Staff.
Our employees are our most valued asset at Partnerships for Inclusion. We hire only the most qualified individuals and complete a background check on each employee prior to him/her working with a child or an adult. Every employee is CPR/First Aid trained.
Partnerships for Inclusion is dedicated to the pursuit of training that will enhance the provision of quality services. We intend to stay on the cutting edge of methodology and resources designed to improve the lives of those we serve. Therefore, Partnerships for Inclusion offers excellent education and training opportunities. Each staff member receives no less than twelve hours of formal training per year. This includes training required by the rules governing developmental disabilities agencies such as positive behavior supports as well as training in various other areas of disabilities. Partnerships for Inclusion will strive to attend every regional conference related to disabilities. Some of our employees may attend statewide and national conferences. Better trained employees provide better services.
Each staff member receives CPR and First Aid certification, Mandt certification and intensive behavior intervention training. We strive to obtain cutting edge training and educational opportunities on an ongoing basis. We attend most regional conferences in the field of disabilities. New staff members may shadow an experienced therapist and are trained for a specific child prior to working with that child. Most employees have completed state certification or are in the process.
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Bonners Ferry Office
Lisa Robbe-Soults
Director
BA – Sociology, University of Montana
MPA – Boise State University
Lisa Robbe-Soults has been managing programs that serve people with disabilities and their families since 1991. Her education and expertise in the area of autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities comes largely from listening to parents and people with disabilities. Lisa is also proud to be the co-worker and supervisor for the most creative and dedicated individuals in the state of Idaho.
Her broad work experience ranges from direct experience in sheltered workshops, large group day programs, 10-bed group home and apartment programs, to writing independent living programs, teaching sexuality education classes and implementing one of the first year-round children’s DDA programs in Idaho. Lisa is an IBI and DS Trainer, and is the co-writer and editor of the training manual: Advancing Skills of Developmental Specialists. Additionally, Lisa consults for the Idaho Training Cooperative and has served on the Idaho Training Cooperative Advisory Council since its inception.
Lisa is also active in several regional, state, and national organizations. She is the vice president of the Idaho Association of Developmental Disability Agencies (IADDA); Vice-Chair of the Boundary County Coalition for Families; a member of the Regional Infant Toddler Council and her local Human Rights Task Force, the Accessibility Board, and Democratic Party Precinct Captain. Nationally, she belongs to the Autism Society of America and the US Asperger’s and Autism Association.
As an IBI and North Idaho College instructor, Lisa has taught over 100 students. Lisa’s training also includes numerous presentations at the annual IADDA conference, Northwest Nazarene University and the Community Partnerships annual conference, now known as the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
JoLynn Bennett
Service Coordinator
Developmental Specialist
BA – Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Northwest Nazarene University
JoLynn has over 10 years of experience as a Developmental Specialist, IBI Professional, and Early Intervention Developmental Specialist for the Idaho Infant Toddler Program. She currently applies this experience assisting her family clients as a Service Coordinator. JoLynn also attends multiple regional and state trainings, including the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Candy Beck
Administration Specialist
Developmental Therapist
Service Coordinator
In addition to her 7 years of experience working directly with children and adults with developmental disabilities for Partnerships for Inclusion, Candy also has several years of experience in the business sector. She works directly with adults with developmental disabilities and assists with Partnerships’ administrative responsibilities. Candy’s professional development includes Mandt System certification, Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper training, and workshops offered through the Panhandle Autism Society. Candy annually attends the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Amber Gonzales
IBI Professional
BA – Communication Disorders, University of Wyoming
Amber has been with Partnerships for Inclusion since 2006, and has obtained her Intensive Behavioral Intervention and Developmental Specialist Certifications. Her experience includes working as a classroom aide in a developmental preschool. Amber is certified in the Mandt System and has attended the Idaho Tools for Life Conference.
Patricia Grant
Developmental Therapist
Abilities and Dreams Preschool Teacher
Tricia joined the Bonners Ferry team in 2004, working directly with children and adults with disabilities. Tricia is also the teacher at our Bonners Ferry integrated preschool, Abilities and Dreams. Her certifications and trainings include Mandt System Certification, IBI training, sensory integration training, and attendance at regional conferences.
Susan Hart
Developmental Therapist
Administration Specialist
A.A. – Lewis and Clark State College, Office Automation
An important part of our Bonners Ferry team, Susan has been with Partnerships for Inclusion for four years. Susan provides direct therapy to children and adults with disabilities as well as assists with administrative responsibilities. Susan’s trainings and certifications include Mandt System certification and annual attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Cindi Meinhold
Billing Specialist
Responsible for coordinating billing processes, Cindi has been with Partnerships for Inclusion since 2006. In addition to working as a job coach for individuals with disabilities, she has over twenty years of administrative and banking experience.
Karen Samter
IBI Professional, Developmental Specialist
BA – Special Education, University of Northern Colorado
Karen, an authorized provider of The Listening Program, has over 20 years’ experience as a home educator and 30 years’ experience as a music instructor. Her professional trainings and certifications include Mandt System certification, Discrete Trial Therapy training, and annual attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Camille Shively
Developmental Therapist
AA – Early Childhood Development, North Idaho College (in progress)
Camille has worked for Partnerships for Inclusion since 2005 as a Developmental Therapist. She works directly with children and adults with disabilities. Camille’s trainings include Mandt System certification, Relationship Development Intervention training, Sensory Integration Training and attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Amy Robertson
Developmental Specialist
B.S. Child Development/Family Relations - University of Idaho
Amy joined the Bonners Ferry Partnerships for Inclusion office in 2007. Her experience with children includes being a volunteer 4-H leader, and a practicum at Head Start. Amy is also an instructor at Bonners Ferry High School.
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Coeur d’Alene Office
Jennifer Belmont
IBI Professional
A.A., A.S. - North Idaho College
B.S.W. - Lewis and Clark State College (in progress)
Jennifer joined the CDA Partnerships for Inclusion team in 2006, after over ten years of experience working directly with children. Her professional development includes Mandt system certification and Discrete Trial Therapy training. Jennifer possesses Intensive Behavioral Intervention and Developmental Specialist for children certifications.
Holly Cox
Developmental Therapist
A.A. – Marymount College
Holly, with Partnerships for Inclusion since 2006, possesses several years of experience working directly with children of all abilities. In addition to Partnerships for Inclusion, Holly currently works as a Paraprofessional in the Post Falls School District’s Developmental Preschool. Holly’s trainings include Mandt system certification, Discrete Trial Therapy training, Intensive Behavior Intervention training, and attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Theresa Loudon
IBI Professional, Developmental Specialist
B.S. – Education, Lesley College
Theresa provides IBI services throughout the Silver Valley Area. With Partnerships for Inclusion since 2004, Theresa is a Certified Special Education teacher with over 16 years of classroom experience and over 10 years of coaching and mentoring youth. Theresa’s trainings and certifications include Mandt System Certification, Discrete Trial Therapy Training, and attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Katie Nield
IBI Professional, Developmental Specialist
A.S. – Elementary Education, North Idaho College
B.S. – Elementary Education, University of Idaho
Katie has several years of experience working with adults and children with disabilities in multiple settings, including supporting adults in residential environments and teaching children of all abilities in a preschool setting. Katie joined the Partnerships for Inclusion team in 2005. Her professional development includes Mandt System Certification, Discrete Trial Therapy Training, and attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Cassie Peck
IBI Professional, Developmental Specialist
B.S. – Psychology, Albertson College of Idaho
Cassie, particularly passionate about working with families whose children experience specialized dietary and sensory needs, joined the Coeur d’Alene Partnerships for Inclusion team in 2005. Cassie’s ongoing professional development includes Mandt System Certification, Biomedical Interventions and Treatment Options training, STAR Curriculum training, Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention, Discrete Trial Therapy training, and attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Debra Duwe
Service Coordinator, Developmental Specialist
B.A. – Sociology and Spanish, California State University, Chico
M.A. – Educational Administration, Santa Clara University
Debra currently assists families living in Kootenai, Bonner and Shoshone counties with resource identification and services coordination. As a former classroom teacher and administrator, Debra has served children, teens, and families for over 25 years and brings this experience to her family clients. Debra’s ongoing professional development includes trainings in Assistive Technology, Language Development Specialist, Conflict Resolution, and Idaho Special Education Manual Training. Debra is also an organizational and educational consultant.
Colleen Sisk
Coeur d'Alene Program manager
IBI Professional, Developmental Specialist
B.S.W. – University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Colleen, our Coeur d'Alene Program Manager, is a direct link to families receiving services. She is responsible for providing therapy, ensuring overall therapy quality, plan development and therapy support, and agency implementation of the STAR curriculum. Colleen has been with Partnerships for Inclusion since 2002. Colleen's certifications and trainings include Mandt System Certification, and professional trainings in Discrete Trial Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention, Floortime, Sensory Integration, Biomedical Interventions and Treatment Options. Colleen has attended the Autism Society of America National Conference, as well as Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services for the past several years.
Jill Young
IBI Professional, Developmental Specialist
Service Coordinator
B.S. – Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University
Jill has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities for 18 years, primarily assisting individuals with community membership and integrated employment. Jill's certifications include Mandt System Certification and Developmental Specialist Trainer certification, and she is pursuing Radiant Child Yoga Program Teacher certification . Ongoing development includes Discrete Trial Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention, and Floortime training, and regular attendance at the IADDA conference and Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
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Sandpoint Office
Melinda Artz
IBI Professional
B.A. – University of Nevada-Reno
Melinda came to Partnerships for Inclusion in 2007with over 3,000 hours experience working directly with children of all abilities as well as adults. She was part of the professional resource team that brought applied behavioral analysis methodology to early community-based services in Montana. Melinda is a certified T'ai Chi Chih instructor with 20 years experience in movement arts. Melinda's trainings include IBI certification training, Mandt system certification, Discrete Trial Therapy training, and perceptual development studies.
Sarah Brown-Hayes
IBI Professional and Developmental Specialist
B.S. – Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Idaho
Sarah has been with Partnerships for Inclusion since 2006, and works directly with children and adolescents with disabilities. She is pursuing Intensive Behavioral Intervention and Developmental Specialist Certifications. Sarah is certified in the Mandt System, has received Discrete Trial Therapy and STAR Curriculum training, and has attended the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Erika Malone
Developmental Therapist
A.A. – Child Development, North Idaho College
B.S.W. – Lewis and Clark State College (in progress)
Erika, a Partnerships for Inclusion since 2006, provides therapy to children and adolescents with disabilities. Erika is pursuing Intensive Behavioral Intervention and Developmental Specialist Certifications. She is certified in the Mandt System, and has received training on Discrete Trial Therapy.
Chris Painter
IBI Paraprofessional
Chris works directly with children and adolescents with disabilities, and is the parent of a 14 year old with a disability. Chris has been with Partnerships for Inclusion since 2001, and has the distinction of being one of our first employees. Chris’ trainings and certifications include Discrete Trial Therapy and IBI training, as well as attendance at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Stacy Roberts
Developmental Therapist
Administrative Coordinator
Abilities and Dreams Preschool Teacher
Stacy’s extensive training and experience in Discrete Trial Therapy techniques, as well as training in Sensory Integration strategies, Relationship Development Intervention, and Advocacy make her a valuable asset to our Sandpoint team. Stacy joined the Sandpoint team in 2001. Stacy’s experience includes time as a substitute teacher and six years providing therapy to children and adolescents with disabilities. Additionally, Stacy is Mandt System certified, and has attended the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
Shar Wikoff
Service Coordinator
B.A. – Elementary Education, Northwest Nazarene University
Shar currently assists families with resource identification and coordination of services. She has several years of experience as an educator and has participated in all trainings offered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Shar has also attended the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services.
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