At the end of September, our long-time Volunteer Program Manager Mikala Soroka will be leaving her current post at the Forest Park Conservancy and going back to school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. On this new path, Mikala hopes to continue to help people build new skills, but instead of restoring trails and habitat, she’ll be working with people on restoring communication, cognition, and quality of life. While taking classes at Portland State University, Mikala will still be around as an active, part-time member of the Forest Park Conservancy aiding in the staff transition and providing ongoing program support.
Over the past five years, Mikala has led our volunteer program, increasing the number of people who help us restore Forest Park and strengthening our connection to the community. We have been very fortunate to have someone who has such a sincere, compassionate relationship with volunteers.
Mikala always made her job seem like a hobby, where the paycheck was just a plus. She has the ability to understand the sacrifices and commitment that each volunteer makes and respects the strengths of each volunteer she leads. Her ethics, passion and competency have made us a stronger organization. I know she’ll be as successful in her future career as a Speech-Language Pathologist as she has been with FPC.
Thank you, Mikala, for being an incredible person, volunteer coordinator and friend to all those you have touched. Your positive impact on the Conservancy has brought our volunteer program to a higher level.