By: Jess Lawrence, Director
As I reflect on the past 20 years of Cairn Guidance, I am astonished by the journey. I founded Cairn Guidance, originally Bogli Consulting for the first five years, in 2006 after taking a leap of faith and leaving the Oregon Department of Education. At the time, I stepped into consulting with a half-time HIV Prevention project, working twenty hours a week. Within six months, I had contracts across Oregon. Looking back at my records, I worked with 11 clients that first year. By year two, I retained half of those clients and added 15 more. The momentum continued, and in 2008 I hired my first employee in Portland to support operations and other key aspects of the business.
Between 2011 and 2013, I stepped away for just over a year to serve as Vice President at HealthTeacher (now GoNoodle), traveling to Nashville about one week each month. In 2013, I left that role, bicycled across the United States, and allowed that journey to shape what came next. Later that year, I relocated to Kentucky and restarted Cairn Guidance, continuing to retain clients and grow the work. And now, in 2026, we are celebrating 20 years, acknowledging a brief pause of about 15 months during my time as a VP.
Our 20-year infographic is a testament to the passion, partnerships, and professionalism that have guided this work. I know we have changed lives. I know our work has inspired others. Teachers across the country use our resources and lessons every day, reaching thousands of students. The philanthropy sector has relied on our guidance to inform community grantmaking. Universities have partnered with us to strengthen curricula and syllabi for pre-service school nurses and educators. Organizations and agencies have strategic plans shaped by our facilitation, and education leaders have gained practical tools for change management through our systems simulations. Together, this work has contributed to safer schools, healthier communities, and stronger, more strategic partnerships.
While I started this business and continue to lead it, pouring my heart and soul into the work and carrying the responsibility of payroll, integrity, and stewardship, I have never done it alone. My staff (consultants and employees alike), advisors (financial planners, CPAs, CFOs, graphic designers, and more), partners, and clients have all played a vital role in helping Cairn Guidance not only succeed but thrive.
I love what I do. I never resent a day of work. I feel deeply fortunate to lead Cairn Guidance and look forward to continuing this work for many years to come.
Throughout this year, I’ll be highlighting stories, resources, partnerships, and people from the past two decades who have made a meaningful difference in our work. I hope you’ll follow along, learn more about our history, and see the impact it has made.
In health,
Jess
Leave a Reply