Christine Kapral
MA, LMHC
Program Manager
509.624.7104
christinek@empoweringincservices.com

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Christine Kapral has 26 years of experience working with children, adults and families.  Her dedication and unwavering passion for working with trauma survivors ignited through support from an extended family of educators, professional counselors and social justice advocates.  Christine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor and a Certified Therapist through the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.  Christine has extensive crisis team experience, accumulated in both rural and urban areas of Washington State.  She champions the integrity and recovery of families through community connection and professional collaboration.  Christine has a Master’s degree in Psychology, a passion for continuing education and a zest for life.   She provides clinical consultation and practices evidenced based models of both individual and family-centered therapy.  Christine’s innovative programming allows us the opportunity to increase our capacity to serve our community.

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Deborah Comes
Assistant Program Manager
deborahc@empoweringincservices.com

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Deborah Comes has 25 years of experience in serving children, youth and families. As a preschool teacher, director, family educator and consultant she has seen the profound changes that are possible, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Deborah is a nationally recognized Nurturing Parenting Program trainer, consultant and facilitator. Her expertise and creativity are contagious to the families and therapists she works with. Deborah carefully studies parenting perceptions from assessments our therapists complete with every caregiver. She then guides the therapists to facilitate intentional Nurturing Parenting Program lessons and activities that offer opportunities for specific growth, always with an emphasis on decreasing the risk of child abuse and neglect.

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Amy Martin
MSW, CDP, LSWAIC
Developing Program Supervisor
509.263.0719
amym@empoweringincservices.com

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Amy has exceptional experience working with at-risk, criminally involved, drug addicted adolescents and collaborating with their families and providers as a counselor at an inpatient chemical dependency treatment facility. Her Master of Social Work, extensive training in Motivational Interviewing, licensure as a Chemical Dependency Professional and status as a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator provide her with confidence and experience in crisis intervention and management, drug and alcohol counseling, problem solving, collaboration and the ability to develop creative treatment interventions for every client. Amy uses her therapeutic expertise with clients to assess and increase their desire for change through goal-focused behavior. Amy’s ethical standards have earned her a supervisory position for Crisis Family Intervention (CFI). Amy’s hard work and dedication to each case ensures families will receive support and guidance.

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Heather Fitzgerald
MSW
Library Coordinator
509.325.0911
heatherf@empoweringinc.org

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Heather Fitzgerald has an array of experiences from working as a research assistant to serving as an injury prevention speaker for a substance abuse prevention center.  She has a passion for working to reduce the negative impact of poverty on children and families through self directed play, games and activities. She believes that community outreach efforts are critical to this endeavor of promoting, protecting and preserving the inherent rights of children.  The social entrepreneurial support of Empowering, Inc. Services to Empowering, Inc. allows us to utilize Heather’s organizational, research, and development skills to lead our nonprofit team of volunteers. Heather’s interest in learning, leadership of volunteers and students has developed the framework for the expansion of The Empowering, Inc. Library of Experiential Education.

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Tanya Johnson
MSW, LSWAA
Supervisor
509.768.1029
tanyaj@empoweringincservices.com

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Tanya has more than nine year’s experience working with children and families in a variety of settings: as a DCFS social worker, Family Preservation Therapist, and as a child and family advocate. She utilizes her easygoing personality to build rapport, her knowledge of systems to get needs met, and her ability to hold others accountable alongside clients and providers to efficiently get work done with families. Tanya’s abilities and her additional extensive work with teens, sexual assault prevention and search and rescue make her well qualified to provide a wide range of services. She is also a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator.

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Robert Kerl
BSW
Lead Therapist
509.768.0630
robertk@empoweringincservices.com

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A full 20 years of direct experience working with people allows Bob to draw from a wide variety of skills. His Bachelor of Social Work degree provides him with a strong ability to identify and connect family members to community resources that are available long after FPS services close. Bob’s demonstration of success in preparing teens for independent living prior to aging out of foster care brought him to the FPS team with a reputation of being skilled in priority planning and teaching life skills. He is a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator. With the energy of a teenager and the skill of a seasoned therapist, Bob will offer the assistance and support needed to increase the stability of even the most difficult home environment.

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Dave Smith
MA, LMHC, PS
Therapist
509.768.1265
daves@empoweringincservices.com

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For more than 25 years, Dave has worked in the areas of consultation, crisis management, teaching, parent coaching, chemical dependency treatment and relapse prevention throughout Washington State. Dave is a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator. As a licensed mental health counselor, Dave’s aptitude in the field of mental health, coupled with his use of Reality Therapy techniques, provide him with a strong ability to work with families, couples and individuals experiencing a myriad of challenges to ensure the safety of children.

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Ross Montour
MSW, LSWAA
Therapist & Program Assistant
509.435.8464
rossm@empoweringincservices.com

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With a Master of Social Work, and pursuing his LASW credential, Ross has experience working with New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department. He has an inherent sense of responsibility to ensure safety of all children driven by his background experiences in child protection services. Ross has experience assisting adolescents aging out of the foster care system, teaching independent life skills classes and navigating community resources. He operates from an eclectic skill base which focuses on building upon client strengths, and is comfortable working with families from diverse cultures. Ross is prepared to work with clients and serve the Spokane community. He is also a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator and a nationally registered EMT-B.

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Jennifer Crim
MSW
Therapist
509.768.1147
jenniferc@empoweringincservices.com

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Having worked in the field for several years prior to completing her Master of Social Work, Jennifer brings a thorough knowledge of resources available through Tribal programs. She has a long line of family members in the field and therefore has a commitment of duty with her that is unlike any other. Jennifer grew up in the Okanogan area and will be a great addition to provide rural services on our team.

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Tomie Zuchetto
MSW
Therapist
509.768.5886
tomiez@empoweringincservices.com

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An outstanding 22 years of experience in the social services field, a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation, and a Master of Social Work have led to Tomie Zuchetto being the highly functioning therapist she is today. Tomie has focused her professional life on working with children with disabilities and their families. As a certified Therapeutic Recreation specialist Tomie has an array of experience assisting children with cognitive delays or physical disabilities. In hospital and community settings Tomie has provided programs to reduce distress, increase adaptive coping, and enhance the normal development of children. With a calm demeanor, creative outlook, and strong communication skills she has advocated for those with disabilities to always see their potential and break down their barriers. She is an asset to the team as a DD specialist and provides high quality services to clients with diverse developmental issues. As a coach with an adaptive sports program, Tomie has a solid base in experiential education.

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Michael Deal
MSW
Therapist
509.998.6494
michaeld@empoweringincservices.com

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Michael Deal is an Alum of Eastern Washington’s School of Social Work, where he earned his Master of Social Work focusing on Drug and Alcohol Studies. For two years, Michael has facilitated a parenting class for the WA Department of Corrections, and provided four years of high quality direct services assisting families at a clean and sober transitional home. He is a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator and consistently seeks out additional trainings to benefit his practice and the families he works with. Michael’s positive demeanor and compassionate attitude are influential to staff and clients alike.

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Catherine Gregory
MSW, LSWAIC
Therapist
509.768.8815
catherineg@empoweringincservices.com

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Catherine's professional background has included working with at-risk youth in the school system and direct work with children who have behavioral and/or special needs. Her passion lies in grief and trauma services. Before finishing her B.A. in Psychology, Catherine developed additional skills in human biology in her education as a pre-nursing student. She currently holds a Master of Social Work and is pursuing her LICSW credential. Her education and professional work have allowed her to combine skills in attachment/bonding, and Cognitive-Behavioral Theory. Catherine is constantly pushing herself to increase her knowledge and skills to be flexible to meet the needs of the providers and families she serves. She is also a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator.

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Shannon Withrow
BA
IFPS Supervisor
509.768.1132
shannonw@empoweringincservices.com

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Shannon has more than twelve years of combined experience working with families, supervising staff, leading programs and managing budgets. She utilizes a variety of skills to meet consumer needs and is particularly good at team collaboration and relationship development. Shannon is bi-lingual, speaking Spanish and English. Her diverse background enables Shannon to advocate for change with systems, individuals and families while taking necessary action to support policies directly affecting client lives. Shannon’s successes in teaching staff, working with families, and her dedication to the field of child welfare have made her a great leader for our IFPS Team. As a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator, Shannon offers the remarkable skills and reliability needed to support Therapists on the IFPS Team as they collectively aim to prevent placements and reunify families needing support.

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Kerry Hill
MA
Lead Therapist
509.768.0856
kerryh@empoweringincservices.com

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To bolster her Bachelor of Social Work, Kerry holds a Master of Counseling degree. Complimenting her formal education, Kerry is a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator and has in home experience working with autistic youth and their families. Time spent counseling young children allowed her to develop heightened empathy and concern for the safety of children. Her therapeutic background and training create a niche for those in need of client centered work tailored to protect children.

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Heidi Batt
MSW
Therapist
509.270.3468
heidib@empoweringincservices.com

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IFPS team member Heidi Batt has over twenty years of experience working with families and children, advocating for them, teaching skills, and reinforcing their strengths. She accomplishes these great feats by engaging clients in a fun, open, positive, and, when appropriate, humorous attitude. With a Master of Social Work and Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Studies, Heidi is aware of the challenges that many families face and shares her knowledge about addressing them. She believes in meeting people where they are and stating expectations without being aggressive. As a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator, Heidi is well equipped to assist families in the community.

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Shaylyn Pearce
MSW
Therapist
509.570.8737
shaylynp@empoweringincservices.com

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Shaylyn Pearce’s educational background includes a Master of Social Work emphasized by a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Human Development. As a contributing member of the IFPS team, Shaylyn is capable of effectively carrying a full time caseload utilizing her exceptional organization and time management skills. Additionally, teaching those skills is second nature to Shaylyn. With her experience in research, she is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Spokane’s community resources and services. Shaylyn has a strong desire to assist people in their success and empowerment. Through this outlook, she champions a positive persistence that allows her to quickly switch gears and meet the immediate needs of families.

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Tony Ramos
MSW
Therapist
509.570.8737
tonyr@empoweringincservices.com

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IFPS therapist Tony Ramos is a Washington state Certified Counselor and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree. Tony implements a Solution Focus Therapy background while providing in-home counseling services to families. Tony has experience utilizing Systems Theory while working with at risk youth and street teens. Because he addresses client related concerns and issues in a calm and concise manner, Tony is able to build therapeutic relationships by applying his strong interpersonal skills and patience. His display of empathy and humor make working with Tony a pleasurable experience. With his free time he volunteers as a tutor and mentor to youth at the Boys and Girls Club of America. Tony is also a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator.

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Kandyce Carr-Callen
MSW
Therapist
509.998.0116
kandycecc@empoweringincservices.com

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IFPS therapist Kandyce Carr-Callen is a graduate of Eastern Washington University Master of Social Work program.  She holds a certificate as an Educational Staff Associate for Washington State with an endorsement in School social work for K-12.   She has received training in school social work and law, community health and sexuality, as well as human growth and development education. Kandyce has specialized experience working with diverse groups, including: grade school children, at-risk adolescents, parents of pre-school age children and teens, adults, seniors, and incarcerated adults.  Kandyce possesses the ability to assess, develop and enhance her client’s strengths and supports. Her therapeutic approach is strength-based with an emphasis on solution focused cognitive behavioral interventions.  Kandyce gives back to our community.  S he has volunteered for District 81 schools, Spokane Mental Health, East Central Community Center, and  Community of Montessori Parents as a Treasurer .  Currently, Kandyce is a voting member of Spokane School District 81 Citizens Advisory and Safety Committee, and she is the Vice President of The Empowering, Inc. Library B oard of D irectors.

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Lisa Young
M. Ed.
IFPS Secretary
509.624.7104
lisay@empoweringincservices.com

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Lisa’s professional background includes intensive time employed with Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and in a school environment as a counselor. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Educational Developmental Psychology and a Master of Education in School Counseling. Both provide Lisa with the skills necessary to apply a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques and interventions suitable for individual clients. Lisa has the capacity to enter an environment and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of families. Lisa’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated through her strong collaboration with providers and her attention to the organization of the home and family. As a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator she provides supportive education around development and coaches families to thrive.

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Natashia Ruiz
BA
Visitation Specialist
509.998.5268
natashiar@empoweringincservices.com

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Natashia Ruiz comes to Empowering Inc. Services with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. Her areas of focus during college were in Psychology and Human Development. Natashia has extensive service learning experience where she was able to develop strong objective, observational skills. Her knowledge of the family system, ages and stages of development, and the local community make her a strong member of the Empowering Inc. Services team.

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Amanda Sandman
BSW
Lead Visitation Specialist
509.768.0911
amandas@empoweringincservices.com

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Amanda Sandman holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and is currently a Master of Social Work candidate at Eastern Washington University. Her ambition is second to none as she has continued to add to her professional development by completing trainings and certifications: Suicide Prevention, family development, Nurturing Parenting Program, Darkness to Light, and Prevention-Recognition- Reaction to Child Sexual Abuse. She has experience as a volunteer and advocate for women who have been the victims of homelessness, domestic violence and addictions. Amanda’s ability to empathize and relate to clients that come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds allows her to develop strong therapeutic relationships. Her exceptional professional ability combined with her personal drive has led to Amanda earning a position with EIS as the Visitation Specialist Lead.

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Amanda Fry
BA
Visitation Specialist
509.768.2587
amandaf@empoweringincservices.com

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Amanda Fry’s education background, professional experience, and volunteer work have provided her with the skill set and knowledge base to be effective in the social services field. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Comparative Ethnic Studies. She is currently in the second year of attaining her Master of Social Work degree from Eastern Washington University. As a DCFS visitation intern, Amanda had the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to be successful as a Visitation Specialist with Empowering Inc. Services. A personal calling to be a volunteer has helped her gain experience in a range of areas. She has been a volunteer assisting children and families, undertaking environmental improvement, completing international work, and in the public health field. Amanda is a self-described open minded person and works from a non-judgmental view point that allows her to see the larger picture of a situation and assist clients in their success. She enjoys working with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and easily connects with clients by implementing her highly developed interpersonal and communication skills. Amanda is also a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator.

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Jamie Clark
BA
Visitation Specialist
509.768.1306
jamiec@empoweringincservices.com

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For the last ten years Jamie Clark has worked to assist a wide range of individuals. From her experience working with developmentally delayed teenagers to her work in a correctional facility preparing offenders for a successful reentry into the community, she has developed the skills needed to work with diverse populations. Her certificates in parent education and as a CPR-First Aid Trainer add to her overall abilities. Her Bachelor of Liberal Studies focusing on Social Services and her current studies to earn her Master’s in Counseling, has provided her with the knowledge base to be a perceptive, empathetic, and effective direct service team member.

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Leslie Krogh
Visitation Specialist
509.768.1345
lesliek@empoweringincservices.com

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Visitation Specialist Leslie J. Krogh enjoys working with children and their parents, and comfortably displays her experience with and knowledge of positive parenting skills.  She is a certified Teacher Trainer Program graduate, and has studied computer sciences while attending Spokane Falls.  Leslie has fifteen years of experience assisting clients with visual impairments as an ophthalmic assistant and was employed as a Rural Development Specialist for twelve years.  Leslie displays a strong work ethic and has developed organizational skills performing bookkeeping, accounting, and housing management duties.  Her friendliness, positivity, and patience resonate with clients.  Leslie enjoys volunteering locally for Bloomsday and as a music teacher in her church community. 

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Angie Keith
MSW
Visitation Specialist
509.768.0454
Angiek@empoweringincservices.com

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Angie M. Keith completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in Social Work, earning herself a Master of Social Work degree.   She has experience working with children and families, including those living with developmental delays.  Angie values the importance of attachment and bonding in family relationships.  She has advanced knowledge of local community resources through comprehensive volunteering experience such as with the Catholic Charities doula program, Special Olympics, and one on one with autistic students. She has also been employed as a social worker in the school system and at Lakeland Village nursing facility.  With a working knowledge of American Sign Language, Angie provides EIS an increased accessibility to services.    Angie displays how personable and outgoing she is with a great sense of humor and honesty; characteristics that will surely assist her to connect with clients, referents and colleagues alike. 

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Russ Posten
Visitation Specialist
509.768.0699
russp@empoweringincservices.com

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Russ Posten joins the Visitation Team with fifteen years of experience in customer relations where he was able to develop excellent interpersonal skills. Additionally, his superb organizational skills from years of working in the public administration field makes him a great fit with our team. As a strong mediator Russ is excellent with children and has also volunteered with at risk teens and adults from diverse groups. Currently, Russ volunteers for the Board of Directors of our non-profit Empowering Inc.’s Library Committee and is a valuable asset as we continue to develop ways to promote the mission. Russ is self-described as a “go to guy” and is a great helpful resource for our clients.

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Sara Blickhahn
Office Supervisor
sarab@empoweringincservices.com

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Sara Blickhahn’s knack for numbers and organization has been previously utilized in areas such as property management, purchasing, inventory, customer service and teaching. Sara brings her combination of passion, attention to detail, and experience to the administrative side of the organization. Sara thinks creatively and enjoys organizing strong work environments. Her speed and precision stand out. Her detailed, prompt care of numbers meets the fast paced world of business that our service organization operates within.

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Brenda Tarvin
Payroll and Benefits Specialist
brendat@empoweringincservices.com

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Brenda Tarvin has a previous background in social services, coordinating a youth crisis line, volunteering as a domestic violence advocate and serving more than a decade as a Community Services Block Grant County supervisor, providing low income services in rural Idaho. During that time, Brenda attended numerous trainings, conferences and workshops focused on educating families about creative ways to reduce the impact of poverty on their daily lives. She then joined us after eight years dedicated to her role as Municipal Court Clerk, including three years as a domestic violence court clerk. These previous work experiences heightened her awareness of the impact of systems on the lives of children.

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Tom Olson
Operations and A/P Specialist
tomo@empoweringincservices.com

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Tom Olson applies his diverse skill set while attending to the facilities, requisition, and tech aspects of Empowering Inc. Services. He is able to apply his knack for analytical thinking when working with the numbers of Accounts Payable. Then put his hands to work with a facility project, which is second nature to him with his background in construction. Tom is also intrigued with technology and shares his knowledge with team members. His hard working and personable attitude help him do what he enjoys, helping others. Tom’s willingness to help people day in and day out is why he has chosen this career field. Tom is also a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator and an Empowering Inc. Library Committee volunteer.

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Wendy Posten
MA
Administrative Program Coordinator
wendyp@empoweringincservice.com

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Wendy Posten holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Sociology. Complementing her education credentials, Wendy also has professional experience in the social services field. She has worked with victims and families of domestic violence on a crisis hotline and at a domestic violence shelter as a family advocate and shelter staff. Wendy also has experience as a teacher and is easily able to educate others, bringing a positive attitude and creativity to her work. She enjoys the research and policy aspects of administration. Her education and professional background make Wendy a great fit for Empowering Inc. Services.

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Janel Brick
BA
Receptionist
janelb@empoweringincservices.com

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Janel Brick demonstrates all the abilities of a successful Administrative Assistant. Her effective communication and knack for organization stand out amongst her skills. Janel responds to the everyday demands of helping an agency function at its highest level. By doing so, she encourages the therapeutic staff to accomplish the same. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and vast social service volunteer experience, Janel is aware of the importance of her work and how it affects families.

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