The Team

We are all full-time licensed Realtors dedicated to delivering outstanding service to you and anyone you refer to us. We each specialize in a different aspect of the real estate business, which enables us to provide you with a level of service far beyond that of traditional Realtors.


Kundalini Rose Bennett

Designated Broker
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 100
Cell Phone: (503) 317-3689
Fax: (503) 234-9511
kundalini@climbatree.com

Kundalini created Portland's Alternative Realtors over 10 years ago. As Broker and owner, Kundalini oversees all of the business that we do. She is particularly attentive to quality control, making sure that our team consistently delivers the best possible service to all our clients. Having the most experience, she also creates the marketing plans for the business. Kundalini has earned the professional designation of Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)and is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

No ordinary Realtor, Kundalini will gladly climb a tree to check on the condition of a roof or find a way into an otherwise inaccessible attic or crawlspace...

Juliet Salvato

Closing Coordinator
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 101
Fax: (503) 234-9511
juliet@climbatree.com

Juliet is a licensed broker and our closing coordinator. She follows every aspect of the transaction from the time an offer is accepted all the way through to closing, ensuring that no details are missed. She is in constant contact with lenders, inspectors, co-op agents, escrow officers and you. Juliet brings with her a diverse background in management, construction and architecture. In her spare time she enjoys Aikido, biking, sketching and films.

Steve Bennett

Listing Supervisor
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 102
Cell Phone: (503) 810-5260
Fax: (503) 234-9511
steve@climbatree.com

Steve is the co-owner of Portland’s Alternative Realtors with Kundalini. He has
worked as a listing specialist since he began in real estate in 1996,
consistently closing 95% of all of his listings while the market average is
only around 55%.

Steve has created a small team of listing specialists that he currently
supervises. Steve trains these agents in how to use the systems and
marketing plans that he has developed over the years that have been so
successful in causing homes to sell. Steve’s philosophy is to deliver
superior service while always keeping the client’s best interests as his
guide. Steve is not just a Realtor but has earned his license as a Principal
Broker. He also has earned the professional designations of GRI (Graduate
Realtor Institute) and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist).

Steve’s background is in Education and Counseling Psychology. He is a
co-founder of a men’s group that has been meeting weekly for 14 years,
exploring all aspects of being male and deepening connections between men.
His interests include: family time with Kundalini and their two children, playing
guitar, fire dancing, traveling, attending musical & community events,
downhill skiing, playing chess, and is committed to personal growth.

Erica Dagle

Buyers Agent
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 108
Cell Phone: (503) 577-6050
Fax: (503) 234-9511
erica@climbatree.com

Erica began her real estate career at the young age of 21. She quickly learned the business specializing as a buyer’s agent. A strong believer in home ownership Erica purchased her first home at the age of nineteen and has never rented in her life. After high school she worked two jobs until she had saved enough money to buy a home of her own upon moving out of her parents' house.

While working four years as a Realtor, Erica has purchased four properties: three rentals and her own home. As well, she became a Principal Broker and a co-owner of Portland Alternative Realtors in the past year picking up supervisory and Principal Broker’s duties for the company.

Erica has worked as a licensed massage therapist and her other interests include dance, world travel, fine dining & gardening. Erica is highly competent and experienced in advocating for her clients and helping them assertively go after the home of their dreams. Erica enjoys working closely with people and is looking forward to meeting and working with you.

Janikka Byman

Buyers Agent
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 105
Cell Phone: (503) 453-3050
Fax: (503) 234-9511
janikka@climbatree.com

Janikka is a life long resident of the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in Washington and graduating with a degree in business from Portland State University, Janikka wanted to put her business know-how to work, helping people find the homes of their dreams. She started at Portland’s Alternative Realtors as a Closing Coordinator, and now works exclusively with buyers. When Janikka isn’t working, she enjoys travel, live music, books, making quilts, boxing and working in the garden.

Darcy Sanders

Buyers Agent
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 103
Cell Phone: (503) 869-6246
Fax: (503) 234-9511
darcy@climbatree.com

Darcy is the newest member of our buyers’ broker team and previously purchased her own home through Portland’s Alternative Realtors, before coming to work with us. She and Erica cover for each other when they have days off from work. Darcy has lived here for over six years and is one of Portland’s biggest fans for all it has to offer. Darcy loves the outdoors, hiking, gardening, painting, and dabbling in interior design. Darcy particularly enjoys meeting new people and is thrilled with her new career change

Alan Allred

Listing Agent
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 106
Cell Phone: (503) 347-8529
Fax: (503) 234-9511
alan@climbatree.com

Alan is a vital member of our listing team and specializes in the art of getting our clients’ homes sold for top dollar. Alan brings his years of experience in business negotiations to the table in representing you so your transaction goes smoothly from start to finish. In his free time Alan loves to bicycle and backpack, walk his dogs, and he enjoys sharing his extensive wine collection with good friends.

Leia Carlton

Listing Agent
Office: (503) 238-7617 ext. 110
Cell Phone: (503) 810-7850
Fax: (503) 234-9511
leia@climbatree.com

Leia has worked with us since 2004 and specializes in listings. She loves her job because of the amazingly diverse clientele she has gotten to work with, and she looks forward to connecting with new people every day. Leia understands how busy her client's lives are, and enjoys giving them the type of service that requires them only to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. We know you will appreciate Leia's upbeat attitude if you choose to list your home with her. In her spare time, Leia loves cooking, eating, garage-saleing, remodeling her home, and taking advantage of living in such a beautiful city.

Robbie Ratkai

Principal Broker
Cell Phone: (503) 516-6500
Office (503) 238-7617 ext. 107
Fax: (503) 234-9511
robbie@climbatree.com

A native Oregonian, Robbie obtained his brokers license in 2003. He strongly believes in educating his clients about the process of buying or selling a home so that you are comfortable that you have made the right decision. When you choose to work with him, he guarantees that you will not only feel confident with your purchase or sale, but will also understand more about real estate. He is also one of our principal brokers assisting our agents in the office through their transactions. He makes sure deadlines are tracked and met, ensures that signatures are gathered and that everything is properly organized. In his free time Robbie enjoys interior design, researching market trends, traveling and gaining more knowledge of the residential real estate market. Above all, Robbie is committed to always placing his client's goals first. You will be impressed with is communication, organization and knowledge of this beautiful city we live in.