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

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.

Christine Kapral
MA, LMHC
Program Manager
509.768.0699
christinek@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Heather Fitzgerald
MSW
Library Director
509.325.0199
heatherf@empoweringinc.org

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.

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

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.

Dave Smith
MS, LMHC
Therapist
509.768.1265
daves@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Amanda Dreyer
MS, LMHCA
Therapist
509.768.1306
amandad@empoweringincservices.com

Amanda Dreyer is a graduate of Eastern Washington University with a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor and has clinical training in a variety of counseling theories including Attachment, Person Centered, Family Systems, and Cognitive-Behavioral interventions. She has fervently worked with families and children as a preschool teacher, residential treatment staff provider and as a Mental Health Counselor. Amanda has demonstrated experience organizing, publicizing and facilitating mental health support groups and providing consultation and referral to community resources. She is an advocate for the rights and privileges of individuals and families while serving on the board for the Inland Northwest Coalition on Eating Disorders. Amanda’s dedication, ambition, and education serve as an asset while providing best treatment standards of care to families in both rural and urban communities of Eastern Washington State.

Aimee Charboneau 
BSW
MSW Practicum Student
509.624.7104
aimeec@empoweringincservices.com

Aimee Charboneau holds a Bachelors of Social Work degree and is a current cohort member of the Eastern Washington University 2013 MSW program. Aimee works from a theoretical base emphasizing components of Person in Environment Theory, System Theory and Attachment Theory. Her passion working with families in crisis began in 2002 in England when working in a transitional living shelter. Aimee also has experience working with children in crisis who reside in transitional foster care. Her appreciation for the complexity of relationships, education and training, along with her personal warmth and openness to diverse viewpoints, allow her to connect with and value families from many cultures and backgrounds.

Ross Montour
MSW, LSWAA
Supervisor
509.435.8464
rossm@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Amanda Fry
MSW
Therapist
509.768.2587
amandaf@empoweringincservices.com

Amanda Fry’s educational background, professional experience, and volunteer work have provided her with the skill set and knowledge base to be an effective Therapist in the social services field. Amanda acquired her Master of Social Work degree in 2012 and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Comparative Ethnic Studies in 2010.  . As a DCFS and EIS intern, Amanda had the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to continue her career working with children and families. A personal calling to be a volunteer has helped her to gain experience in a range of areas. She has been a volunteer assisting children and families internationally, in Kenya and the Dominican Republic, as well as locally. Amanda enjoys working with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and works from a non-judgmental, open-minded stance when doing so. Amanda is also trained in suicide prevention, gang prevention, and is a Nurturing Parenting Program facilitator.

Courtney Wick
MS, LMFTA, CDPT
Therapist
509.768.8815
courtneyw@empoweringincservices.com

Courtney has dual certifications in Marriage and Family Therapy and Chemical Dependency. She has
worked with individuals, couples and families in both private and home-based settings. Her counseling
experience includes serving as a mental health therapist for adolescents in sub-acute care, providing
chemical dependency counseling to adults in treatment, and volunteering for the Youth Suicide
Prevention Project of the Northwest. She has facilitated various groups including: grief and loss,
parenting and child development and domestic violence recovery. Courtney specializes in helping to
craft relationships and lives that flourish. Courtney has a natural ability for psychotherapy and uses
her compassion and training to create a strong therapeutic alliance with individuals and families. She
operates from a family systems base which focuses on treating the entire family, strengthening the
family system, meeting individual needs and discovering hope for the future. She has a passion for
working with at-risk youth and families and uses her passion, dedication and education to meet the
needs of her clients.

Shannon Withrow
BA
IFPS Lead Supervisor
509.768.1132
shannonw@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Shaylyn Gunnels
MSW
Lead Therapist
509.768.0761
shaylyng@empoweringincservices.com

Shaylyn Gunnels’ educational background includes a Master of Social Work emphasized by a Bachelor of Science in Psychology 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.

Michael Deal
MSW
Therapist
509.998.6494
michaeld@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Heidi Batt
MSW, LSWAIC
IFPS Supervisor
509.270.3468
heidib@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Tony Ramos
MSW
Lead Therapist
509.570.8737
tonyr@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Amanda Sandman
MSW
Therapist
509.768.0911
amandas@empoweringincservices.com

Amanda Sandman holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Eastern Washington University.  Her ambition is second to none as she has continued to add to her professional development by completing trainings and certifications in:  suicide prevention, family development, the 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 victims of homelessness, domestic violence and addictions.  Amanda’s ability to empathize and relate to client’s that come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds allows her to develop strong therapeutic relationships. 

Michelle Scully
MSW
Therapist
509.768.0630
michelles@empoweringincservices.com

Michelle Scully is a graduate of Eastern Washington University with a Masters in Social Work.  She has passionately worked with families, children and teens for several years in the Spokane region.  Michelle has taught parenting skills for teenage mothers and life skills for parents, continuously striving to make families secure and healthy.  She works within an ecological systems theory utilizing a strengths based approach.  She has several years of volunteer service in elementary schools, church youth groups and Girl Scouts; she has also served on the Professional Education Advisory Board.  Michelle is a consummate advocate, writing state and federal legislators to address the needs of impoverished families.  Her knowledge of community resources and excellent organizational skills assist her in maximizing progress for struggling families.

Cindy Turner
MSW
IFPS Therapist
509.770.3359
cindyt@empoweringincservices.com

Cindy is an Empowering, Inc. Services therapist, military veteran and graduate of the Master of Social Work Program at Eastern Washington University. She implements a collaborative approach in guiding families to identify their strengths, needs and plans of action using the Homebuilders Model. Her passion for lifelong learning and experience with Ecological Systems Theory approaches provide individuals of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to identify personal preferences and resources needed to reach their fullest potential. She has an extensive background in Native American Studies and advocating for individuals living with mental health trauma, chemical dependency and unstable living environments. Cindy recognizes that self determination and “client voice” is the most important ingredient in achieving meaningful outcomes for families served by EIS.

Veronica Jones
BA
Program Coordinator
509.350.5401
veronicaj@empoweringincservices.com

Veronica was born and raised in the Central Basin area of Washington State. She graduated magna cum laude from Central Washington University in 2004. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Veronica is fluent in Spanish and always willing to provide interpreter services. Prior to coming to Empowering, Inc. Services Veronica worked in the legal field...

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

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.

Jennifer Crim
MSW, LSWAA
Therapist
509.557.5358
jenniferc@empoweringincservices.com

Jennifer brings cultural depth and perspective to her EIS clinical work as a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Jennifer was born and raised in the North Basin area of Washington State where she eventually earned her master’s degree in Social Work at Eastern Washington University. She was infused with elders in her family who maintained a giving working commitment to her tribe. Jennifer has an extensive history of working for Tribal TANF where she became acutely aware of familial hardships associated with homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, alcohol/drug abuse and foster care. Jennifer continues to serve the North Basin rural community region through the provision of quality parenting assessments, individual and family therapy services, parenting instruction and crisis family intervention.

Natashia Ruiz
BA
Visitation/Parent Instruction Supervisor
509.998.5268
natashiar@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Lisa Morris
AA
Lead Visitation/Parent Instruction
Specialist
509.768.0454
lisam@empoweringincservices.com

Lisa Morris has an Associate’s degree in Applied Science, with a specialization in Early Childhood Development.   She has over twenty years of experience working in Early Childhood Education.  Lisa’s is a compassionate professional who practices the philosophy that adults and children learn best when they are part of the learning process through engagement with the instructor, the planning process and goals for the family curriculum.  Lisa has worked with a wide variety of different cultural and socioeconomically groups in both urban and rural communities.  She is an enthusiastic volunteer with a variety of sports, education and church organizations. 

Cyndi Tremblay
Visitation Specialist
509.993.1257
cyndit@empoweringincservices.com

Cyndi Tremblay took a career class in junior high school that suggested her strength and talent would be working with children. Cyndi has accumulated paraprofessional experience working as a nanny for several families, one with nine kids. For over a decade Cyndi has worked as an exceptional parent educator and visitation provider. Cyndi is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives. Throughout the years she has also worked as a volunteer for her church, in the children’s nursery, and also in the ministerial kitchen and dining area.

Heather Savick
AA
Visitation/Parent Instruction
Specialist
509.993.0967
heathers@empoweringincservices.com

Heather Savick has an Associate’s degree in Social Service and is currently engaged in perusing higher education. Heather has tailored her studies to include an emphasis on issues significant to women and children. Heather is passionate about her work with children, women and families, and is dedicated to helping the clients she serves. Heather is trained as a recognized facilitator for the Nurturing Parenting Program®. She has also done extensive volunteer work with children in the Spokane community. Heather’s compassionate demeanor and dedication to those she serves makes her a valuable asset to the Empowering, Inc. Services Team.

Bob Kerl
Visitation/Parent Instruction Specialist
509.768.1147
robertk@empoweringincservices.com

Robert Kerl has completed human service course work at the University of Idaho, Spokane Community College and Eastern Washington University. Studies ranged from accounting and science to education and social work. Bob is skilled as a Nurturing Parenting Program® facilitator to teach and support positive parenting practices in the family home. Bob has over ten years of professional experience working with children, adults and families in various professional settings. He is a certified Casey Life Skills Facilitator with a passion for working with children and teens who are placed in both long and short-term foster care.

Channon Summer-Dupree
BS
Visitation Specialist
509.768.5886
channonsd@empoweringincservices.com

Bio Coming Soon.

Brenda Tarvin
Payroll & Benefits Specialist
509.624.7104
brendat@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Tom Olson
Operations & A/P Specialist
509.624.7104
tomo@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Ann Romero
AAS
Accounts Receivable Specialist
509.624.7104
annr@empoweringincservices.com

Ann Romero has a wide variety of skills which she brings to EIS as a diligent Accounts Receivable Specialist. Her attentiveness to working with accounts and billing has been a big asset to EIS. Ann also has a background as a paraprofessional in a local school district where she assisted children challenged with disabilities in addition to working with elementary school age children.

Carol Paradis
Office Manager
509.624.7104
carolp@empoweringincservices.com

Carol Paradis is a long-term resident of Eastern Washington.  Carol raises the standards of care for customer service with her effusive manner and dedication to office management excellence.  Carol has a work history of owning her own business and volunteering at local schools, churches and community food banks.  She is whimsical around children, often eliciting smiles from all ages of kids as they enter the reception area of Empowering, Inc. Services.   Carol is indeed dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families affected by trauma, poverty and difficult change. 

Sarah Calvin
Marketing Coordinator
509.624.7104
sarahc@empoweringincservices.com

Bio Coming Soon. 

Josh Churchill
Tech Support
509.624.7104
joshc@empoweringincservices.com

Josh Churchill is a computer enthusiast having worked with computers since childhood. Josh has lived in Spokane for over a decade, where he also works at a local elementary school monitoring the safety of young children. Josh is also an avid volunteer in the social service field. He has fueled that same passion for learning, providing service and safety, into successful work on computers to ensure Empowering, Inc. Services computers are at peak condition while responding quickly with accurate and reliable results.

Lisa Young
M. Ed.
Program Coordinator Supervisor
509.624.7104
lisay@empoweringincservices.com

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.

Pepper Davidson
AAS
Program Coordinator
509.624.7104
pepperd@empoweringincservices.com

Suzanne “Pepper” Davidson has lived in Spokane for nine years. She has almost a decade of professional experience working in the chemical dependency and medical fields. Prior to living here, she worked in the mental health field as a records specialist and as a project manager for a major publishing company. Experience in these fields has provided Pepper the necessary skills to attend to details needed as a Program Coordinator for the EIS IFPS program. Suzanne loves her two border collies, as well as hiking, kayaking and swimming with them along with her husband and friends in the Spokane - Coeur d’Alene area. Pepper is excited about working for EIS and the opportunity it gives her to make a beneficial impact by assisting others.

Janel Brick
BA
Program Coordinator
509.624.7104
janelb@empoweringincservices.com

Janel Brick demonstrates all the abilities of a successful Program Coordinator.  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. 

Holly Buche
BA
Program Coordinator
509.624.7104
hollyb@empoweringincservices.com

Holly received her Bachelor of Art degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Political Science, in the year 2010. In the three years prior to college graduation Holly worked in social research and had many administrative support roles. Her experience also includes a year of being a supervisor and a year of project management. Being in a support role in an environment meant to preserve families and insure the safety and wellness of children is a fulfilling fit for Holly.

Veronica Jones
BA
Program Coordinator
509.350.5401
veronicaj@empoweringincservices.com

Veronica was born and raised in the Central Basin area of Washington State. She graduated magna cum laude from Central Washington University in 2004. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Veronica is fluent in Spanish and always willing to provide interpreter services. Prior to coming to Empowering, Inc. Services Veronica worked in the legal field..