Meet Our Staff

We're teachers, media artists, social activists and dynamic nonprofit professionals. We're excited to deliver Open Signal's programs to the community. 

To connect with a staff member, complete this form, and we'll get back to you!

RaShaunda Brooks Director of Partnered Media rashaunda [at] opensignalpdx.org

I connect with mission-aligned organizations and people to create content for our channels and watch site. I also support media makers from mid level to more experienced in furthering their careers and content.

I own and operate under Y.G.B. (Young Gifted and Black / Brown) Portland, worked on several independent film and media projects and manage local duo Brown Calculus. These rich connections provide me with room to hold stories of people who often don’t get represented in dominant white media and share the lives of those who look like me.

Jim Bruce Director of Information Systems jim [at] opensignalpdx.org

I am responsible for all information systems utilized by Open Signal — if it involves a computer or a network, I probably work with it in some way. 

At my previous position, I was the IT department for a small high-end video production company. Because of advances in technology with video, audio and computers, and how they converge together, this experience makes my role at Open Signal an almost-perfect fit. My main focus from my mid-20’s to my mid-30’s was DJing and promoting live music shows. 

KatMeow García Director of Community Media katmeow [at] opensignalpdx.org

¡Yo hablo español!

我半流利!
Ask me about accessibility.

I support the front of house staff at Open Signal who facilitate media education workshops, studio productions and community events. I also help create training curriculums focused on technical skill-building and equitable education practices for instructors, volunteers, and partnerships. I have worked in media arts education and nonprofit leadership for over a decade and can help you find the education path at Open Signal that best fits your goals.

I am the president emeritus at KBOO Community Radio, earned a BFA in Filmmaking and Social Justice at Evergreen State College and am currently seated on the national board for the Alliance for Community Media serving on the IEE caucus and on the DEIA Governance and Nomination Committees.

Noah Dorsey Facilities and Equipment Manager ndorsey [at] opensignalpdx.org

I coordinate equipment purchases, repairs and sales for Open Signal, as well as being a a front desk Technical Specialist.

I also teach Stop-Motion Animation with Dragonframe and can assist with any of your animation questions.

In addition to working at Open Signal, I enjoy animation, professional cars and spending time with family.

Kamryn Fall Community Media Manager kamryn [at] opensignalpdx.org

As the Community Media Manager, I'm here to help guide the Community Media team in equitably supporting producers, cohort students, and community members involved in our classes and events. My goal is to work together with the team and community to foster meaningful connections and amplify diverse voices through radical art.

I am also a filmmaker, director, and dancer. I collaborate with theaters, musicians, and artists, exploring the symbiotic relationship between art and technology. Previously, I participated in the fellowship during the pilot year of Open Signal's LABS. Recently, I completed post-production for a limited series that reimagined Victorian romance in a non-historical context and highlighted Black joy. 

Christine Jervis Director of Administration christine [at] opensignalpdx.org

I oversee Open Signal’s administrative, HR, and financial functions. I develop and implement policies and procedures, oversee resources, and ensure compliance, best practices, and equity-driven decision making in operations.

I bring years of varied experience in operations management, having worked in local government, renewable energy and the nonprofit sector. I enjoy getting people what they need to do their best work. Outside of the office you can find me looking for birds, hanging out with my two horses, or recipe testing with friends.

Vo McBurney Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer vo [at] opensignalpdx.org

As the Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer, I am here to ensure that your studio productions are a success. I can help you with everything from reserving your gear to answering (and solving) your HD studio questions.

I currently teach the Intro to Studio Production class, and am proficient in all of the gear that we have in our equipment library so feel free to reach out with any technical questions. I'm more of a Star Wars guy than a Star Trek guy, but I've been known to hang out with a few Trekkies.

Chris Polanco Production Services Production Manager cpolanco [at] opensignalpdx.org

As the Production Services Production Manager, I manage our equipment, crews and workflows so our varied productions are done well and quickly. I also stay up-to-date with the latest for film and video. I'm always ready to answer questions about everything from sound and cameras to lighting and post!

I'm a classic Open Signal success story! I started volunteering here at 14 and quickly fell in love with video production. I went on to work freelance in various roles in Portland's film scene. My jump back into broadcast coincided with my indie feature in 2019. This led me back to Open Signal, where my unique approach to traditional production methods has only been embraced.

Courtney Rae Director of Growth courtneyrae [at] opensignalpdx.org

I lead Open Signal's resource building efforts from grassroots fundraising to corporate sponsorships. I'm coming to Open Signal with 15 years experience in community organizing and political action, communications, fundraising, grant writing, and volunteer coordination for social justice activist groups and environmental organizations. 

I currently sit on the Board of Crag Law Center. I am pleased to reconnect with media arts and to bring my skills and experience to a new field. I stay committed to fearless curiosity and radical, exponential change, so hold on tight!

Emily Roland Media Distribution Manager eroland [at] opensignalpdx.org

I manage Open Signal's broadcast and scheduling for cable and online distribution, curating videos and engaging with public volunteer producers about their video submissions.

Talk to me if you'd like to learn how to get your video or series on the channels, want to get broadcast schedules, report technical broadcast issues or learn about our service areas. Prior to Open Signal, I graduated from Mt. Hood Community College with two Associate’s degrees in Television Production.

Melissa Salazar Community Media Cohort Facilitator msalazar [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I provide direct support to producers, adjusting services and support based on unique needs. As part of the Community Media team, my primary role is to instruct equity-driven workshops to cohort students and work one-on-one to provide technical support.

I was born and raised in South Texas and have lived in Portland since 2012. After graduating from PNCA in 2015 I began working as a youth mentor. I'm excited to incorporate my skills to help others tell their stories. When not working I’m exploring in the forest, sitting next to water with a good book, drawing or watching baseball.

Miranda Selinger Broadcast Distribution Coordinator miranda [at] opensignalpdx.org

As part of the Distribution department, I help get produced videos onto our cable channels. I also do Playback operation for live shows and government meetings, help curate the broadcast schedule, and assist community members with their submissions.

I have been immersed in Portland’s community media scene since 2018, when I moved here from the East Coast and started working at XRAY FM. I joined the Open Signal team in 2022, bringing four years of experience in radio broadcast operations, nonprofit administration, and media education.

Daniela Serna Director of Communications + Distribution daniela [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers, they/them/theirs

¡Yo hablo español!

I manage Open Signal's communications and distribution departments, developing strategies to support community media through clear and transparent public communications and broadcast of local work on our cable channels.

I bring nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit and arts administration, centered on community-first organizing. I'm currently a student and researcher at Portland State University with a focus on urban planning, environmental justice and community development.

Sharon Thomas Production Services Client Manager sthomas [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I joined Open Signal's staff in the summer of 2008 when it was still Portland Cable Access as the front desk receptionist. I transitioned to Production services in 2009 assisting with multiple productions around the city. 

Currently, I am the Client Relations Production Services Manager that specializes in building and maintaining our relationships with clients and coordinating staffing for our virtual and mobile productions.

Valerie Valdez Finance & HR Coordinator karen [at] opensignalpdx.org

As part of the Finance & Human Resources department, I support the organization’s financial processes and assist staff with any HR-related issues.

I bring over three years of experience in operations, HR/finance and administrative work. I joined Open Signal in the fall of 2022 and have enjoyed learning about media production and community media. Outside of the workplace, I am committed to community development among vulnerable populations, whether it’s engaging with children in the foster care or educational system.