ASIA Board of Directors

ASIA's Board of Directors, which currently meets bi-monthly, is composed of a diverse group of volunteers who bring a wide range of professional skills and experience to the Board. The major function of the Board is to oversee and manage the affairs of ASIA as set forth in its by-laws, fundraise and to create policies that guide the work and practices of the agency. Also, board members serve as committee chairpersons to create and develop committees of volunteers as needed to supplement the work of ASIA staff members.

Vanessa Baker - President
I have been thrilled to be a part of the ASIA Board of Directors since 2003 as both secretary for 3 years, and member. My husband, Brian, and I had the opportunity to have ASIA facitlitate the adoptions of both of our daughters. We adopted our first daughter, Savannah, through ASIA in October of 2002, and two years later we adopted Sierra. After having two such wonderful adoption experiences through ASIA, I wanted to somehow give something back, and be a part of this amazing organization. I am currently a Systems Program Manager with Hewlett Packard, and have a BS in Business Management and Communications. My goal is to assist ASIA in the continuation and growth of the outstanding adoption program that has been developed over the years.

Cecilia Shang - Vice President
As a Chinese mother of three, two of which are not my biological children and of a different ethnicity and culture, I am interested in and supportive of cross-cultural adoption.

I have practiced law in China and also taught Chinese language and culture to American graduate students at Tsinghua University in Beijing. I moved to Portland in 2004, and now work as an instructor to introduce Chinese language and culture for Beaverton Public Schools and Clark College. At the same time, I work as a legal consultant. I hold law degrees in both Chinese and American law from the well-known Fudan University in Shanghai and at Temple University in Philadelphia. I passed the New York State Bar Examination in February 2008.

David Wells- Treasurer
My wife Suzanne and I adopted our daughter Violet from China in July 2006, with the able help of ASIA. We live in Santa Monica, California where Suzanne works as a Sales Representative for Fox 11. I enjoy golf, wine tasting and hanging out with Baby V!

I have over 20 years experience in finance, operations and administrative positions. While mainly focused on technology companies, I have also worked in supply-chain management, manufacturing and the professional services industry. I am currently the Chief Financial Officer of Voyant International Group, a publicly held software and technology company. I have a banking background, and was with IBM in sales and the VP Finance of PowerHouse Technologies Group, Inc earlier in my career. I earned a BA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Seattle Pacific University, and hold an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Rachel Larson - Secretary
I was recruited to the ASIA board by board president and long-time friend, Peggy Cruise. As a close family friend, I have witnessed the Cruise family’s process to adopt both of their adorable girls. I was impressed from the beginning of their adoption process regarding the valuable support and education ASIA provided them. Of course, I fell in love with their articulate, bright little girls. As an ASIA board member, I hope to carry on its tremendous adoption facilitation, support networks and education for families walking down this important road. Besides creating forever families for adoptive children, adoption is vital to increasing cultural awareness and an active way to address global poverty and overpopulation.

I have a Master’s degree in Community Development from Portland State University, including an Advanced Certificate of Nonprofit Management. I love working in all aspects of the nonprofit world as a volunteer, staff or board member. I strive to be a community activist, eco-friendly consumer and an integrity-filled individual. My husband, Brian and I just became parents of a sweet baby girl and hope to adopt a boy after we figure out this parenting gig (if that is possible)! We also maintain a domestic zoo with dogs and cats who keep us busy.

Peggy Cruise - Member
My husband and I first visited China in the spring of 1997 with only one hotel reservation and a general plan. After haggling in the Silk Market, walking the Great Wall, riding a 16 hour train ride, touring the Suzhou gardens, and seeing the night lights of Shanghai, I knew China had become a part of me and that we'd return.

We adopted our daughters, Ellen and Sophia, through ASIA in 2000 and 2003. We chose ASIA because of their proven expertise, outstanding Web site information, and their personalized customer service. For both adoptions, the ASIA staff in Portland and China guided and supported us through the exciting but often tumultuous process of getting our daughters.

In 2004, a long-time wish was granted and my husband's job moved us to Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. Our girls learned about their Chinese heritage first-hand and I began to understand what life in China was really like. We returned after our year overseas with a fresh perspective, not only of China, but of the U.S. as well.

I began serving on the Board in February 2003 and have served in various roles including Secretary, Vice-President and now President. My professional experience includes human resource management, training, IT business analysis, and project management.

Brian Felder - Member
I have two wonderful daughters whom my wife, Kim, and I adopted from China in 2001 and 2003. As both adoptions were through ASIA, we experienced first-hand the professionalism, care, and patience of the ASIA staff as they walked us through the adoption journey. To me, nothing is more beautiful or worthwhile than seeing a loving family adopt a child. As a member of ASIA's board, I feel privileged and humbled to help facilitate this process for other families.

Professionally, I have twelve years experience in software product development and information technology, and currently work as product marketing manager for a healthcare software company. I hold a bachelors degree in history from Wheaton College (IL), a master's degree in information systems from the University of Denver, and an MBA from the University of Washington.

Terrie Hendrickson - Member
I had the pleasure of working on a short-term contract with ASIA early in 2007 and was glad for the opportunity to continue to be involved with such a wonderful organization (and excellent staff) as a board member. I am a transplanted Canadian with more than 20 years non-profit experience (with an eclectic resume which includes fundraising and marketing with the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company, managing small dance companies and organizing against poverty and for public health care). I am currently working part-time in the community development field and full time as a mom to Ella, and I look forward to using my skills to ensuring the on-going success of ASIA.

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