Visit our Contact page for staff contact information .

Megan Babat, Education Specialist

Megan joined ORTOP in August of 2020 from a career as a classroom teacher and STEM Curriculum Coach.

Dominique DeWeese, Volunteer Services Manager

Dominique DeWeese joined ORTOP in 2017 and  leads the volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition programming for ORTOP.  With a background in youth development and coaching, Dominique is passionate about giving opportunities to young people to compete as part of a team

Susan Jones, Project Manager

Susan Jones retired from Intel and joined ORTOP as an Encore Fellow in December 2019. Susan’s varied experience planning and managing processes has been invaluable as ORTOP planned a relocation and revision of the Strategic Plan. 

Debbie Kerr, Director of Programs

Debbie Kerr has been involved with FIRST since 2007 when her oldest son joined FIRST LEGO League.  What started out as a fun activity to support her children’s love of STEM has blossomed into a wonderful life.  She began as a parent volunteer and has never left. In 2012, she began working as a Senior Mentor, eventually being tapped to lead ORTOP’s Programs Team. 

Don Nelson, Grants Program Manager

Don Nelson joined ORTOP in 2016 as an Encore Fellow, tasked with growing ORTOP’s grant seeking capacity. Don’s leadership capacity and experience at INTEL has served him well as he advances the relationships and tools to cultivate several corporate, community, and private foundations.  Besides grant writing, Don is an avid photographer and instructor, authoring a technical resource for those in the photography industry.

David Perry, Executive Director

David has been active with FIRST long before starting his official capacity as Executive Director of ORTOP in November of 2016. David first connected with ORTOP in 2006, while working as an educator in OMSI’s Vernier Technology Lab.  While there, he helped launch FIRST LEGO League Jr and FIRST Tech Challenge in Oregon,  coached a FIRST LEGO League team, and served as Emcee at the FIRST Robotics Competition regional championships. David’s goal is making FIRST programs accessible to all students in Oregon, with a focus on underrepresented, underserved, and vulnerable communities.