Steering Committee

After spending over 25 years living and working in Idaho, Jaime Aanensen, Director of Public Health, returned to her home community of Columbia County in October 2022. Jaime has an extensive background working for state and local public health agencies within urban and rural communities. She enjoys working closely with community partners to build healthy and thriving communities for all.

Martine  has been a member of the Columbia County community since 2007 and began working for the St. Helens School District that same year. She quickly felt connected with this wonderful community. Through her work in the district and supporting families, she became aware of the barriers to access and resources that are experienced in the Columbia County community. She believes Columbia County is too small of a community to not be able to work together in efficient ways to best serve the children and families, to best use resources, and make processes simple for families to navigate. She is excited by the work of the network and honored for the opportunity to serve on the steering committee and help facilitate this important work.

Claire’s life-work has focused on improving the health and quality of life for individuals and their communities. Claire’s professional activities have touched the lives of many as a preschool staff member, dance instructor and coach, fitness instructor, a health educator for OSU Extension Service and Columbia Health Services, and currently as the Executive Director of Columbia County United Way.

Tim Cork, MSPA is the Manager of District 1 for ODHS.  He recently moved from North Idaho, with a background in education, law enforcement, and community based service delivery.  Tim is a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion.  He firmly believes in the movement of, “Nothing about us, without us” and strives to ensure that community voice is heard in any group that he is a part of.

Jim has served as Director of Students Services and Innovation, 7-12 principal, 7-12 vice-principal, and special education director for the Clatskanie School District from 2017-2022. Mr. Helmen is proud to say he is a first-generation college student from a working-class background. “I understand first-hand some of the barriers students can face when navigating an arena they may have little experience with— those in poverty and those navigating a new culture.”

Todd Jacobson accepted a clinical services position in Oregon in 1995.  From the first day to now he has found his colleagues passionate, innovative, and dedicated, it is their commitment that has driven his desire to continually improve behavioral health care in Oregon.  He currently is part of the Columbia Community Mental Health team.

Karin was born and raised in Columbia County, returning after college and jobs in other parts of the state. She spent time as a youth counselor and Manager of Workforce programs. Since leaving Workforce, Karin has managed the CASA program in Columbia County. She’s passionate about advocating for the children in foster care in Columbia County.