our TEAM
At We Create Peace, our team is driven by a profound passion for fostering peace within individuals, environments, and structures. We remain steadfast in upholding timeless values and offering innovative solutions across all facets of our operations.
Dr. Kurt Risley
Owner and Founder
Dr. Risley brings over thirty years of experience involving mediation, business consulting and coaching others with life’s challenges and difficulties. As a professional mediator he uses a process that provides the environment to find solutions to both business and relational conflicts.
Dr. Risley has taught in both college and postgraduate environments. He has also spoken around the country and internationally on leadership development, community programs and conflict resolution. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Portland, Oregon.
Eric Kinnison
Eric Kinnison has been with We Create Peace for the last decade. Currently, he works as Director of Long Term Services and also provides job development services with Oregon’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, specializing in working with individuals in the I/DD community helping them create and sustain long term career growth. Prior to working in this field, Eric was part owner of a business providing professional exterior cleaning for residential and commercial businesses all over the Portland/Metro area. Eric has a MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
MATT FIELD
Matt Field is in his 10th year working with We Create Peace and Oregon’s Vocational Rehabilitation program. In this time he has worked to understand both the challenges and opportunities that come from seeking employment. Prior to working in this field, Matt has worked in sales, marketing, warehousing, and fast food. He believes that all work has dignity and brings this to his approach to his job.
In addition to working with We Create Peace, Matt has a counseling practice. His academic background includes a Master’s degree in couples and family therapy earned at George Fox University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in human development earned at Warner Pacific College. He brings the mindset of a counselor into his work while also maintaining the role of a job developer.
JAY SCOTT
Jay Scott works with We Create Peace as a Job Developer and Job Coach. Along with this, Jay brings another 6 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities at different agencies as well as foster homes in both Eugene and Portland.
Jay obtained his undergraduate degree from Portland State University in 2013 with the focus being Human Services.
In addition to working with We Create Peace, Jay is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Portland and he works in that industry from time to time.
SAM COHEN
Samuel Cohen works with We Create Peace Work Solutions. Currently, he works as a Job Coach and specializes in working with individuals in the I/DD community helping them build and control their career goals, and promote a consistent growth mindset. Prior to working in this field, Samuel has spent 12 years working within the confines of High School and College Football as a teacher, coach, and talent scout, while spending his life promoting diversity and equity in the workplace and beyond. Samuel has an M.Ed in Education from Lewis & Clark College.
