Phoenix Unbound is a non-profit organization supporting survivors of domestic, political, and law enforcement violence. We provide holistic care to foster resilience, dignity, and safety for all who seek our help.

Margo Epelbaum (Rappaport), PhD

Founder & Board Chair, Phoenix Unbound
Psychologist • Clinical Psychotherapist ,Community Advocate • Nonprofit Leader

Dr. Margo Epelbaum is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, psychologist and the Founder and Executive Director of Phoenix Unbound, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, displacement, violence, and profound life transitions. Her work centers on one core belief: healing is possible when people are met with dignity, access, and compassionate structure.

With over two decades of experience in clinical psychotherapy and psychology, Dr. Epelbaum brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, cultural sensitivity, and deep human insight to her work. She has dedicated her career to helping people rebuild their lives after loss, adversity, and systemic disruption — transforming trauma into resilience and purpose.

As a clinician and nonprofit leader, Dr. Epelbaum bridges the gap between mental health care and community action. Through Phoenix Unbound, she leads initiatives focused on expanding access to psychological support for underserved populations, including immigrants, refugees, survivors of violence, and individuals navigating complex social and emotional stressors. Her approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic practices with holistic, community-centered models of care.

Dr. Epelbaum is widely respected for her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical, empowering tools that foster long-term stability and growth. She is known for her ethical leadership, clarity of vision, and unwavering commitment to social responsibility.

At her spare time, Dr. Epelbaum enjoys spending time with her children and family, loves art, classical music, theatre and nature. She distresses while cooking and creating new recipes for her friends and family to enjoy.

At the heart of her work is a simple mission:
to help individuals reclaim their sense of safety, agency, and meaning — and to build communities that rise stronger after crisis.

Olga Cherevatenko – Vice-Chair of Phoenix Unbound

Olga Cherevatenko serves as Vice Chair of Phoenix Unbound, bringing deep community leadership and unwavering commitment to immigrant and refugee advocacy. A respected voice within the Eastern European community — particularly among Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking families — Olga has long been a connector, organizer, and trusted resource.

She actively designs and leads community events that foster belonging, cultural continuity, and mutual support. Her civic engagement includes serving as an Ambassador for the Oregon Food Bank and as a Board Member of the Community Pulse Association, where she works to advance equity for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Olga is a passionate advocate for social, environmental, and climate justice. She has extensive experience organizing educational webinars, facilitating community forums, and developing accessible resources that empower individuals to navigate systems with confidence.

At Phoenix Unbound, Olga’s leadership reflects both heart and strategy — strengthening community resilience, amplifying marginalized voices, and helping immigrant and refugee families rebuild with dignity, stability, and hope.

Mrs. Katherine Golob – Treasurer of Phoenix Unbound

Mrs. Katherine Golob is an experienced leader with more than 20 years of professional expertise in information technology and financial services. Her background spans investment management, trading operations, banking systems, and accounting processes, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of complex financial and operational environments.

In addition to her technical and managerial expertise, Mrs. Golob is known for her integrity, reliability, and strong sense of accountability—qualities essential to effective nonprofit governance. She brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to decision-making, balancing strategic vision with careful attention to risk management, compliance, and fiduciary responsibility.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Golob has demonstrated a collaborative leadership style, working effectively with diverse stakeholders, multidisciplinary teams, and external partners. She is respected for her ability to listen, ask critical questions, and support consensus-driven solutions that advance organizational goals while maintaining transparency and trust.

Mrs. Golob’s technical expertise in programming and system design enables her to assess organizational infrastructure with a systems-level perspective, identify opportunities for improvement, and support sustainable growth. She is particularly skilled at translating complex operational challenges into practical, streamlined solutions that enhance efficiency and organizational capacity.

As a member of the Board of Directors of Phoenix Unbound, Mrs. Golob contributes strategic oversight, ethical leadership, and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission. Her professionalism, diligence, and values-driven approach strengthen Phoenix Unbound’s governance structure and support its ability to serve vulnerable individuals and families with integrity and effectiveness.

Christopher Keedy – Secretary, Phoenix Unbound

Christopher Keedy a member of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Unbound where his position as secretary further drives his dedication and advocacy for those in need and provides strategic leadership in support of initiatives focused on empowering and uplifting individuals while helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.

With over 15 years of extensive training, schooling and hand on experience in business operations and wealth management growth across a multitude of medical and mental health sectors, Mr. Keedy brings a strong combination of operational expertise and mission-driven leadership with a second to none iron will and unwavering moral comps. Mr. Keedy currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of a highly successful mental health facility, where he has played a key role in organizational growth, operational excellence, and sustainable impact. In addition, Mr. Keedy is a private business owner, works in security for a non-disclosed special ops government entity, several volunteer organizations as and sits on the board for several other comities up and down the state, offering strategic insight into entrepreneurship, financial stewardship, and long-term planning.

Throughout his career, Mr. Keedy has been deeply committed to improving access, stability, and support within the mental health community, with a particular focus on advancing opportunities and resources for survivors. His professional background allows him to approach nonprofit governance with both compassion and a results-oriented mindset.

In his spare time, Mr. Keedy enjoys spending time with his family, friends & loved ones most, fine dining, cooking, classical music, playing sports, traveling, horseback riding, hiking/camping in the mountains and spending lots of time at the Jersey shore.

Mr. Keedy is passionate about creating meaningful change and believes in empowering people through strong leadership, advocacy, and sustainable systems that foster growth and well-being.

Valeria Ledyaeva – Member of the Board of Directors

Valeria Ledyaeva is Systemic Family Therapist | Trauma & Migration Advocate

Valeria Ledyaeva does not study forced migration from a distance — she has lived it.

Born in Germany and raised in Belarus, Valeria experienced every stage of displacement firsthand: the rupture of leaving home, the instability of transition, the quiet grief of cultural loss, and the immense courage required to rebuild identity in unfamiliar ground. That lived journey fuels her life’s work.

As a systemic family therapist, Valeria supports individuals and families navigating trauma, crisis, and the psychological aftermath of relocation. She understands that migration is not only logistical — it is emotional, relational, and generational. Behind every visa, every border, every suitcase, there is a nervous system in survival mode and a family trying to hold itself together.

Valeria’s work focuses on restoring stability, strengthening family bonds, and helping displaced individuals move from survival to resilience. She addresses trauma at its roots — rebuilding safety, identity, and connection so that families do not merely adapt, but truly recover and grow.

She is also the creator and producer of the psychological reality project “Everything Will Work Out,” a bold initiative that brings real stories of healing into public view, breaking stigma and demonstrating that transformation is possible — even after profound loss.

At Phoenix Unbound, Valeria embodies the organization’s mission: turning displacement into empowerment and crisis into renewal. Through her leadership and direct clinical work, donor support translates into tangible healing for families rebuilding their lives.

Every contribution helps ensure that those forced to flee are not left alone to carry invisible wounds.

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