Meet the Director
Alyssa Chatterjee
Alyssa Chatterjee is Oregon’s fifth Early Learning System Director. She has focused on early learning policy throughout her time working for the State of Oregon beginning in 2012. Prior to her appointment as the Early Learning System Director in 2021, Alyssa served as Governor Kate Brown’s deputy education policy advisor. In addition to advising on early learning policy, Alyssa supported the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, served as co-convener of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council, and continues to support the work of the Council’s Education Recovery Committee.
Alyssa was among the first employees at the Early Learning Division (ELD), when it was formally created. She served in a variety of roles at ELD engaged in policy and planning, including as a policy advisor and legislative coordinator for the agency. As a member of ELD’s executive team, she helped guide the state’s early learning strategic planning process for the five-year statewide early learning system plan, Raise Up Oregon. She is excited to support the continued evolution of early learning in Oregon as the Early Learning Division becomes the Department of Early Learning and Care.
Executive Team
Serena Stoudamire, Deputy Director and Programs Director
Vacant as of 12/4/21, Chief Operations Officer
Alicia Gardiner, Office of Child Care Director
Dr. Nasreen Khan, Chief of Staff
David Mandell, Chief of Policy and Research
Valeria Atanacio, Tribal Affairs Director
Heather Thomas, Human Resources Director
Jared Choc, Chief Information Officer
