MudBlosm is a 100% volunteer run organization, none of the team members receive compensation.
Meet Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson, a graduate from the University of Drug Addiction and Homelessness in 2013 with a degree in Clean and Sober, is well prepared to help others rise up from drug addiction and homelessness. Jessica was addicted, living on the streets and developed schizophrenia which she still battles daily. From 2015-2022 she worked as the Recycling Manager at the Tualatin Fred Meyer. In addition to her concern for the environment and not wasting precious resources, her work at Fred Meyer has been a springboard for her commitment to help the homeless, and others struggling with what is quickly becoming one of our society’s biggest issues, food insecurity.
As a former volunteer for Bridges for Change in both Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, her duties included providing guidance, motivation, emotional support, being a role model, and providing transportation assistance at Clackamas County Transition Center and Club Hope. From this volunteer work, she was inspired to continue her education, obtaining the following certificates: Certified Recovery Mentor, and Certificates of Completion in Addiction Pharmacology; Client Record Management/ASAM; Professional Ethics; Infectious Diseases Risk Assessment/Risk Reduction Counseling; Advancing Motivational Counseling; and Basic Course Completion, as well as various classes at Clackamas Community College.
Her greatest strengths, besides her compassion and nonjudgmental attitude, is knowing firsthand the struggles of those she’s serving. She has incredible people skills which include deep compassion, understanding, kindness, a sparkling selflessness, and an ability through her magnetic and cheerful personality to encourage others to help those in need.
Meet Jeffery Strong
Jeffery Strong is a Portland-based guitarist and pianist known for his mind-altering melodic harmony riffs and down-to-earth collaborative approach to performance. Born in 1966, making him the oldest board member, one of Jeffery’s main goals is to bring attention to our brothers and sisters without homes, and to bridge the gap for those who need assistance with those who have the means to help. In the summer of 2021, Jeffery released a much anticipated single called “Unseen” where he and several other local musicians and poets came together to unify their message to help Portland’s homeless population get the recognition and help they deserve. For more information, follow Jeffery’s music on Facebook and Instagram @Jeffery.Strong.14 and @Smokinjamsofficial
Meet Dale Wiita
Born in the spring of 1962, he’s been a positive, happy-go-lucky fellow his entire life, earning the nickname of Smiley. Presently retired, Dale spent his adult life as a professional photographer and a process server.
Wiser and younger than many when he sobered up in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19, he has been in active recovery from alcoholism and addiction for decades. Working within the 12-Step Program, he’s served in a multitude of service positions, including secretary, janitor, treasurer, and chairperson.
He honors and respects all life, acknowledging that love is the answer. (What was the question?) Yes: Love and let love. He is dedicated to serving people who are homeless and struggling with addiction and/or mental health challenges, helping as many as possible with love, kindness, and through the collection and distribution of blankets, clothes, and food. Passionate about recycling, he would love to see an organization that recycled everything, recognizing that the work of MudBlosm Connections and similar organizations provide an avenue to that end.
Meet Tammey Zalewski
Tammey worked at a nonprofit for ten years whose mission was to help the homeless and those struggling with mental health and addiction. During her time there she worked in development, communications, administration, planned events and worked directly with the clientele.
One of her greatest moments was when she was getting a promotion and leaving one of the outpatient clinics for the Administration office. One of the clients wrote her a thank you card that stated she would not have been successful in her treatment if Tammey hadn’t shown her the compassion, care and respect when she came in for her appointments. That being a homeless drug addict it had been a long time since someone had shown her respect and that kindness had given her the strength to continue to come back. The client had been sober and housed for almost a year at that point. Knowing how she had affected this one person’s life fueled her passion to keep helping others.
Currently working for the State of Oregon she wanted to continue to work with the homeless population and has found a home here at MudBlosm Connections. Knowing that everyone, no matter their status in life, deserves respect, kindness and help, she is dedicated to seeing MudBlosm Connections grow to make a difference in everyone’s life who needs it!
Meet Eric Gibson
Eric, a long time friend of Founder Jessica Johnson, shares her passion to see the end and prevention of homelessness in Oregon and the nation.
Currently he is the Operations Manager for the nonprofit The Rivers of Life Center, working with high school aged youth from the JROTC and The Oregon Youth Corps in Oregon City. They do environmental restoration work such as their latest project at Eagles Landing in the Mt Scott area where they have a small nursery and major greenspace project going.
This work is very rewarding as Eric studied horticulture at Clackamas Community College and graduated with an Associates in 2001. He has worked with plants in various settings including nurseries, greenhouses, farms, and landscaping.
Today he is back at the same school studying Human Services and working on a drug and alcohol certification. Being sober for almost four years he sees the importance of helping others in their journey to sobriety.
Meet Michael Hamann
Michael Hamann has built his life on a foundation of service, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others. From his early years as a leader in athletics to his tireless work in community service, Michael has always sought ways to uplift and support those around him. Growing up, Michael was dedicated to both service and teamwork. His passion for leadership first took shape on the playing fields, where starting in first grade he served as soccer captain for his teams until graduation. Through his involvement with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Michael learned the value of teamwork, discipline, and faith — principles that would guide him throughout his life.
Michael moved to Oregon once he finished college, where he worked with Job Corps, an organization aimed at helping young people develop leadership skills. This experience solidified his belief in the power of mentorship and the importance of giving back to the next generation. He also worked for Columbia Sportswear for five years.
Once he left the corporate world he began a solo project, FUNBAGS, canvas bags with essential items such as blankets, flashlights, food and medicine to give out to houseless folks. When he joined the board at Mudblosm Connections he expanded his outreach to coordinate food delivery to the houseless of Portland. His Christian faith has led him in all his work and his spiritual home has been at Imago Dei Church, where he worked for nearly a decade on the Hospitality Team fostering a welcoming environment for all who entered the church.
Michael Hamann is a passionate advocate for community service and social impact, with a particular focus on improving access to clean water and addressing homelessness. Abroad, he has contributed significantly to the Ghana Water Project, where he has been instrumental in building cisterns for villages lacking potable water, providing these communities with sustainable and clean water. Through his work, Michael has shown a commitment to creating tangible, positive changes in communities both locally and globally.
Meet Barbie McCormack
Barbie specializes in helping others through meditation, art, and energy work. She is known as Meditation Barbie and is co-owner of Fried Melon Art Studio where local artists have found a home.
She volunteers as a board member, does food delivery and helps plan events. Barbie’s goals are to make a positive impact in her community and feels MudBlosm is the perfect place to make that happen.
Meet Randall Fish
For the last twenty-five years Dr. Randall Fish has been serving his communities with a lasting purpose, a mission to give, love, and serve humanity out of one’s own abundance.
While in practice he owned and operated several clinics in multiple states where he worked with several professional sports teams, world-champion athletes, and countless Hall of Fame and touring musicians. His passion shines when discussing or working with the self-healing self-regulating innate potential within everyone.
A loving and dedicated father of two now adult children, he loves participating in most sports and tends to find himself enjoying live music on a dance floor with his friends whenever the occasion arises.
He cherishes the opportunity to find new avenues to serve through the various approaches provided by MudBlosm Connections.
Meet Christopher Carlson
Christopher Carlson is a dedicated professional with an Associate Degree in Applied Science from MHCC , specializing in computer science and networks.
With a passion for community development, he played an instrumental role in the founding of the Hood River Skate Park while collaborating with city and state officials.
Christopher Carlson is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, actively engaging in mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, fishing, camping, and hiking. He brings a wealth of teaching experience, having professionally instructed snowboarding and martial arts. His commitment to community, education, and the outdoors fuels his dedication to creating impactful changes through nonprofit initiatives.
Working for a nonprofit focused on food insecurity and community outreach is an incredibly fulfilling opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. By providing essential resources such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and temporary housing support, you directly alleviate hardships faced by individuals and families. Knowing that your efforts contribute to reducing hunger, improving living conditions, and fostering long-term stability provides a profound sense of purpose and accomplishment.
The work allows me to connect with diverse communities, fostering relationships built on trust and support. It offers a chance to advocate for equity and social justice, helping to bridge resource gaps for marginalized populations. By addressing both immediate needs and systemic challenges, I contribute to meaningful, long-term changes in the lives of those we help.
Additionally, my role encourages personal and professional growth through problem-solving, leadership opportunities, and collaboration with like-minded, passionate individuals. The creativity and resourcefulness required to meet the needs of the community are both challenging and rewarding, and the collective sense of purpose among the team at Mudblosm creates a supportive and energizing work environment. Ultimately, working for this nonprofit not only helps others but also offers the unique fulfillment of giving back and building hope for a brighter future.