Advisory Board

Charity Biggs

CADC I, PWS, CRM; Tri-County Program Manager MHAAO

Residential Counselor at Volunteers of America Women’s Center

Charity has been a dedicated advocate for her community for over 14 years with a passion for family reunification, healing, and recovery. Drawing from her lived experience, including overcoming challenges such as foster care, poverty, and housing instability, she is committed to supporting others on their path to wellness. Despite facing the impacts of addiction, incarceration, and trauma within her family, Charity has built a life of safety and security for herself and her daughter. She finds immense fulfillment in helping others strive for a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Tianna Forbes

CADCI-II, QMHA-I, CRM-II; Counselor at Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center of Portland

Tianna is a dedicated Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with a profound passion for helping others on their journey to recovery. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and aspiring to obtain her Master’s, she combines professional expertise with lived experience to offer empathetic and effective support. Known for her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment, Tianna excels in creating a safe and supportive environment for those navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery. Her holistic approach and strong advocacy for mental health make her a trusted ally in the recovery community, where she strives to empower individuals to achieve lasting, positive change.

Mario Cardenas

CADCI, CRMII, CGRM; KSA Latino/Latinx OCE Coordinator

Mario Cardenas is a man in long term recovery with lived experience in substance abuse, mental health, and incarceration as well as family unification. Because of this he has been able to use his lived experience as a lead mentor, facilitator for trainings through MHACBO, and as a primary counselor for the first Latino Spanish speaking intensive outpatient housing Program (Latino Homebase Recovery Program) with VOA and clinical specialist care coordinator for the Multnomah County PATH team where he connected people to recovery services at all levels.

He is a strong advocate for family unification, houseless populations, education, youth drug prevention, and harm reduction. He is currently the first Latino KSA culturally-specific program coordinator for the Latinx community with Multnomah County’s office of Consumer Engagement. As a person with lived experience, he was able to see first-hand the benefits of receiving services from TPN and as a community partner he has been able to connect many participants to the resources TPN provides. Mario’s passion is to continue advocating, serving our community with the help of those who share the same passion. For Mario it is a privilege to be a part of the advisory board for TPN.

Anthony Pickens

Anthony Pickens is a former juvenile lifer who spent 24 years incarcerated before receiving clemency. His transformative journey has fueled his passion for advocating for the voiceless, particularly those affected by the juvenile justice system, particularly those on lifetime parole. As a dedicated member of the TPN advisory board, Anthony wants to leverage his experiences to raise awareness, promote reform, and empower others to find their voices. His commitment to justice and rehabilitation continues to inspire many, as he works tirelessly to ensure that no one else endures the same fate he once faced.

Billy (William) Sly

I bring 35 years of lived experience to the TPN Advisory Board, encompassing 35 years of addiction, 5 prison incarcerations, a working knowledge of the legal system, parole/probation, and now actively participating in the Marion County drug court program. I am a C.R.M./P.S.S. and sit on the board of the S.O.S. Club, providing a safe environment for 12 step recovery. I believe in recovery, housing, mentorship, and mental health infrastructure, and that Measure 110 and H.B.4002 are only the building blocks towards wraparound services and I am here to do my part.

Terri Brister

Terri started her journey in the wrong direction of life in the late 1990’s, as well as a short lived time of gang activity in the streets of downtown Portland, Oregon. With a loss of self, kids, and mental health, wound up in and out of jails, penitentiaries, and correction offices constantly. In 2013 a change came about. Terri finally knew just what she wanted, her family back and raise her baby boy Antonio. So in the high point in her life she started giving back by cooking, finding resources for housing and utilities, and more for her neighborhood families. Having just experienced a major loss, Terri and her son continue push forward with life by working hard on self and inner strength to be a compassionate, loving, giving person to any and all. Terri is a good cook and loves feeding family and friends in her spare time.

Penny Montgomery

I am native to Medford, Oregon and enjoy the nature and beauty of the area. I love to adventure it with my four children. I am new to peer support specialist. I am humbled walking with people on their journey and sharing my lived experience to help give hope that recovery is possible. Guidance to resources that prove no one is alone if they want to change and just reach out when they are ready.

Dana Bogdanove

I am elated to be able to serve on this advisory board. TPN has been a pivotal part in both my personal and professional growth. I am a person with lived experience in the criminal justice system, substance abuse, and mental health and use that lens to guide the way I move through my personal life and my career. I recently stepped out of five years in direct service as a peer and a behavioral support specialist into a more policy aligned role with the Alternative Mobile Services Association. I am ecstatic to be able to work with TPN again and am looking forward to being of service.

Daniel McNaughton

Daniel is a lifelong resident of Portland, Oregon, who is deeply committed to his community’s growth and well-being. As an individual with firsthand experience with the criminal justice system, Daniel serves on The Pathfinder Network (TPN) Advisory Board, where he leverages his unique insights to advocate for meaningful change. A proud father of six, Daniel’s greatest purpose is to create a brighter future for his children while working to foster a thriving community. He is dedicated to opening doors for individuals facing systemic challenges and ensuring opportunities for those who are less fortunate.