PUBLISHER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR

With more than 16 years of experience spanning communications, printing, graphic design, and mail production, Jessie Hansen brings deep industry knowledge and hands-on expertise to North Plains Living. Her career has consistently focused on helping organizations communicate clearly, creatively, and at scale—skills that now support her mission of building meaningful community connection through local media.

Jessie began her career running her own graphic design business, Jessie Taylor Design, where she spent nearly four years working with a large client in the music industry. This entrepreneurial experience gave her a strong foundation in creative strategy, client relations, and managing complex projects from concept through delivery.

She then went on to manage her own print center, overseeing daily operations, production schedules, vendor relationships, and high-volume print workflows. In this role, Jessie also gained experience managing projects on an international level for a large local microchip corporation, coordinating detailed print initiatives across global teams with precision and consistency.

Building on that experience, Jessie worked in fast-paced production environments at the Nike Print Shop and AnchorPointe Graphics, where she further refined her skills in brand standards, quality control, and large-scale print production.

Most recently, Jessie worked in the Communications Program at the City of Beaverton, where she coordinated citywide printing and mailing efforts and supported the production of a widely distributed municipal newsletter. Her role required strong project management, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver high-quality communications on tight timelines for a diverse audience.

At the heart of Jessie’s work is a passion for supporting small businesses and fostering strong local connections. She is especially excited to make North Plains Living a truly collaborative effort, partnering with local writers, photographers, creatives, and businesses to produce authentic, community-centered content. She believes local stories are best told by local voices—and that collaboration strengthens both the publication and the community it serves.

Through North Plains Living, Jessie brings her professional expertise together with her love for her town to create a magazine built on quality, intention, and community pride—one that celebrates the people, places, and businesses that make North Plains special.

FRESH FROM THE FARM COLUMNIST

Aaron Nichols has been part of the North Plains area for more than eleven years. He and his family moved to their current farm — about one mile from town — roughly six months before his son was born. Before settling here, they farmed in Gales Creek. Aaron started his farm in part because he wanted to be more deeply connected to the community. He loves knowing people personally and working to make things better for everyone.

Through his work, Aaron has realized there are many farmers in the area he knows only in passing — or not at all — and he is excited to share those stories and connections with readers. He has seen firsthand how much people in this community care. During a difficult health year for his family, neighbors showed up in meaningful ways. He’s witnessed people working for years to improve the places they live and passionately protect both the land and the culture here for future generations. He believes there is truly nothing like it.

Aaron also works with several groups focused on preserving the region’s remarkable soils so farming can continue well into the future. He often says this area is doubly blessed — by both its geology and its community.

A fun fact about Aaron: he cuts his hair once a year when the weather warms up — so you might not recognize him in April.

To Aaron, community is a network that holds us up. Sometimes that support is direct and visible — like CSA members supporting his farm or his team growing vegetables for local families. Other times, it’s less obvious — built on the work and wisdom of those who came before. But together, it all shapes who we are and what we can bring into the future. He’s excited to be part of a magazine that helps knit those connections together, believing deeply that a place becomes fully itself when its stories are told.

DISCOVER NORTH PLAINS COLUMNIST

Ben Vandehey spent nearly twenty years living in Cornelius before moving to Spokane, Washington to attend Gonzaga University. Today, he resides in Boise, Idaho, but his family remains in the area, keeping him closely connected to local life. Though he no longer lives here full-time, writing about the community allows him to remain meaningfully involved and continue contributing to the place that shaped him.

When he returns home, what he looks forward to most — aside from seeing family — is the slower pace of life. For Ben, that rhythm lives in the landscape itself: the open stretches of fields, the surrounding foothills, and the fir trees lining the roads. Being back in that environment immediately returns him to a familiar headspace.

Outside of writing, Ben is happiest when he’s active. Whether working out, hiking, or playing pickup basketball, movement helps him feel balanced.

A fun fact about Ben: he graduated from Glencoe High School in 2020.

To Ben, community means people collectively enjoying and cultivating a connected, vibrant place. Through his column, he hopes to celebrate that shared spirit and remain part of the place that continues to feel like home.

BEYOND THE BACKROADS COLUMNIST

Dalan Lee grew up in Vernonia and has called North Plains home for the past seven years. When the opportunity arose to contribute to North Plains Living, he was immediately drawn to the idea. Community is deeply important to him — something he believes matters to everyone, if they’re honest — and he saw this magazine as a chance to create something new and fun for a town that didn’t previously have a publication like it.

What Dalan loves most about North Plains is the small-town feeling that reminds him of where he grew up. He describes the people here as peaceful and friendly, and he especially looks forward to the annual Garlic Festival. Writing has always been a hobby he enjoys, and outside of that, he spends his time raising his son, woodworking, cooking, playing the blues harp, and taking day trips. Spending time with family is central to his life.

A fun fact about Dalan: he grew up raising and selling fish — and can still clean one in fifteen seconds flat.

To him, community means everything. He believes it’s what will save us in the future and what perpetuates the good within people. He’s always open to meeting new neighbors and building deeper connections — so if you see him around town, don’t hesitate to say hello.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT COLUMNIST

Steven Dexheimer became deeply involved in the North Plains community through the North Plains Food Bank, founded by his wife, Lora. What began as helping support her vision quickly became something much bigger. As he stepped in to assist, Steven was struck by the number of volunteers who showed up and the genuine passion they carried for the community. That passion, he says, was contagious.

Since November 2023, Steven has served as a board member and city liaison for the Food Bank, where he’s had the opportunity to meet and work alongside many of the people quietly doing meaningful work in North Plains. What he loves most about being involved here is exactly that — the people. He is continually inspired by the individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making the community stronger, and he feels proud and grateful to help share their stories with readers.

Outside of his work, Steven and his wife devote much of their time to animal rescue. On their 11-acre property, Stray Haven Ranch, they care for animals that have been neglected or abandoned. For the past thirteen years, they’ve provided refuge to horses, sheep, goats, ducks, and chickens, while also working closely with the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. Their barn has become a safe haven for cats who cannot be housed elsewhere and are at risk of euthanasia. Some remain feral, while others slowly learn to trust and eventually become part of the family. As Steven puts it, they have lots of pets.

A fun fact about Steven: he’s a musician who has been playing bass guitar since high school. Over the years, he’s played in several bands and written and recorded his own music. While he’s not currently in a band, he hopes to return to it one day.

Steven has long been fascinated by local history — especially the stories of everyday people who built lives here against the odds. He’s drawn to the quieter details of how communities were formed: where the first towns were established, how commerce functioned, and how families made their way. He also holds a deep interest in the Native peoples who lived in this region for thousands of years before settlement and believes their contributions deserve greater recognition and honor.

To Steven, community isn’t defined by an address. It’s defined by relationships — by the people you care about and the time you spend helping others. It’s where dedication and passion are shared and returned, and where meaningful connections are built over time.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Lauren Crowston of Lauren Crowston Photography brings a deep love for storytelling to her work behind the camera. Inspired by the power of images to preserve meaningful moments, she was drawn to contribute to North Plains Living as a way to serve the community in a creative and lasting way.

Lauren and her family moved to North Plains in 2024 after previously living in Cedar Mill, though the area had long been part of their lives. Before calling it home, she regularly brought her children to pick berries and peaches, visit the calves at the dairy, shop at Helvetia Market, and select their annual Christmas tree. Today, many of those favorite places are just minutes from her doorstep. She especially treasures the beauty of the region — the sight of Mt. Hood on the horizon and the vibrant sunsets that greet her on the drive home. Through volunteering at the local food bank over the past year, she has come to know many of the compassionate individuals who quietly care for and serve others in this community.

Outside of photography, Lauren loves exploring the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington with her family. Hiking and camping are among her favorite activities, and she considers any time spent outdoors a gift. She homeschools her children and values the flexibility it provides to explore and learn through experience.

A fun fact about Lauren: her perfect day includes a walk in the woods with a hot latte when it’s cold or an iced latte when the sun is shining. Her favorite flowers are peonies and sunflowers, and she looks forward to visiting Peonies at Glencoe Farms and West Union Gardens each summer — happily supporting local growers and filling her home with fresh blooms.

Lauren specializes in family portrait photography, particularly mini sessions designed for busy families. From baby bumps to senior portraits, she loves capturing each season of a family’s journey. To her, community means actively seeking ways to serve and care for those around you — and choosing to look for the good in others, even when they may be different. Through her photography and involvement, she hopes to continue celebrating the people and stories that make this area so special.

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Jes Santana has been part of the North Plains community since May 2014 and has always been drawn to building meaningful connections. For Jes, being involved in a strong and supportive community is not just important — it’s foundational. She believes that real relationships are built through shared experiences, generosity, and showing up for one another.

What she loves most about North Plains are her neighbors and the many events organized by the city and library that bring people together. She appreciates the way this community gathers, supports one another, and creates opportunities for connection.

In her role as Advertising Sales Representative for North Plains Living, Jes works directly with local businesses, helping them share their services and connect with residents throughout the area. She is also a real estate agent, a Rotary member, and a Notary — roles that allow her to continue serving and strengthening the local community in multiple ways.

Outside of work, Jes enjoys reading, volunteering, attending Zumba classes, spending time with her family, and being involved in her church.

A fun fact about Jes: she loves bringing people together, especially around food. To her, community means sharing life — often around the table. Growing up, she watched her mother freely share food with neighbors in need, and that spirit of generosity continues to shape how she shows up today.

Through her work and volunteer efforts, Jes remains committed to helping North Plains stay connected, vibrant, and welcoming.

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Megan Lee recently joined the North Plains community and has been living here for about a year, though her roots run deep in Oregon. She grew up just an hour outside the Hillsboro area and has always valued the relationships and small-town connections that make local communities feel like home. She was inspired to get involved with North Plains Living as a way to connect with more local businesses, build meaningful relationships, and support the families and friends who live and work here.

What Megan loves most about North Plains is how kind and welcoming people are, along with the many hidden gems scattered throughout the area that not everyone knows about. She enjoys discovering and sharing those special places and connections that make this community unique.

In her role as Advertising Sales Representative, Megan works with local businesses to help them build visibility and strengthen their presence within the community. Outside of work, she is passionate about art, photography, and creativity in all forms — whether that’s scrapbooking, taking family photos, or transforming old materials into something new and fun.

A fun fact about Megan: she is hard of hearing and fluent in sign language.

To Megan, community means being together, working together, and helping one another without expecting anything in return. It’s found in simple gestures — asking a neighbor for milk, holding the door open for someone, or offering a smile at the grocery store or park because you never know how much it might brighten someone’s day. She recently graduated from college and spends much of her time caring for three wonderful children she nannies, always looking for creative ways to explore and share new experiences with them.