6th Annual Parent Network Workshop

Speakers:

Marco Erickson, M.S.
Programs Director, Community Youth in Action
Idaho State Representative, District 33B

Marco knew from a young age that he would be a professional lifelong change agent. Marco started doing drug and alcohol prevention work in the first grade and continued through High School participating and speaking at schools and national prevention events throughout his career. Marco graduated from Montana State University Billings with his bachelor’s in psychology and later his master’s in psychology from Walden University in 2009. Marco provided direct mental health services to youth and adults for fourteen years and in his eclectic learning style served every role from the beginning level worker to co owning a clinic. Marco always had a passion for suicide prevention, and alcohol and drug prevention and has served on many committees and boards to address topics of social change. Marco managed a large federal grant for the Nevada Department of Education followed by managing the State Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention which is the agency responsible for Nevada’s substance abuse, mental health, and primary prevention services for alcohol and drugs, HIV, gambling addictions, suicide prevention and homelessness. His experience in State government taught him a lot about the policy side of the great work he is involved in. Despite loving the work in Nevada, Marco and his family’s hearts were always in Idaho and being closer to extended family. In 2019 Marco and his family moved back home to Idaho Falls where he Joined Community Youth in Action knowing that the largest impact can be made working with youth in prevention. In addition Marco was Elected to the Idaho House of Representatives serving District 33B in 2020. Marco is highly active in life with his wife and their 5 children, they have four boys, and one daughter. Marco enjoys keeping his family busy enjoying the world around them and all it has to offer. Marco enjoys the performing arts and writing and performing country music songs in fairs and singing competitions. With Marco’s skills and background, he is looking forward to using his skills to continue to serve the people of Idaho and continue to utilize his talents to make a difference every day.

Amy Marie
Parent
Secretary, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption. Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is Co-Chair of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoyed being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and the Executive Board of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.

Pat Martelle, LCSW
Program Development Coordinator, Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

Pat is focused on system change in children’s systems of care as youth and families speak to what those changes need to be. Her background is in clinical social work, public health and policy development. She gets her inspiration from the youth who are currently speaking out globally about public health issues.

Teriann Ness-Parker, LCSW
Member, Region 7 Behavioral Health Board
Chair, Region 7 Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee

Teriann, a mom to 4 children, 2 of which are adopted, has almost 30 years of experience advocating for individuals of all ages. She has helped those with mental health concerns, medical challenges, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. She has served her community as a treatment level foster parent, and worked for the Department of Health and Welfare, as a self-reliance specialist, and as a client service tech for the adult mental health program where she helped develop the Region 7 Mental Health Court. She also worked as a case manager for Child Protection. Teriann later worked as a drug and alcohol rehab specialist for the Idaho Department of Corrections. Currently Teriann serves her community as a certified complex trauma clinician in private practice in Idaho Falls and as an elected member of the Region 7 Behavioral Health Board. She also chairs the Region 7 Behavioral Health Board’s Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee. Teriann received the 2016 Advocacy Award from the Idaho Federation of Families for her dedication to Idaho and specifically for her work bringing national experts to train mental health providers in rural and urban Eastern Idaho communities.

Michelle Batten, MS
Family Engagement Director
Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

Michelle’s life experiences of growing up in a home with foster siblings and an adopted sister motivated her to learn more about the impact of early abuse and neglect. Her studies in human development and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), and her experience as a parenting coach, provide her with the foundation of her understanding of mental health needs in youth and the support families need in their journey. During her off time you can find her on a river paddleboard in summer or downhill skiing in winter.

Tricia Ellinger
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Tricia is a single mother of 5, residing in the rural Treasure Valley area, adoptive parent to 3 young, special needs children with co-occurring developmental disabilities and serious emotional disturbance. Tricia is a fierce advocate for her children to access appropriate treatment and educational opportunities to encourage her littles to be their best selves.

Dwain Loughney
Parent,
Member of the Steering Committee, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Dwain works as a designer/drafter for an engineering firm and has worked in the field for 20 years. He also has a master’s in business. He has been married to an amazing woman for 25 years. She cares for him and their seven children. As a father to children with disabilities, mental health, developmental, and medical related, he has been a support for his wife in all aspects of parenting and caregiving. He has a passion for helping other families who might resemble his own. He has also advocates for fathers to get more involved with their families and be the support their wives, partners, and children need.

Jonathan Morgan, LCSW
Parent
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jonathan Morgan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving the Boise, Idaho area. He has been working with children and families in mental health for 10 years. More importantly, he’s a dad who has experience parenting children with early childhood trauma, adoption, autism, anxiety and ADHD, so he understands where you’re coming from. He has a BS and MS in Sociology from Brigham Young University, and a MSW from University of Missouri Kansas City. He also graduated from the Kansas City Play Therapy Institute. Jonathan is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. He loves helping children learn to manage and overcome their struggles and anxieties. In his personal time Jonathan likes to read, cook, and play with his children. He’s also a serious board game geek.

Jared Nye
Human Services Supervisor, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Family and Community Services, Infant Toddler Program

Jared Nye received a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Marriage Family and Human Development. He has a background in teaching, geriatrics, mental health for adults and children, and the last 6 years have been spent working for the Department of Health and Welfare in the Infant Toddler Program. 5 years of that have been spent as a Service Coordinator and the last year as a Human Services Supervisor over Service Coordination. Jared has received certification in Peer Support, Assisted Living Administration, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation. In the Infant Toddler Program, Jared helps families get the resources and supports necessary for their children to flourish in their development. Jared has been married to his sweetheart for the last 20 years and they have 8 children, 7 boys and 1 beautiful daughter.

Speakers:

Amy Marie
Parent
Secretary, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption. Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is Co-Chair of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoyed being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and the Executive Board of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.

Sarah Allen, LCPC
Supervisor, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare West Hub, Developmental Disabilities Program

Sarah has worked in the developmental disabilities field for the past 20 years. She currently supervises the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Children’s Developmental Disabilities program in the West Hub. Sarah holds a Masters in Counseling from Boise State University and provides mental health counseling in private practice. She recently became certified as a Person-Centered Thinking Trainer, she enjoys training and is excited to share the principles of person-centered thinking to make a difference in the lives of youth in Idaho. Sarah lives in Boise with her husband and two sons.

Dr. Abhilash Desai
Medical Director, Developmental Disabilities Crisis Response Team

Dr. Desai is a psychiatrist practicing in Idaho and Montana. He is an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at University of Washington School of Medicine. He is the co- author (along with his wife Dr. Faith Galliano Desai) of the book One Day Mindfulness Millionaire: Living Mindfully – A Lighthearted Primer for the Uninitiated. He is also the co-author (along with his mentor Dr. George Grossberg, a national and international leader in Geriatric Psychiatry) of the book Psychiatric Consultation in Long-term Care: A guide for healthcare professionals, 2nd Edition published by Cambridge University Press in 2017. His practice focuses on helping patients with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Treatment-resistant Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder, Dementias and Long-term care residents. He has been in practice for 23 years.

Tricia Ellinger
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Tricia is a single mother of 5, residing in the rural Treasure Valley area, adoptive parent to 3 young, special needs children with co-occurring developmental disabilities and serious emotional disturbance. Tricia is a fierce advocate for her children to access appropriate treatment and educational opportunities to encourage her littles to be their best selves.

Amy Lou
Parent
Member of the Steering Committee, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy is married to Superman (the most supportive and involved husband and father in the world) and the mother of seven amazing children. After unexpected life events, and having many high medical needs in the family, all of Amy’s children have been given mental health diagnoses. Three of her children, and another waiting for evaluation, have been diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. Professionally, Amy has worked as a massage therapist, medical assistant, and transcriptionist for medical and mental health professionals before she chose to be a full time, homeschooling parent, and caregiver to her children. Amy has been actively involved in children’s mental health and Idaho Parent Network for the last several years and looks forward to being involved for many years to come. Her passion is helping build a better community and system of care for future generations.

Bevin Modrak
Optum Idaho

Bevin has 30 years of clinical mental health experience covering in-patient, residential, and community-based settings. He has experience working with the State of Idaho with the foster care/adoptive programs; adult mental health, and as an auditor for Medicaid. Bevin has worked for Optum for 8 years in a number of different roles. Bevin also has direct consumer/advocacy experience as the parent of a special needs child and the grandparent of a special needs child.

Nate Pearlman, LCPC
Director of Mental Health Services, Children’s Therapy Place

Nate is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Idaho. Nate works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Nate has over 30 years’ experience working with clients with Adjustment Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, children in the foster-care system, clients who are suffering from current or past trauma, and family dynamic issues. Nate uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy, DBT-Informed Mindfulness Skills, collaborative, and proactive solutions, that are strength-based, and solution focused. His approach to counseling is building a trusting, caring, and open rapport with clients to gain insight and growth. When Nate is not working, he loves to spend time with his wife, adult children, and his grandchildren. Nate and his wife are natives of Idaho, went to school together and were High School “sweethearts”! Nate enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping. For the past 7 years Nate has had the pleasure of coaching the Boise State Club Baseball Team.

Danielle Wimer
Developmental Disability Agency Manager and Community-based Services Program Supervisor, Children’s Therapy Place

Danielle graduated from Boise State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2005. Since that time, Danielle has worked in multiple areas of social work; however, has spent the majority of her time working with children and adults with co-occurring mental health and developmental disabilities. Danielle has run community-based services for this clientele for the last 11 years, including her current role at Children’s Therapy Place as DDA Manager and Community Based Services Program Supervisor. Danielle has a passion for ensuring that children receive the treatment and services that are appropriate for their particular needs, focusing on strengths-based and family informed approaches.

Audrey Kennedy, MS, BCBA, LBA (Va)
Behavioral Coordinator, Idaho Special Education Support & Technical Assistance (SESTA)

Audrey is a board certified behavior analyst with over 14 years experience in special education.  She received her Masters of Science in Educational Psychology and a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from George Mason University. Audrey has a passion for increasing independence and strives to enhance the lives of all students, families, and school teams she works with. She has expertise in the area of severe challenging behavior, verbal behavior, functional life skills training and the process of individualized assessment and intervention planning.  She has a specific interest in trauma informed analysis and intervention planning as well as the impact of mental health concerns on challenging behavior.

Charlie Silva, Ph.D.
Director of Special Education, Idaho State Department of Education

Since moving to Idaho in 2000, Charlie has worked as an Assistant Professor at Boise State University, was the Administrator of Special Education for the Boise School District and for the past 6 years has been the Idaho State Department of Education Director of Special Education Services. In her capacity as state director, she and her team are responsible for providing guidance and support to the 170+ Local Education Agencies (districts)/Charters across the state. She is passionate about making sure the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is followed and “to enable all students to achieve high academic standards and quality of life, the Special Education department works collaboratively with districts, agencies and parents to ensure students receive quality, meaningful, and needed services.”

Laura Wallis, P.E.
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Laura is a Professional Civil Engineer, Advocate for Children’s Mental Health, Member of the Region 7 Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee, a Professional Meeting Sitter-Inner, and Champion Dessert Sampler. Laura loves speaking at events where she can share a bit of her journey as a parent of a special needs child in the hopes that her (sometimes hilarious) stories will help families feel less alone and the professionals who work with families like hers feel more confident and able to impact positive change. Laura is grateful to have been a part of the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) implementation process and looks forward to the day when every child has access to the mental health supports they need.

Sami Edge
Reporter, Idaho Education News

Sami covers education for nonprofit news outlet Idaho Education News. Her focus is on student safety and equity. This spring, Edge released a series of stories on the state of mental health supports in Idaho schools, and how some districts are attempting to address children’s needs. She plans to continue this coverage into the 2021-22 school year, exploring how schools will spend federal COVID-relief funds earmarked for student’s social and emotional well-being. You can reach her with questions, or story ideas, at sedge@idahoednews.org.

Dr. Eric Studebaker
Director of Student Engagement, Safety Coordination, Idaho State Department of Education

Dr. Studebaker is currently serving as the Director of Student Engagement and Safety Coordination for the Idaho State Department of Education. This role manages the Idaho Advanced Opportunities Program, Idaho GEAR-UP, Idaho 21st Century Community Learning Centers, 504 Support, Idaho Public Driver Education, Youth Suicide Prevention, Safe and Drug Free Schools, School Bullying Prevention, and College/Career Advising. Dr. Studebaker is a member of the Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention, the Board of the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security, the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission, the Governor’s Taskforce on Opioid and Drug Abuse Prevention, the Governor’s Idaho Behavioral Health Council, the Idaho Youth Fatality Review Team, and the Idaho Post-Secondary Council of Academic Affairs and Programs. He is also an adjunct faculty and dissertation chair in the Ed Leadership doctoral program at Northwest Nazarene University. Dr. Studebaker is married to his better two-thirds, Dr. Bethani Studebaker, with whom he has three wonderful children; Sophi age 15, Phoebe age 13, and Jack age 11. They also share their home with three Boston Terriers: Paisley, Penny, and Posey.

Speakers:

Tricia Ellinger
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Tricia is a single mother of 5, residing in the rural Treasure Valley area, adoptive parent to 3 young, special needs children with co-occurring developmental disabilities and serious emotional disturbance. Tricia is a fierce advocate for her children to access appropriate treatment and educational opportunities to encourage her littles to be their best selves

Tammy Lish-Watson, BS, CADC
Mental Health First Aid

Tammy has a son who has all her love while also guiding her career path. Once he entered school, she began volunteering in his classroom, eventually becoming a paraprofessional for the school district so that she could become easily accessible if needed. Finally, at the age of 33, Tammy decided to go to college and obtain a degree in education. A year into school, she noticed more complex things occurring with her son, so changed her major to psychology. At the age of 16, her son began experimenting with illicit substances, which encouraged her to obtain a minor in addiction. Tammy graduated from LSCS in 2018 with an interdisciplinary degree in Psychology, Addiction, and Education and is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor or (CADC). She currently is in her senior year at BSU, completing her Master’s in Social Work. Tammy also serve as a trainer for Adult, Youth, and soon Teen Mental Health First Aid. In addition, she works with parents by providing Love and Logic, parenting children who have suffered trauma, and is completing her certification for Family Support Partners. Tammy ran a local non-profit for six years while working her way through school, helping people struggling with substance use, mental health, homelessness, and or a combination of the above. Tammy’s passion is with children who are struggling and their families as they do the best they can with minimal resources.

Amy Marie
Parent
Secretary, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption. Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is Co-Chair of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoys being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and is the Executive Board Secretary of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.

Ali Shields, LMSW
Project Coordinator of the Idaho AWARE Project, Idaho Lives Project

Ali is the project coordinator for the ID-AWARE Project. Ali started her career with the Idaho Lives Project, as a regional coordinator (2018). She is well-versed in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies that specifically apply to integration at the school-level. In 2020, Ali transitioned from this position to her current position as coordinator for the ID-AWARE Project. This has expanded her focus from primarily suicide to more generalized mental health fundamental integration. Ali’s passion for mental health and suicide prevention/intervention began in 2009, as a psychiatric technician at Intermountain Hospital. From this work, she began seeking degrees in social work. Ali completed her graduate-level internship with St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, where she worked primarily with suicidal adolescent populations. Ali obtained her bachelor’s in social work from Boise State University (Boise, Idaho) in 2016, as well as her master’s in social work, with a specialization in community mental health, from Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa, Idaho) in 2017. Ali is a certified Sources of Strength and SPFI (Suicide Prevention Fundamentals Instruction) school gatekeeper trainer. She also received ASIST (Applied Suicide Prevention Skills Training) training in September 2018.

Jaxson Stark, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Pearl Health Clinic

Jaxson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and has worked with Pearl Health Clinic since 2009 and in the human services industry since 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology with emphasis in family relations and sociology from BYU-Idaho and then his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling through Capella University in 2009. He is a National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC) and a certified Autplay Therapist (Autism Play Therapy). Jaxson works as the counseling division chair over solutions and as the chief compliance officer with Pearl Health Clinic in Idaho Falls and Rexburg. He works with a wide range of clientele but has a special interest and expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental diagnosis. He works with children as young as age 4, with adolescents, and adults. Previously he has worked at the St. Anthony Juvenile Corrections Center (JCC), as an intake specialist and counselor for the BHC, and various in-home and community rehabilitation settings. He sees individuals with social/communication difficulties, stress and anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health concerns. Jaxson believes that people are doing the best that they know how and that they can change at any time to do better. Jaxson has taught continuing education workshops and gives trainings on Autism, depression and anxiety for local universities, public and charter schools, and various church/religious groups. In his free time Jaxson loves to spend time with his wife and 6 children. He enjoys home renovation projects, gardening and being outdoors. He loves to coach football and basketball and enjoys building and empowering youth to become confident leaders.

Laura Wallis, P.E.
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Laura is a Professional Civil Engineer, Advocate for Children’s Mental Health, Member of the Region 7 Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee, a Professional Meeting Sitter-Inner, and Champion Dessert Sampler. Laura loves speaking at events where she can share a bit of her journey as a parent of a special needs child in the hopes that her (sometimes hilarious) stories will help families feel less alone and the professionals who work with families like hers feel more confident and able to impact positive change. Laura is grateful to have been a part of the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) implementation process and looks forward to the day when every child has access to the mental health supports they need.

Nate Williams, Ph.D., LCSW
Associate Professor, Boise State University (BSU)

Nate is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Boise State University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Idaho. Prior to earning his doctorate, Nate worked for seven years with youth and families as a therapist and program director in an outpatient children’s mental health clinic in Nampa, Idaho. As an Associate Professor at Boise State, Nate spends much of his time conducting research and teaching. Nate’s research focuses on understanding how to improve the quality and effectiveness of children’s mental health services, with a special emphasis on supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices. Nate believes strongly in the value of family voice and participation in designing mental health systems that use family strengths to improve youth well-being. He has three children.

Randi Cole
Secondary Transition Coordinator, Idaho State Department of Education

Randi is the Secondary Transition Coordinator in the Special Education Department of the Idaho State Department of Education. Randi began her career in Special Education working with adults and children with disabilities in community settings. She then spent 20 years working as a Special Education teacher in a high school setting where she worked with school- and district-level Special Education teams, including students, parents, and other community members to increase post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.

Alan Harrison, Esq.
Owner, Alan R. Harrison Law

Alan loves and is passionate about his family. He is grateful for the lessons he has learned as a husband and father to 10 children. He brings that same love and passion for family to his professional work. Professionally, Alan is a leader in the area of guardianship/ conservatorship throughout Eastern Idaho for developmentally delayed, elderly, or minors. He encourages collaboration among individuals, families, and the community to implement alternatives to guardianship/conservatorship. Alan also has over 14 years of experience in estate planning, probate, and adoption.

Angela Lindig
Executive Director, Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL)

Angela has been with Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL) since 2009 working with families who have children with disabilities and special health care needs. Her firsthand experience brought her to this work when her first daughter was born with a rare genetic condition. Angela and her husband are also parents to a son and adopted daughter. Angela is a former Chair of the Idaho State Independent Living Council, and she also spearheaded the effort to create Idaho’s first universally accessible playground – the Adventure Island Playground – located in Meridian’s Settler’s Park. Angela holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with a Concentration in Child and Family Services.

Alison Lowenthal
State Transition Coordinator, Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Alison is the State Transition Coordinator at the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation where she develops and manages statewide pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities to help them learn the skills that will lead to increased postsecondary success. Prior to IDVR, Alison worked as a secondary special education coordinator at the Idaho State Department of Education, a secondary transition coordinator at the Colorado Department of Education, and a and high school special education teacher. Additionally, she has taught educational courses for Regis University, the University of Northern Colorado, and Boise State University.

Kristin Matthews
Program Manager, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Self- Reliance

Kristin has worked at Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) for more than eight years as a program manager. In her role at the Department, she currently works doing policy and program administration for the SNAP and Medicaid programs. She also has experience working at non-profit organizations committed to advancing healthcare, education, and child welfare issues. Kristin has a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. She currently lives in Boise and enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.

Speakers:

Gail Baker, LCSW
Field Care Coordinator Manager Optum Idaho

Gail Baker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience working with adults, families, and children. She is currently employed at Optum Idaho as the Field Care Coordination Program Manager.

Francesca Barbaro, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor for the Children’s Medicaid/EPSDT Team, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Francesca has spent the majority of her career as a mental health provider in the community working for Ada County Juvenile Court Services and the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. Francesca has been with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for just over a year and has spent much of her time assisting with identification and implementation of the necessary improvements to our system of care. Francesca is passionate about advocating for Idaho youth and families to have increased access to trauma-informed care and creating a more robust mental health workforce throughout our state.

Liza Crook
Behavioral Health Program Manager, Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections

Liza is a Behavioral Health Program Manager with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC), Community, Operations, Programs and Services (COPS) Division. Liza brings 11 years of behavioral health system experience to her role. She oversees state-funded programs that support justice-involved juveniles needing behavioral health treatment in Idaho. She works collaboratively with state, county and tribal partners, the behavioral health managed services contractors (BPA Health and Optum Idaho), providers, and other community stakeholders.

Tricia Ellinger
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Tricia is a single mother of 5, residing in the rural Treasure Valley area, adoptive parent to 3 young, special needs children with co-occurring developmental disabilities and serious emotional disturbance. Tricia is a fierce advocate for her children to access appropriate treatment and educational opportunities to encourage her littles to be their best selves.

Daron Henderson, LCSW
Primary Therapist, Teton Peaks at Behavioral Health Center (BHC)

Daron has worked at the Behavioral Health Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for 21 years. He received his master’s degree in social work in 2003 and has been a licensed clinical social worker since 2006. Although Daron has worked with all ages throughout his career, he has primarily worked with adolescents. He has spent the majority of his career as a therapist in the adolescent residential program know as Teton Peaks at BHC. He has had the privilege of supporting and guiding patients and families with the recovery process to help get them back to living their best lives.

Melissa Hultberg
Clinical Supervisor, Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections

Melissa is a Clinical Supervisor with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC). Melissa has been with the department for 16 years, first 10 years as a Juvenile Services Coordinator and the last six years as a Clinical Supervisor. Melissa supervises seven Juvenile Services Coordinators that are licensed social workers who work specifically with IDJC youth entering and transitioning out of IDJC custody.

Rina Lingelbach, LCPC
Senior Clinical Trainer, Optum Idaho

Rina is a Field Care Coordinator on the Optum Idaho Clinical Team working with Medicaid’s EPSDT team and helps members and families to access appropriate outpatient care for their children with serious emotional disturbance (SED). She was raised in a small rural town in Northern California and now lives in Boise with her husband and 2 daughters. Rina started her career as an Intensive Behavior Interventionist supporting children with disabilities and their families. She went on to complete her master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in addictions in 2012. She first started her master’s program in the School Counseling track, however; she went on to complete her degree with an emphasis in Addictions. Rina interned at a detox/mental health crisis center where she found a passion for helping individuals in crisis, with Co-occurring disorders primarily suffering from trauma. Rina went on to facilitating Co-Occurring Intensive Outpatient Programs for 3 years followed by working with families and children in an outpatient mental health clinic where she also earned her clinical license. Rina joined Optum Idaho in 2017 wanting to make a bigger impact on improving the Behavioral Health System for Idahoans. Rina has a passion for learning, traveling, music, dancing, and going on adventures with her husband and daughters. Her professional interests include ongoing personal and professional development, fostering interpersonal relationships, and research of evidenced based treatment for trauma, addiction studies, co-occurring disorders, positive parenting, behavior change theories, Motivational Enhancement techniques, Play therapy, and cultural competency.

Laura Wallis, P.E.
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Laura is a Professional Civil Engineer, Advocate for Children’s Mental Health, Member of the Region 7 Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee, a Professional Meeting Sitter-Inner, and Champion Dessert Sampler. Laura loves speaking at events where she can share a bit of her journey as a parent of a special needs child in the hopes that her (sometimes hilarious) stories will help families feel less alone and the professionals who work with families like hers feel more confident and able to impact positive change. Laura is grateful to have been a part of the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) implementation process and looks forward to the day when every child has access to the mental health supports they need.

Amy Wimer, CPRP, LSW, LPC, NCC
Field Care Coordinator, Optum Idaho

Amy is a Field Care Coordinator on the Optum Idaho Clinical Team working with Medicaid’s EPSDT team and helping members and families to access appropriate outpatient care for their children with serious emotional disturbance (SED).  She was born and raised in Boise, ID, and continues to live in Boise with her family. Amy graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Social Work, and started her career working for a Mental health agency in Region 4, continued working in the community, became management in the organization, and went back to school for her Masters of Mental Health Counseling from ISU, earning that degree in 2011. Amy worked as the Director and Vice President for the local mental health agency through 2015, supporting the agency in navigating through a crucial moment in Idaho’s Behavioral Health history when managed care came to the state in 2013. Amy continuously built relationships with Idaho Stakeholders as well as the Mental Health providers network, and advocated for improvements in the behavioral health system through testimony at the legislature as well as via public comment on changes in IDAPA rule at that time, and later with Optum Leadership. A retirement decision by the owner of the agency prompted Amy’s change of employment in 2015 to work for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Medicaid, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, as a clinical program specialist, where she supported the contract monitoring team that worked directly with Optum Idaho and the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan. Amy was regularly engaged with Optum team members and supported clinical changes in the state contract. In her role, she also reviewed State Hospital stays as well as processed flow and logistics of EPSDT processes with applications for residential requests for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, supporting Medicaid members in accessing this level of care as well as transitioning back to the state to outpatient supports and services. Amy saw the need for additional adolescent treatment and programs in the area and was hired in 2017 to grow mental health programming within a local Substance Use Disorder Agency, adding an intensive outpatient program for Mental Health/ SUD. While in this role, she also worked with the Region 4 Adult Mental Health Court and the District 3 Juvenile Drug Court to support better outcomes for these specialty court participants. Amy was hired by Optum Idaho in 2019, worked as a Clinical Care Advocate, and transitioning into the Field Care Coordinator role, with a focus on Region 4 ESPDT, in the Fall of 2020.

George Austin
Assistant Director, Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline

George has been with the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline since its launch in 2012. He came to the hotline with extensive experience in crisis response, program management and data reporting. He is currently the assistant director, but is responsible for the supervision and quality assurance of the hotline’s phone, text and chat responders. Personal exposure to suicide loss led George to volunteer as a crisis responder with Common Ground, a crisis services agency in Oakland County, Michigan in 1994. After five years in multiple volunteer roles, George began his employment with that agency as the nation’s first Victim of Crime Act (VOCA)-funded advocate for victims of workplace violence. While employed at Common Ground, he was responsible for supervising hotline and victim assistant program volunteers, conducting in house and community trainings, coordinating community debriefings after traumatic events, working with crime victims as an advocate in emergency rooms, police stations, and through the court system, and finally running the agency’s victim assistance program. George has a BS in Elementary Education. He is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and is a Certified Master ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Trainer. George lives in Boise with his wife, two teenaged children, two cats and a dog.

Amy Marie
Parent
Secretary, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption. Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is Co-Chair of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoyed being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and the Executive Board of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.

Jenny Quiroz, LCPC
Owner, The Genshai Trauma Recovery Center

Jenny is a lifelong resident of Idaho Falls and is proud to call it home. She is an avid crossfitter. One of her favorite CrossFit workers is DT; she recently beat her personal record by more than 3 minutes. She loves spending time with her family – playing games, going on adventures, camping, and playing in the water. She loves sunshine and warm summer days although it’s hard to pick between warm summer days and crisp fall days with autumn leaves. Jenny earned her Master of Counseling; with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling at Idaho State University in 2004 and has been a licensed counselor since then. She completed her undergraduate work at Brigham Young University Provo double majoring in Psychology and Marriage and Family Studies. Jenny loves being a counselor. She is most passionate about sending the message that real recovery and healing, really are possible. She strives to be an agent of change supporting, encouraging, and teaching those who work with her how to process emotions and understand and replace limiting beliefs. Jenny is a practitioner of Genshai, an ancient sacred word that means “Never treat another person in a manner that would make them feel small – including yourself or another translation; holding all people in their excellence including yourself”.

Jaci Bazzle, LPC
Owner & Counselor at Something Different Counseling LLC

Jaci currently runs a personal private practice and has worked as a clinical supervisor of a substance treatment facility, helped develop and start trauma-focused substance treatment tracks, and worked for years developing specialized knowledge and competency working with individuals who are hurting. Often, the clients that she works with have not experienced safety or a healthy relationship in a long time. Jaci loves to paint, write, and do a lot of mixed media crafting/creating. She collects pink elephants and plays tons of video games until way too late at night. She loves horror movies, great food, and being a mom.

Speakers:

Tricia Ellinger
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Tricia is a single mother of 5, residing in the rural Treasure Valley area, adoptive parent to 3 young, special needs children with co-occurring developmental disabilities and serious emotional disturbance. Tricia is a fierce advocate for her children to access appropriate treatment and educational opportunities to encourage her littles to be their best selves.

April D Fernando, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Center for Innovation in Population Health, University of Kentucky
Assistant Professor of Health, Behavior and Society at the College of Public Health, University of Kentucky

Dr. Fernando works with non-profit agencies as well as child welfare and behavioral health care systems in implementing Transformational Collaborative Outcomes Management (TCOM) and utilizing the TCOM tools such as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). She developed the CANS-Commercially Sexually Exploited version, which is used nationally. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Fernando brings her years of experience as an educator, clinician and mental health administrator to her work with TCOM and the CANS.

Amy Marie
Parent
Secretary, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption. Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is Co-Chair of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoyed being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and the Executive Board of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.

Laura Wallis, P.E.
Parent
Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Laura is a Professional Civil Engineer, Advocate for Children’s Mental Health, Member of the Region 7 Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee, a Professional Meeting Sitter-Inner, and Champion Dessert Sampler. Laura loves speaking at events where she can share a bit of her journey as a parent of a special needs child in the hopes that her (sometimes hilarious) stories will help families feel less alone and the professionals who work with families like hers feel more confident and able to impact positive change. Laura is grateful to have been a part of the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) implementation process and looks forward to the day when every child has access to the mental health supports they need.

Amy Lou
Parent
Member of the Steering Committee, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health

Amy is married to Superman (the most supportive and involved husband and father in the world) and the mother of seven amazing children. After unexpected life events, and having many high medical needs in the family, all of Amy’s children have been given mental health diagnoses. Three of her children, and another waiting for evaluation, have been diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. Professionally, Amy has worked as a massage therapist, medical assistant, and transcriptionist for medical and mental health professionals before she chose to be a full time, homeschooling parent, and caregiver to her children. Amy has been actively involved in children’s mental health and Idaho Parent Network for the last several years and looks forward to being involved for many years to come. Her passion is helping build a better community and system of care for future generations.