Meet The Team

For over twenty years, Ms. Weems has served as an advocate for individuals with behavioral and emotional diagnoses. Her vision for the Mullen-Polk Foundation, a non-profit, which she founded in 2015 for the unique purpose of assisting all youth in fulfilling their desires to live, work, and exercise their rights as productive citizens.  Ms. Weems was inspired at a young age by the important belief that every human being had the inherent right to self-fulfillment.  The organization has an exceptional record for exceeding requirements to enhance the quality of service delivered throughout its programs.

A PNW native, born and raised across the river in Portland, OR. He has a history of working with youth in care going back to 1999 when he started as a Youth Mentor/Direct Care Staff for Janus Youth Programs in SE Portland, a role he stayed in until 2003.  After the birth of his 2nd child in 2003, he was looking for a change and decided to cut his teeth in Real Estate finance as a mortgage loan officer... around this same time, his parents became licensed as Foster Parents and began caring for youth in their home. Seeing the opportunity to further give back to those in need, Dante decided to become approved as a respite provider for his parents so that they would be able to take the necessary breaks Foster Parents often need.

In January 2020, Dante joined the Board of the MPF as the Treasurer and has been instrumental in the ongoing development of Our Next Generation 2, a 30-bed Staffed Residential Facility for BRS youth in Washington State. In the course of his participation on the Board and with the development project, it was decided that Dante could best serve the needs of the MPF by joining the staff. he was offered the position of Director of Operations in May 2022, and he accepted and joined the MPF in that capacity that same month.

With a robust background in accounting spanning over 25 years, Alice Weems-Woods has built a career dedicated to financial excellence and organizational integrity. After retiring from a pivotal role at BlueCross BlueShield in 2012, she embraced a well-deserved break, enjoying time away from the fast-paced world of finance. However, in 2022, Alice was inspired to return to the field at the request of Linda Weems, taking on the important role of managing finances at the Mullen-Polk Foundation. Her wealth of experience continues to drive the Foundation’s financial stewardship and support its mission in the community.

 I am a dedicated case manager with a background in track and field coaching and youth mentorship. Raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, he earned a scholarship for track and field at the University of Oregon, which sparked his passion for guiding and inspiring young people. After completing his education, he launched a small business in North Portland, and later began working at MPF in 2023. In his role, Joeal supports foster parents and youth, helping them realize their potential and showing them that a strong network of people is invested in their future success.

My name is Margaret Wilkins.  I was born in Naples, Texas, a long, long time ago.  My father was in the military, so we were also stationed in Germany, France, Italy, and several states.  We settled in Fort Lewis, Washington, where he retired.  I did my undergraduate studies at Washinton State University, and my graduate degree comes from the University of Washington (so...I'm always a winner of the Apple Cup.) I was a foster parent for 27 years and have worked in both private and state agencies.  I'm now retired after 33 years of service and seem to be still busy.  I love to travel, experience food from different cultures, and do jigsaw puzzles.   

Shari Robinson, a lifelong Alaskan, was instilled with a strong sense of community service from a young age. Through her parents' example, she learned the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. Her passion for helping youth and families has guided her career.

Shari's first job was at Camp Fire, where she began making a positive impact on young lives. She graduated from Portland State University in 2007 with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Music. These degrees have been instrumental in her work using music therapy with youth and assisting young mothers with their children's education.

After holding positions at Covenant House as a case manager and with the State of Alaska as a WSS, Shari made the decision to move to Washington with her children following the passing of her mother. Aligning with the Mullen Polk Foundation's vision and deeply believing in their mission, Shari joined the team in 2023. She is committed to being the change she wishes to see in the world by continuing her dedication to improving the lives of young people and families.

As a mother raising two sons, Shari continues to show them the importance of giving back and supporting their community, just as her parents instilled in her. By setting this example, she hopes to pave the way for future generations to carry on the legacy of service and compassion.

I believe in the potential of every young person and dedicate myself to fostering connections that inspire positive change. Through active mentorship, workshops, and community outreach a difference can be made. I am excited about the opportunities that the MPF has had and future ventures.