NW Kidney Kids Staff Helen CottonExecutive DirectorHelen has been in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years here in the Portland metro area, mostly for youth centered organizations. Helen spent most of those years with Hands & Voices, a national non profit organization providing support and advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing children. With two deaf children of her own, Helen has an understanding of what it takes to work with the school districts, insurance companies and the stresses that come with having children with other needs.  Maggie MacKenzieEvents & Marketing ManagerMaggie MacKenzie is a dedicated advocate, event organizer, and community supporter with a passion for making a meaningful impact. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2018, Maggie’s journey led to a life-saving kidney transplant in November 2020, made possible by her living donor, Stephany—ask her about their incredible story. For the past seven years, Maggie has been an integral part of Northwest Kidney Kids, where she channels her creativity and enthusiasm into planning engaging events and raising vital funds to support the kidney community. She takes pride in bringing people together and creating experiences that both uplift and empower. Outside of her advocacy work, Maggie volunteers with the Portland Highland Games Association, enjoys getting lost in a good book, and is a devoted fan of the Portland Winterhawks. Her resilience, compassion, and energy shine through in everything she does, making her a valued member of every community she’s part of.  Finn VallierCamp DirectorFinn Vallier is originally from Santa Cruz, California, but now lives in Portland, Oregon. They graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) in 2023 with a major in Human Development, a minor in At-Riks Youth, and a certificate in Child and Youth Development. Finn is currently working towards their master's degree in therapeutic recreation at SUNY Cortland. Finn has had many professional experiences, ranging from working in summer camps to outdoor schools based in California and Minnesota. Finn has over nine years of experience working with a wide range of children. 
Dakota WatsonAssistant Camp DirectorDakota Watson serves as the Assistant Camp Director for NW Kidney Kids, bringing a personal passion for supporting youth with kidney disease. As a kidney transplant recipient, Dakota understands the unique challenges kidney kids face and is dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and empowering camp experience. Dakota is committed to building connections, fostering community, and ensuring that every camper feels supported, valued, and celebrated throughout their journey. |
Nuestro Equipo
Maggie MacKenzieGerente de Eventos & Marketing Maggie MacKenzie es una dedicada promotora de la comunidad, organizadora de eventos y de apoyo a la comunidad, con una gran pasión por generar un impacto significativo. Fue diagnosticada con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en 2018, y su camino la llevó a recibir un trasplante de riñón que le salvó la vida en noviembre de 2020, posible gracias a su donante en vida, Stephany (pregúntenle sobre su increíble historia).
Durante los últimos siete años, Maggie ha sido una parte fundamental de Northwest Kidney Kids, donde canaliza su creatividad y entusiasmo en la planificación de eventos atractivos y en la recaudación de fondos esenciales para apoyar a la comunidad renal. Se enorgullece de unir a las personas y de crear experiencias que inspiran y fortalecen a los demás. Fuera de su trabajo de defensa y apoyo, Maggie es voluntaria en la Portland Highland Games Association, disfruta perderse en un buen libro y es una fiel fanática de los Portland Winterhawks. Su resiliencia, compasión y energía brillan en todo lo que hace, convirtiéndola en un miembro valioso de cada comunidad de la que forma parte. Finn VallierDirector de Campamento Finn Vallier es originalmente de Santa Cruz, California, pero actualmente vive en Portland, Oregon. Se graduó de la Universidad Estatal de Washington (¡Go Cougs!) en 2023 con una especialización en Desarrollo Humano, una especialización secundaria en Jóvenes en Riesgo y un certificado en Desarrollo Infantil y Juvenil.
Actualmente, Finn está trabajando para obtener su maestría en recreación terapéutica en SUNY Cortland. Finn ha tenido muchas experiencias profesionales, desde trabajar en campamentos de verano hasta escuelas al aire libre en California y Minnesota. Además, cuenta con más de nueve años de experiencia trabajando con una amplia variedad de niños y jóvenes. Dakota WatsonSubdirector de Campamento Dakota Watson se desempeña como Subdirectora de Campamento para NW Kidney Kids, aportando una pasión personal por apoyar a jóvenes con enfermedad renal. Como receptor de un trasplante de riñón, Dakota comprende los desafíos únicos que enfrentan los niños con enfermedad renal y está comprometido a crear una experiencia de campamento segura, divertida y que empodere. Dakota se dedica a generar conexiones, fomentar la comunidad y asegurar que cada campista se sienta apoyado, valorado y celebrado a lo largo de su camino.
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