children...
Sue Lewis Serves Her Local Community — One Interview at a Time
October 25, 2018
Clackamas County resident Sue Lewis is passionate about helping her local community — and her specialized skills and more than 20 years of experience as a forensic interviewer provide her with a unique platform for doing so. For the past seven years, Lewis has served as the Child Interviewer Supervisor at Children’s Center — Clackamas County’s...
Children’s Center Wins Top Medium-Sized Nonprofit to Work for in Oregon
October 22, 2018
Children’s Center of Clackamas County is a place where children and families come to begin their healing journey from abuse and neglect. It’s also a wonderful place to work. On Thursday, Oct. 5, 2018, Children’s Center was named Oregon's top medium-sized (20-49 employees) nonprofit to work for at the "100 Best Nonprofits to work for...
Choose Your Words Wisely
August 27, 2018
Parents of a certain age will recall the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Many of us were taught to say that when others spoke to us unkindly. But name-calling by parents may do as much harm to children’s minds as any physical object might do...
Another Simple Thing: Foster an “Attitude of Gratitude”
March 27, 2018
According to experts, a good night’s sleep is just one reward enjoyed by those who maintain an “attitude of gratitude.” Among the many other benefits are increased self-esteem, hope, empathy, and optimism, as well as more positive perceptions of school and family....
Overcoming ACEs and Childhood Trauma with Dr. Sue Skinner
March 9, 2018
Sue Skinner, MD, joined Children’s Center in 2010 as Examiner Supervisor. She has been working in the field of child abuse and neglect for more than 20 years. Earlier this week, we sat down with Dr. Skinner for a brief interview to discuss the importance of this community panel and determine why the topic of...
Another Simple Thing: Just Breathe!
January 30, 2018
It sounds silly to suggest “teaching” children what would seem the most natural of human functions. But mindful breathing takes practice. Introducing children to the practice at an early age is one of the most precious gifts we can bestow....
All I Want…
December 20, 2017
"And I believe in the extraordinary capacity and resiliency of the human spirit," writes Executive Director, Tom Soma. "Which is why, in times of darkness, I continue looking for light. Children’s Center is a place of light. A place of hope. A place where children can truly believe that something better is possible."...