CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS
Deb Helgerson
President
Meet Deb Helgerson, likely the most resilient person you will ever meet and the best Mom that Teisha could have ever possibly had. Deb has a way of inspiring courage from those around her and like the 'mamma bear' (as Teisha liked to call her) effortlessly makes you feel loved and valued.
Teisha's Place would not be here without Deb's determined belief that the best way to honor Teisha and her memory is to help others caught up in the sometimes frightening journey through cancer treatment. Teisha's Place is a physical manifestation of the love Deb has for her daughter; and for every person who has benefitted or will need to call it home, there are hundreds more that are touched by its grace.
Deb also likes to pronounce the silent ‘k" in words like Knuckle, Knot, or Know – but we try (k)not to give her a hard time about it.
Allison Picard
Vice President
Allison was introduced to Teisha by an Amelia CD in the early 2000s. Sometimes when you know you know, and Allison knew immediately that Teisha was someone special.
They met in person several years later and became fast friends. Their shared love of music and poodles grew into a bright and lasting friendship.
Allison, like Teisha, is a woman of many talents. In her life she has been a writer, speaker, event producer, band manager, and editor. Her current work combines all the careers that have gone before, and her mission is to bring comfort and clarity to those in grief.
As a board member, Allison is looking forward to creating and hosting events at Teisha’s Place, to carry forward Teisha’s love of bringing friends together in her home. And she can’t wait to get to know the other board members better!
Just fyi, Allison has an excellent green thumb and is always happy to hug you.
Karee Helgerson
Vice President
Karee Helgerson has the good fortune to call Teisha both Cousin and Godmother. She grew up listening to Teisha make music at family gatherings, cheer at countless sporting events, and clap at choir concerts and theater performances. Karee still has her passion for music and performing -- and credits her Godmother's huge supportive presence for that.
Although she is the youngest member of the Board, Karee is not to be messed with -- she is a three-time Division I Collegiate National Champion in Women's Rugby! And in her professional life she keeps Happy Valley's roads and buildings in good repair. Obviously, another thing she inherited from Teisha is being a total bad-ass.
Karee strives to emulate Teisha's warmth and passion in her own life, every day. Contributing to Teisha's Place allows her to honor her Godmother and carry her legacy forward; and for Karee there is no greater privilege.
Maureen Colburn
Treasurer
Meet Maureen Colburn, our Treasurer, friend of Teisha’s and Teisha’s Place. Maureen is known as Mo to her friends. It probably started wa-y-y-y back when they all met at University of Oregon as sisters of Alpha Phi.
“Mo knows.” It’s the perfect slogan for her Real Estate work with Premier Property in Lake Oswego. Mo knows how to keep track of things and that’s why she’s our Treasurer. Does this sound like she’s running for office? Well, if she was I’d vote for her.
Mo knows what the world looks like because she’s been around and travels A LOT! Mo knows that life can slap you and pat you and has lived the experience of having family members with leukemia. She’s not a novice to this work of taking care of people and she always shows up with a smiling face. Gotta love her.
Mo knows how to be a friend. Just ask her amazing network of friends and business associates. We know we are fortunate to have her on our team, and are so grateful for all she knows.
pictured from left: Libby, Keri, Mo, Gia, Trish and Teisha. It was taken at a swanky dress-up party in the Hollywood Hills during one of our annual reunion trips.
Gia Bocci
Correspondence Secretary
Gia is a mother, wife, sister, friend, entrepreneur, web-designer, candlemaker, chef, baker, gardener….the list goes on and on. Basically, if you want anything to work better, look better, taste better, smell better, then you better call Gia. She will make it happen – and she will do it fast!
Gia is so talented you would think she would be a hard person to be friends with, but it’s exactly the opposite. She is caring, nurturing, and always makes the time to celebrate your wins – or make room for you on the couch when you need a hug and a pep talk. Teisha and Teisha’s Place are blessed to call Gia a friend.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS
Shelly Caldwell
Vice President
Shelly is a wonderful and spontaneous person who grabs life by the horns. She’s a creative force as a web designer, but don’t make any assumptions about her talents because she’s also an innovative artist, creating beautiful and unique collages and mixed media pieces.
She has a wicked sense of humor, a ton of energy, and is constantly pushing herself physically. She participates in triathlons, mountain bike races, runs, hikes – you name it and she’s headed there, at top speed.
Shelly plays a big part on the Teisha’s Place Board. Teisha loved her and so do we. The photo shows the time Shelly shaved her head (and was super cold all the time and wore a lot of hats) to support Teisha's hair loss during her bone marrow transplant. Teisha is wearing a tawdry wig Shelly bought at Spartacus.