Who We Are
Meet the Team
Sparrow Clubs Staff
Executive Director
Matt began working for Sparrow Clubs USA in May, 2006, and currently serves as Executive Director. Matt has always had a big heart for kids and young people. Speaking to kids of all ages and watching them come alive with compassion for kids in need has been one of the great joys of his life. Matt tries to live life to the fullest and enjoys making people smile and laugh, singing, hiking, traveling, watching movies, and spending lots of time with his adventurous wife Kena, his kids, and his two dogs.
Finance Director
Terri has been with Sparrow Clubs since 2003, when she was hired to be the Administrative Assistant to Founder, Jeff Leeland. She served as the Executive Director for Sparrow Clubs for many years before deciding to serve the organization as the Finance Director in 2020. Terri feels strongly that we should all show compassion to others, making the needs of others a top priority in our lives. Terri loves the Pacific Northwest, and enjoys spending time with her family.
Central Oregon Director
Nancy Childers returned to Sparrow Clubs as Regional Director for Central Oregon in 2016. She originally joined the Sparrow Club staff in 2007. She has always had a heart for kids and has worked with youth in some capacity since 1986. She is excited to be involved at Sparrow Clubs and enjoys seeing the Sparrow Projects come together… creating hope for a family facing a difficult time and seeing the lives of the students involved changed for the better. Nancy loves spending time with family and friends and is always up for an adventure. She lives by the motto: “Have courage and be kind.”
Souther Oregon Director
Kena joined Sparrow Clubs USA in July of 2016 as the Southern Oregon Program Coordinator. As a young girl, Kena discovered that coming alongside a child to care and mentor is not only a pure joy, but also an honor. Her experience as a staff leader with Boys and Girls Club USA, and coach with National Youth Sports Program confirmed a deep desire that she wanted to be a part of her community on a deeper level. It became a priority for her to do her part to nourish and encourage children and their families. Kena is a born and raised Oregonian. She graduated from Southern Oregon University in 2003, and now resides, with her husband and five children, in the Rogue Valley as an active member and “lover” of her community. She loves spending time with her family and friends, whether it be hiking, swimming, being silly, or being a listening ear; “Life is about adventure, and saying ‘Yes’ to where each day can take you. Just enjoy all the moments.”
Portland Director
Laura officially joined Sparrow Clubs in 2016 as the Portland Program Coordinator. She has been a teacher in the Parkrose School district for the last 30 years and the Sparrow advisor there for the last 10. Her greatest passion in life is cherishing those around her and teaching others that true happiness comes from what we give, not what we get back. After the sudden loss of her grandmother and brother, then finally her mom to cancer within two years, she understands how difficult times can be when the health of those you love is threatened. As the Director in Portland, helping families with kids in medical crisis while teaching compassion in the hearts of today’s youth has become her passion. Sparrow Clubs’ mission to do both is the perfect blend for her. Laura loves baking for others, shopping for the ultimate bargain and warm sunny places. Her motto… “Each sunrise is an invitation for us to make others smile and brighten their day.”
Willamette Valley Director
Julie joined Sparrow Clubs in 2022 as the Willamette Valley Director, after years of involvement through business. She has always had a passion for connecting with the community, particularly supporting families and kids. Julie is a wife, mother, sister, and friend. These are cherished roles, and have helped her gain a special perspective of the unique individual needs of her community. One of her greatest joys is seeing people realize their potential and then using their gifts to help someone else. In joining the Sparrow Clubs family Julie is living out her desire to influence kids by sharing the power of compassionate people.
Assistant to the Portland Director
As a kid, Sparrow Clubs’ message of compassion had a profound impact on Sophia. Watching her cousin be a Sparrow at a local school inspired her to begin volunteering and lead a lifestyle of service. Since then, she grew up to become a professional actor in the Portland area, and attend Boston Conservatory for her BFA in Musical Theater. She moved back home to serve as Miss Oregon for the Miss America Organization, and is so grateful to be a part of the Sparrow Clubs team. Giving back to the organization that taught her so much is truly the best job ever!
Sparrow Clubs Board of Directors
President
Leslie Neugebauer is the Senior Director of Medicaid Governance at PacificSource Community Solutions which manages the Oregon Health Plan benefit for the region. She worked the majority of her clinical career, as an Occupational Therapist, with children and adolescents.
She lives in Bend with her husband and two children. Leslie joined the Board of Directors in 2017.
Treasurer
Brant is a radilogy partner and co-owner of Central Oregon Radiology Associates. He also is currently serving as Medical Director of Radiology at St Charles Medical Center, Bend.
Brant joined the Board of Directors in 2019.
Director
Bella is currently in school majoring in medical imaging working towards becoming a pediatric Cardiac Sonographer.
She lives in Redmond with her family. She was a sparrow herself as a child, and she was a part of the sparrow club in high school.
Director
As a teacher for the past 15 years, I’ve built curriculum and care around science, English, and Student Leadership. At the root of my pedagogy, I believe people who come together with a positive mindset can effect an indelible change.
Around 2006 I made the decision that I wanted to change my own life severely, so I changed career paths from a lucrative Computer Science and Software Engineer at Charles Schwab, where the dollar was always in focus, to teaching, where there was a greater life focus and opportunity on leaving a legacy of strength and integrity for the generations who follow.
I’ve always had routine and discipline in my life as a soldier and musician in the United States Army, but I’ve also always had passion in my life to go where I feel I can serve best, and no matter the challenge, I feel that opportunity and experience offer the best life lessons. I am proud of my life path, and continue to seek serving my community.
Director
Matt is a full time Realtor in Central Oregon. He joined the Board in 2022 and was first connected to Sparrow Clubs in 2010.
Matt lives in Bend with his wife Jenn and their two boys.
Director
Crystal Brae is an Oregon native. She was first introduced to Sparrow Clubs when her son Tytan was diagnosed with cancer and was chosen as a Sparrow. This organization was a massive blessing for him to be a part of. It gave him hope and support. He always said he would return the favor and join Sparrow Clubs when he reached high school.
When he passed, Crystal committed to living out his legacy and became a board member in honor of Tytan and all that Sparrow did for her family.
Director
Rob is a Partner and Sales Representative for Johnson Barrow Oregon.
He first became involved with Sparrow Clubs as part of his Senior Project at South Medford High School in 2002.
Rob and his company are passionate about the value Sparrow Clubs brings to the community.
