CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Staff

Meet Our Team

The Circle of Friends staff are the heart of our work, showing up each day with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the students and families we serve. Our team of educators, support professionals, and leaders bring deep expertise, creativity, and care to building inclusive, student-centered learning environments where every young person is seen, supported, and valued.

The artwork featured on this page was created in partnership with North Pole Studio, an organization that supports artists with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive as active members of the arts community. This collaboration reflects our shared belief in disability pride, creative expression, and the power of inclusive spaces where people can contribute fully and authentically.

Leadership

Michael Ramon Aguilar, MA

Executive Director

Michael (Mike) Aguilar brings a dynamic background in nonprofit and corporate leadership, with experience spanning operations, strategy, marketing, and organizational development. He is known for building strong systems, cultivating high-performing teams, and aligning mission with sustainable growth and community impact.

Prior to joining Circle of Friends, Mike served in multiple C-level leadership roles across both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, where he oversaw organizational strategy, financial management, workforce development, and cross-functional operations. His work has included fundraising and donor stewardship, strategic planning, government and community relations, and the development of systems that support accountability, sustainability, and long-term impact. Across roles, he has led efforts to strengthen organizational culture, improve customer and constituent experience, and align day-to-day operations with mission-driven goals.

Mike holds a Master of Arts in Community Leadership from Westminster University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Utah. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.

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Jill Murray, MA 

Education Director

Jill brings more than 20 years of experience in special education to her role as Director of Education and Administrative Services at Circle of Friends. In this role, she provides day-to-day leadership for both educational programming and administrative operations, supporting educators, coordinating systems, and ensuring that the school’s learning environment runs smoothly and effectively. She plays a central role in aligning instructional practices, staffing, and operational processes to support high-quality, individualized education for students with complex needs.

Prior to joining Circle of Friends, Jill spent two decades teaching special education at Creswell Middle School, where she built deep expertise in supporting diverse learners and collaborating with families, service providers, and school teams. Her long-standing classroom experience informs her thoughtful, practical approach to leadership and her deep understanding of what educators and students need to succeed.

Jill holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Oregon. She brings a steady, compassionate leadership style grounded in experience, collaboration, and a strong commitment to inclusive education.

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Jenn Davis, MA 

Co-Founder & Lead Educator

Jennifer (Jenn) Davis is a co-founder of Circle of Friends and brings deep expertise in special education, instructional leadership, and school development. From the organization’s earliest days, she has helped shape its vision, values, and educational model, grounded in a commitment to creating inclusive, responsive learning environments for students with complex disabilities.

Jenn holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a teaching license, and she recently completed her principal licensure program at George Fox University. Her preparation spans classroom instruction, educational leadership, and systems-level planning, equipping her to support both educators and students through thoughtful program design and strong instructional practices.

In her role at Circle of Friends, Jenn supports the development and implementation of educational programming, working closely with staff to strengthen instruction, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Her leadership helps ensure that academic programming, team support, and school operations remain aligned with the organization’s mission and the individualized needs of each student.

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Trevor Monreal 

Business Manager

Trevor Monreal brings a strong background in operations, logistics, and systems management, with experience supporting complex, multi-site organizations through efficient coordination and data-informed decision-making. He is known for building reliable processes, supporting high-performing teams, and ensuring day-to-day operations align with organizational goals and service delivery needs.

Prior to joining Circle of Friends, Trevor held senior operations and management roles across healthcare, logistics, and property management environments, where he oversaw supply chain operations, procurement, scheduling, staffing coordination, and cross-functional project management. His work included process improvement, vendor and stakeholder coordination, risk management, and performance tracking, as well as the implementation of systems that strengthened accountability, efficiency, and operational continuity. Across roles, he supported organizational growth by improving workflows, strengthening communication, and ensuring teams had the tools and structure needed to succeed.

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. He brings a collaborative leadership style grounded in problem-solving, mentorship, and continuous improvement, with a strong commitment to building systems that support people, operations, and mission-driven work.

Contact Trevor

Education & Direct Support Staff

Ashley
Smith

Heather Parashall

Eileen

McNutt

Kassie
Johnsgard

Kelsey
Monreal

Melissa
Biallas

Ollie
Bennett

Robin
Taylor

SaMara
Evans

Shelby
Blondeaux, RN

Cheryl Kurchin Chapman,
M.A., OTR/L

Tasha
Wimberly

Meet The Artist

Scott Tullock (b. 1986) is a storyteller and connection seeker whose art explores the space between the familiar and the profound. Working exclusively with paint pens and Sharpie on repurposed canvases, Scott’s practice is rooted in a passion for sustainability, often sourcing materials from thrift stores to give new life to discarded objects. Since joining the studio, he has expanded his creative horizons, incorporating printmaking into his evolving body of work. Scott’s art is a playful yet meaningful exploration of cultural, mythological, and historical themes. Drawing from a diverse tapestry of influence including: film, comics, video games, and global cultural motifs, his pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia while inviting viewers to dive into a world where whimsy and depth coexist. Each work serves as a portal, encouraging exploration and reflection, while maintaining a sense of joyful curiosity.

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