Board of Directors – Soroptimist Northwestern Region

Marti Crook joined Soroptimist International of McMinnville in 1997 and has held many leadership roles at the club, district, and region levels. She served on the Region Board as District 2 Director 2012-2014, Northwestern Region Secretary 2014-2016, and Governor-Elect 2016-2018. She works as the office/accounting manager for the heating and air conditioning business she owns with her husband. Between them they have one son, three daughters, and two grandsons. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, and reading. Her passion is volunteering through Soroptimist to help women and girls improve their lives and realize their dreams.

Kristi Puckett has served on the Board of the Northwestern Region since July 2010 when she began her term as District 3 Director over 13 clubs. She has been a member of Soroptimist International of La Grande since 1990 and has served in many leadership roles. Kristi recently retired from her job as Personnel Director from Grande Ronde Hospital, after 40 years. She is an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoys singing in the community choir. She lives in Cove, Oregon with her husband Jeff of 40 years. They have two children, a wonderful son-in-law and a granddaughter. Free time will be a new challenge with retiring but she knows it will involve family, friends and Soroptimist.

Theresa Heidt-Vanderschoot has been a member of Soroptimist since 2001. She has held various leadership roles within her club and served as the District 2 Secretary during the 2014-2016 biennium. She has served on the Region board since 2016 when she was elected as District 2 Director. She received her Master’s in Counseling from George Fox University and currently works in compliance for Yamhill Community Care Organization. Theresa is married and has one child. Together they operate an adult foster home for developmentally disabled adult males. She has been volunteering since she was 16 years old in various capacities, including coaching Special Olympics, on her son’s school board, and various other committees in an effort to advocate for and empower those who need that support.

With 24 years of Banking experience I hope to bring to the organization not only my skills with my financial background, but to also bring my experience as being involved in the community. I had become a member of Soroptimist International of Sedro Woolley, after my two children went off to college in 2004. As a member of the Sedro Woolley Club, I was excited to attend conferences, meetings and Federation Events. I hope to be a resource for all clubs, both with the simple financial needs, to the things that can help you protect the funds of your club. I am so looking forward to working with the great Board that we have put together.

Karen joined Soroptimist in 1994 and is currently a member of SI Cascadia Online Club, one of the first clubs in the Federation that meets and conducts all business and programs online. She served as District 1 Secretary during the 2016-2018 biennium. She has been a member of the Laurel Society and Laurel Legacy since 2000. Her professional experience includes over 25 years in the nonprofit sector as executive director of several organizations. She is on the national steering committee for Gender Equity in Museums Movement. She currently teaches nonprofit administration. When not working or volunteering she can be found traveling around the world or teaching Scottish country dance or calling Contra dancing throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Wendy Falkenstein officially joined Soroptimist in 2003. Having grown up with Soroptimist, she un-officially joined in 1972 and proudly shares with everyone that she is a 3rd generation Soroptimist. Wendy has held several positions at the club level and most recently was District 2 Secretary for the 2016-2018 biennium. Wendy has been in the retail industry for 30 years and is currently the Store Manager for J.Jill in Eugene. When not working, Wendy enjoys spending time with her 3 “F’s”: family, friends and her pup, Fritz. She also finds great joy in working in her yard and around her home. Wendy is also a big fan of the Hallmark Channel and watches every new movie that premiers on Saturday evenings.

I have been a Registered Nurse for 52 years working in acute care, long term care, risk management, quality improvement and utilization management. I was the charter president of our club in 2001 and twice since then. I have also been secretary, chair of the Membership Committee and assist with management of our Facebook page.Through Soroptimist I feel empowered to stand for women and appreciate the wonderful support and encouragement of both the Federation and International organizations to find new ways to “improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.” I have been in leadership positions and am a team player. Each member is valuable and brings their unique talents to our organization. Being open to new ideas makes us better. I would like to increase my knowledge of Soroptimist and serve at a new level in Soroptimist.

I have been a Soroptimist since 2001 when Jan Martin introduced me to a great organization that makes a difference. I am a member of SI of Helena. I live south of Helena with my husband, Bob, dogs, cat and cattle. I am an elected official for Jefferson County serving as Treasurer.

I have served on boards for my church, United Way and other non-profits. I have traveled to many places for business, personal vacations and mission trips. I have seen firsthand the issues for women and girls in Haiti and in the US. We can make a difference if we don’t grow weary – one of my favorite Bible verses (Galatians 6:9). So don’t grow weary in all the good works that you do, everything no matter how small makes a difference. Looking forward to serving on this board and serving you.

Marti Crook

Kristi Puckett

Theresa Heidt-Vanderschoot

Becky Taft

Karen Marshall

Wendy Falkenstein

Sally Peatow

Terri Kunz