We’re so excited for you to meet Allison Pantano-Rumsey. With almost 20 years in healthcare, Allison discovered that what truly energized her wasn’t the clinical work. She says it was connecting, listening, validating and walking alongside others. Her Portland State University social work degree and internship affirmed that calling, and today she brings that same compassion and steady presence to her role as program coordinator at Kenton Women’s Village.
Allison Pantano-Rumsey was born in New York City into a military family and spent her early childhood moving between New York and Texas before settling in northern Michigan at age 8, after her father retired from the Coast Guard. Those early years of frequent moves fostered a lifelong curiosity and a fearless love of travel. At 20, she moved across the country on her own to Washington state, living in Olympia and Seattle before eventually making her home in Portland, where she met her wife, Tracy. The two recently celebrated their six-year anniversary and share their east Portland home with their puggle, Ziggy, and two cats, Bowie and Tessie — fittingly, all named with a David Bowie theme.
Allison recently graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Before joining Catholic Charities of Oregon, she spent nearly two decades working in the medical field. While she valued that work, she discovered that the moments that resonated most were offering emotional support, creating safe spaces, validating experiences and celebrating patient successes. This work truly motivated her. Her student internship confirmed that social work was the right path, and she is grateful to be following the work that aligns with her values and strengths.
Name: Allison Pantano-Rumsey
Role with Catholic Charities: Program Coordinator at Kenton Women’s Village
Year you first connected with Catholic Charities: 2024
How did you hear about Catholic Charities of Oregon, and what prompted you to get involved? I was placed with the Catholic Charities Housing Transitions Program (HTP) for my practicum with the bachelors school of social work at Portland State University. I had expressed a strong interest in working in homeless services when I applied.
What does being part of Catholic Charities/Catholic Social Teaching mean to you personally? I strongly believe that every human deserves dignity and has worth in this world. During my time as a student intern, I was shown time and time again that Catholic Charities stands behind this value of Catholic Social Teaching. I also believe in standing in solidarity with everyone around me, especially the poor and vulnerable. I try to always fight for those without my privilege.
What’s one story or moment from your time with Catholic Charities that you’ll never forget? When I was a student intern with Housing Transitions, I did a weekly shift at our drop-in center. There was a woman that would come to drop-in with a dog and the rings that held on the dog’s tags were warped and not keeping the tags on. I had a few extra rings and brought them for her next time she was in. She instantly started crying and thanking me profusely for the rings. That interaction made me realize that sometimes the smallest act of kindness can really have an impact on someone.
What activities, situations or people most inspire you? Hiking is one of my favorite activities, and I love to do elevation hikes. I may be the slowest person on the trail, but I feel so inspired when I reach the summit and look down on what I have accomplished. It reminds me that sometimes I literally just must put one foot in front of the other to reach my goals.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating or seeking support? I would say there is always someone out there who could use the goods or services you have to offer. It also doesn’t always have to be vital to life like blankets, tarps, food or showers for the unhoused. It can be vital for community building, self-care and worthiness. I have found so much joy working with Saint Hair to provide participants at the village with haircuts. Having a normal experience like going to a salon has given the participants at Kenton Women’s Village hope, joy and a self-esteem boost.
What’s your favorite book, movie, TV show, podcast or social media account—and why? (Pick one!) One of my favorite podcasts is Maintenance Phase. Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes are the hosts of the show, and they dive into anti-fat bias, fad diets, health science, and influencers in the health and fitness industry. They back everything up with facts and peer-reviewed articles. It has been really eye-opening and affirming as an individual in a larger body.
What’s on your personal “bucket list”—something you still hope to do, learn or experience? Now that I am done with school, I would love to dive back into learning another language. My goal is to be able to communicate conversationally in Spanish.