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Marie earned her Masters degree in Special Education in 1992 after having started as an instructional assistant in 1989. This began the "formal" aspect of her experience, but in reality, it started much earlier. Marie's mother ran a babysitting center starting in the early 1970s and cared for a few different children with disabilities during that time. In high school, Marie worked as a peer tutor in a classroom serving children with multiple and significant impairments. She also worked as a volunteer with the Special Olympics during her high school and college years. Her professional experience includes eight years in the Sherwood School District. Marie split her time at the Middle School before moving to the High School, where she worked with the district's most fragile and high need students. Despite this, Marie initiated a community training program for her students, allowing them to experience valuable community lessons, like safety, appropriate social behavior, money management, and other functional skills. She also started the Middle School's first peer tutoring program, which had high risk students working with children in her classroom. She had demands of her tutors as well -- "keep a C average, be sure you are doing our best or don't come back". All Peer Tutors were expected to be positive role models at all times, regardless if they were with the SpED students or not. The tutors were motivated and this program was very successful. The rest of her time before venturing off on her own was working for Northwest Regional Educational Service District (NWRESD), a large educational organization servicing four counties in Northwest Oregon, as an Autism Spectrum Disorder consultant. Marie earned a reputation as the "go to" and was brought in on difficult cases. Marie is a highly skilled mediator, an accomplished (and entertaining) speaker, and a passionate supporter of children. She combines experience, passion, knowledge, and a tireless work ethic to her private consulting business. You can be assured that you are getting everything you expect and more from Empowerment Services.
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Todd possesses an extensive background in Special Education. Todd's career started in 1995 after graduating with a degree in Psychology from Portland State University. Todd worked with some of the most difficult populations in residential settings (including Hillcrest, an Oregon Youth Authority facility in Salem) before becoming an instructional assistant with the St. Helens School District in 1997. He worked in the Behavior Intervention Program at the elementary level for five years before moving to the middle school in a similar capacity. While there, a coworker was unexpectedly unable to work due to a medical disability. Todd approached the principal about getting an emergency license to take over the 7th grade resource room, drove to Salem to process the paperwork and thus began the journey of earning his Master's Degree in Special Education from Pacific University in 2003. Todd worked in St. Helens for two more years before moving on to join the staff at NWRESD. He has just completed his third year at a day treatment program operated by Lifeworks NW as a classroom teacher. Todd was instrumental in designing the program and has taught numerous children with a wide variety of disabilities. Todd's primary role with Empowerment Services will be advertising and marketing and being the liaison with Empowerment Services business partners, but may also work directly with clients when needed. Todd and Marie live in SW Portland along with their three wonderful sons, Spencer, Noah, and Ian.
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Rochelle has worked within several agencies, including, Hillsboro School District, Straight Ahead Shelter, Luke Dorf, and Washington County. She has worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as people with mental illness and addictions. She is currently the Office Manager for ES and works with the staff as well as many clients.
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Jackie Clinefelter started working for ES in 2009 and she comes to us via Brandi Simmons. Her experience in computers and raising kids can be easily utilized when working with people with disabilities. In her earlier years Jackie was a homemaker and community inclusion specialist., Her education has been focused on child development. Jackie got interested in working with people with disabilities from her love for her best friend’s son. She has interests in family and learning new things. Jackie always seems to be looking at the bright side of things. Jackie’s long term goal is to be an awesome mother and wife. ES is very excited to have Jackie as a team member.
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Veronica Johnstone started working for ES in November of 2011. She comes to ES from Bethesda Lutheran Communities Inc. Veronica has many things to offer ES. Her experience in Psychology and residential support can be easily utilized when working with people with disabilities. In her earlier years Veronica was a sales agent and program manager. To date her education focused on mental health. Her long term goal is to get a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Geriatric NP Master’s Degree. Veronica wants to work with people with disabilities because she believes all people in life have challenges and need support. Some people’s needs are more obvious and on the surface. Some of Veronica’s strengths are that she is energetic, enthusiastic, hard-working, and positive. Some of her hobbies include hiking, motorcycle riding, and adventures.
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Stefan Brasseur started working for ES in September of 2011. He comes to ES via Rochelle Ashby. He experience with people, computers, and music can be easily utilized when working with people with disabilities. Stefan enjoys working with people with disabilities because he likes the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day. He has learned patience, organization, and how to communicate better since working at ES. In his earlier yeasr he worked in the country on a farm and was the football quarterback while attending Liberty High School in Hillsboro. He has interests in music and sports. Stefan’s long term goal is to become an Audio Engineer and eventually own his on recording studio. Some of Stefan’s strengths are his leadership, his ability to stay calm under pressure, and his friendly demeanor to everyone. He is hard-working, a quick learner, and energetic.
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Blaire Stady comes to ES via our friend, Opal at Canyon Grill. She started in November of 2011. Blaire has many things to offer ES. Her experiences in patience and kindness can easily be utilized when working with people with disabilities. In her earlier years Blaire worked as a vocational rehabilitation intern and a head start intern. Blaire became interested in working with people with disabilities because she has a disability herself and wanted to become a voice for others who struggle and need it. To date her education has focused on Family and Human Services. Some of Blaire’s strengths are her patience, good problem solver, fast learner, hard worker, and great at working on a team. Blaire has learned from working with people with disabilities that they are able to do and handle more than you may think. They are very smart individuals. She has interests in working with the disabled and becoming a family counselor. Some of Blaire’s hobbies include photography, listening to music, hiking park trails, and going out to the movies. ES is very excited to have Blaire as a team member.
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Robert Hughes is a hard working member of the ES team. He helps with shopping, cleaning, and teaching sign-language to our clients and Team Members. He also acts as groundskeeper at ES, keeping our yard beautiful. Bob lives in the Beaverton area, and can be seen at any of the area Starbucks daily.
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Mike Mckernan, besides being Marie's brother, works hard every week keeping our office clean and assisting with clients. He is also the activities director for the kids during our Summer Program, keeping recess fun and safe for everyone. He enjoys nature, sports, and sunshine. Mike graduated from Central Catholic High School, and has attended Portland Community College (which he plans on attending again and earning a degree).
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