About Us
About Empowered Services
Our Goal is Empowerment
Finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment can be challenging in a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain. But what if you could make a difference in someone’s life, every single day? What if you could help empower individuals with special needs to live happier, more fulfilling lives?
At Empowered Services, that’s exactly what we do. We are a team of dedicated professionals passionate about supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Our mission is to provide the highest level of care and support to help our clients thrive.
But our work goes beyond just providing care. We believe in empowering our clients to live their lives to the fullest. We work tirelessly to connect individuals and families with the resources they need to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Our approach is personalized and compassionate, ensuring that each person receives the support they need to succeed.
Whether it’s helping a child with special needs access educational resources or supporting an adult with disabilities in their quest for independence, our team is committed to positively impacting the lives of those we serve. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for our clients.
So if you’re looking for a way to make a real difference in the world, consider joining the Empowered Services team. Whether you’re a caregiver, administrative professional, or passionate advocate, we have a place for you. Together, we can help empower individuals with special needs to live their best lives and improve our world.
We aim to empower, inspire, support, and provide opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Oregon. Our trained Direct Support Providers (DSPs) empower and enhance lives with necessary life skills. We work closely with our customers, guardians, and families to establish and accomplish self-directed goals to thrive at home and in the community.
Who We Are
John
FOUNDER & CEO
John says, “When we offer support so that customers are empowered, and the family’s weight is lifted, we are making a difference and making our world a better place!”
Sandi
Chief Operating Officer
Meet Sandi, our Chief Operating Officer (COO). Being part of the Empowered Services family has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career, and I’m so grateful to work alongside such a compassionate, dedicated team that truly feels like home. Every day, I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who share the same purpose: to empower, uplift, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Please allow me to share a little piece of my heart with you, so we can truly feel like family. I was born and raised in the charming town of Newberg, surrounded by rolling hills and a tight-knit community that taught me the value of connection, care, and hard work. Family is at the center of everything I do. I’m a proud wife and the blessed mother of three wonderful grown sons who continue to inspire me with their kindness, humor, and hearts for others. They are my greatest joy and biggest motivation.
My career has been deeply rooted in serving others, particularly those in the disabilities community. For 16 amazing years, I have had the privilege of working in various roles, from Special Education classrooms to IDD foster homes to working with another agency. These experiences have shaped not only my professional path but also who I am as a person. They have ignited a lifelong passion to help individuals discover their strengths, embrace their uniqueness, and live full, meaningful lives.
At home, my heart is filled with the pitter-patter of paws and the occasional disgruntled meow. With four rescue dogs and two cats, our household is a lively mix of wagging tails, cozy cuddles, and plenty of laughter. Each one has their own personality, and together they bring so much love and chaos to our home, just the way I like it. When I’m not immersed in the joys of family and furry companionship, you’ll often find me crocheting away, sharing laughs with loved ones, or relaxing with my favorite reality TV shows. It’s those simple moments that recharge me and remind me of what truly matters.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent these years growing with the Empowered Services team, a place that has become an extension of my family. Together, we have built something truly special, grounded in compassion, collaboration, and genuine care for the people we serve. Every success we celebrate and every challenge we overcome reinforces my belief that we’re making a real difference.
My inbox is always open at sandi@empowered-services.org if you’d like to connect, collaborate, or just share a friendly hello. Let’s keep walking this path together as one big, empowered family, continuing to support, inspire, and lift one another up every step of the way.
I hope you have a beautiful day!
Empowered Services Core Values
Building Trust through Honesty
Who We Are
Meet Our Amazing Team
At Empowered Services, we are more than just a team – we are a family of compassionate and dedicated individuals who share a passion for helping others. We understand that providing the highest level of care and support to our customers and caregivers is not just about having the right skills and experience, but also about having a heart that truly cares. That’s why each member of our team has been carefully selected for their exceptional skills, professionalism, and, most importantly, their genuine compassion for others.
From our caregivers to our administrative staff, everyone on our team is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our clients and their families. We understand that every individual is unique and has different needs, which is why we tailor our services to meet each person’s specific requirements. Our team members are experts in their respective fields and are always eager to learn and improve.
Whether it’s providing compassionate care, offering emotional support, or handling administrative tasks, each member of our team is passionate about empowering our clients and caregivers to lead fulfilling and independent lives. We take pride in our work and are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in everything we do.
So, if you are looking for a team that truly cares, Empowered Services is the right choice for you. Let us show you what we can do to help you or your loved ones lead a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Evy
County Coordinator: Marion & Polk
Meet Evelyne “Evy” Gianella as our Marion & Polk County Coordinator! She comes to us with a heart that is already deeply connected to the IDD community. Growing up with family members in the community and working as a DSP herself gave her a true understanding of the joys and challenges many of our families and providers experience every day. She also has a special connection to Empowered Services already. Before stepping into this new role, Evy worked with us as a DSP, where her compassion, dedication, and heart for service were already so clear. Now, she feels grateful and honored to take on a position where she can walk alongside providers, guardians, and customers, listening, supporting, and lending a helping hand to make daily life feel a little more manageable and a lot more hopeful.
Those who meet Evy quickly notice her warmth, her energy, and her ability to connect on a personal level. With her background in both caregiving and hospitality, she brings not only experience but also an abundance of empathy and a genuine love for people. Evy is passionate about being an advocate, a voice, and a steady support for those she serves, and she hopes every interaction leaves others feeling valued, encouraged, and truly understood.
Outside of her professional life, Evy carries that same adventurous spirit. She has spent months traveling through Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru, experiences that broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for people from all walks of life. Even with her love for travel, her heart is happiest in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband enjoy backpacking, snowboarding, and finding ways to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors together.
Evy has been preparing for this role with eagerness and excitement, and she looks forward to making a meaningful difference as part of our Empowered Services family. We are so fortunate to have her join our team, and we know she will be a wonderful resource, advocate, and friend to everyone she works with. Please join us in giving her the warmest of welcomes as she begins this new chapter with Empowered Services.
Heidi
Community Relations Manager
Meet Heidi, our Community Relations Manager. She has had a life-long passion for serving the I/DD community. Heidi was raised near family members with diverse needs and “special-bilities” (as an elementary student once said). From being an aide as a high schooler for an adaptive PE class to living in an orphanage for children with disabilities in Mexico, she has always been drawn to this community. Heidi has also been a dedicated DSP for years. Her professional decisions have often been based on a desire to show dignity and support to those that may not receive that from society as a whole. Having spent time in many cultures and communities throughout Latin America, along with a background in I/DD advocacy, business organization, and educational fields, she feels uniquely qualified to be a part of the Empowered Services Family.
Heidi loves people and strives to create welcoming environments for all those around her. Her nurturing heart and humor quickly put others at ease. Heidi is a team player who is always ready to lend a helping hand. Heidi is no stranger to the Hard Things of Life and is able to compassionately walk alongside those who are struggling.
Heidi once moved more than 1,000 miles away from her adult children to live on a tropical island despite being terrified of the ocean! Heidi learned to conquer her fears and grew to love the ocean, even to the point where she swam with nurse sharks! Now back in Oregon, Heidi often craves swimming in the warm ocean waters. This adventure awoke an adventurous spirit in Heidi, and she is open to new adventures.
Heidi is a proud mother who adores her kids and bonus babies. She is continuously in awe of the people they are becoming and can’t wait to see what their futures hold.
Jessica
County Coordinator Lead: Multnomah, Columbia, and Clatsop County
Meet Jessica, our County Coordinator Lead and County Coordinator Multnomah, Clatsop & Columbia Counties. She’s thrilled to continue her journey in the IDD community, cheering on our customers as they blossom into their best selves.
Jessica’s background is all heart. With a degree in Intercultural Ministries, she spent years teaching English and ESL at a faith-based school, where she poured her love into shaping young minds. But her heart truly sings on the field—whether coaching track and field or volleyball, Jessica found her passion in guiding and supporting others.
Her path led her to Special Education, where she discovered a whole new world of love and connection within the I/DD community. As a Teachers Aide and Educational Assistant, she found fulfillment in helping students thrive. Now as a county coordinator lead, Jessica’s love shines bright as she trains and supports her team, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered.
Her love knows no bounds, extending to every I/DD customer, family, and provider she encounters. Jessica’s always there with a helping hand, tirelessly working to find solutions and nurture growth in others.
But it’s not all work for Jessica! She cherishes every adventure with her husband, finding solace in the cuddles of her cat and staying hydrated with her water bottle. And oh, her love for Disney and Flaming Hot Cheetos? It’s like a sprinkle of magic in her life, adding joy and laughter to every moment.
Will
County Coordinator: Lane, Linn & Benton
Meet Will, our Lane, Linn, & Benton County Coordinator. He is a dedicated professional who has made significant contributions to the lives of teens and adults with disabilities. His work spans several decades and is underpinned by a Master’s of Education from the University of Oregon. Will’s early career as a social studies instructor for at-risk teens laid the foundation for his deep commitment to transformative teaching and support. His innovative spirit led him to establish the Vocational Academy program at the Pearl Buck Center, a milestone that aligned with the broader movement away from sheltered workshops and towards more inclusive and empowering vocational training.
The ethos of service and creativity has been central to Will’s life, deeply influenced by his father’s work in managing homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and drug rehabilitation centers for teens. This background not only inspired Will but also instilled in him a profound understanding of the power of compassion and support in effecting positive change.
Music and sports have played a pivotal role in Will’s approach to building connections and fostering community. His longstanding role as a soccer coach demonstrates his belief in the value of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth through sports. Beyond the field, Will’s passion for music has seen him compose and play, sharing his talents and using music as a universal language to connect with others.
Will’s creative talents extend into the video game industry, where he has made significant contributions as a voice-over producer, scriptwriter, sound designer, and composer on over 70 games. This work showcases his versatility and ability to engage with diverse audiences, bringing stories and characters to life in an immersive and impactful way.
Will Bucknum’s multifaceted career is a testament to his dedication to making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities, his innovative approach to education and vocational training, and his commitment to leveraging creativity and sports as means of connection and empowerment. His contributions across various fields highlight his capacity to inspire, support, and uplift others, making him a respected and valued figure in his community and beyond.
Janette
Billing Specialist, Spanish Translator, & County Coordinator for our Spanish Community
Meet Janette our Billing Specialist, Spanish Translator, and Spanish Community County Coordinator. Janette is enthusiastic about also being able to assist Spanish-speaking families, bridging communication gaps, and providing the support they need to thrive.
With a diverse background spanning customer service, caregiving, scheduling, quality control supervision, and case manager Janette has cultivated a versatile skill set that enables her to approach challenges with empathy and efficiency. Her academic journey includes earning an associate’s degree from Chemeketa Community College, where she laid the foundation for her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Born and raised in Woodburn, OR, Janette has a lifelong connection to the beautiful state of Oregon. She loves adventuring and exploring the scenic landscapes and hidden gems that Oregon has to offer. In her free time, Janette enjoys relaxing with a good cup of coffee, listening to her favorite music, and hanging out with her significant other and cat! She values quality time with her family and cherishes creating memories, whether they are enjoying a cozy backyard gathering or embarking on an outdoor adventure.
Janette has always had a passion for helping people and lending a hand whenever possible, a passion that began growing up as an advocate for her parents due to language barriers. Her previous work with the IDD community has been particularly rewarding, as she takes pride in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families witnessing their personal growth and achievements as they work towards their goals. She is excited to immerse herself in the Empower Services family, where she looks forward to continuing her commitment to providing dedicated support and fostering an inclusive environment for all.
Alena
Intake & Contract Specialist
Alena is delighted to serve Empowered Services as the Intake/Contract Specialist. Alena graduated from George Fox University with a Bachelors in Psychology and brings a range of professional experience with her; she has worked in Undergraduate Admissions at George Fox University and Outpatient Behavioral Health at Providence St. Vincent as well as foraying into various event coordination roles. Alena also has years of experience with the I/DD community and has previously worked as both a DSP and case manager.
Serving the I/DD community is a personal passion for Alena as her older sister receives attendant care services in Washington State. It is important to Alena that every family and provider at Empowered Services be treated the way she would want her family and her sister’s providers to be treated. She wants to help ensure customers receive support that will help them enrich their lives and find joy.
Alena is deeply committed to serving others with compassion and empathy. She believes in ensuring that people feel valued, understood, and cared for. Alena is a dedicated advocate with a protective heart, confident in using her voice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Alena dedicates the majority of her free time to ballroom dancing. She particularly enjoys Latin ballroom and studies Salsa, Bachata, and Casino Rueda. Alena often performs locally in the Portland area and has even performed in San Francisco and Las Vegas. Alena loves sharing her love of dance with others and can often be found at the ballroom where she trains. Latin ballroom holds an extra special place in Alena’s heart as it’s how she met her husband. Her favorite dance partner will forever and always be her husband.
Alena finds her greatest joy in spending time with her loved ones whether it be cooking together, doing embroidery projects, watching crime documentaries or Star Wars, working out, dancing, or simply just talking for hours. She is always looking forward to her next trip to visit her adorable and delightfully rambunctious nieces and nephews. Alena is a proud aunt and says there is no better sound in the world than the laughter of her nieces and nephews.
Kennedy
County Coordinator: Yamhill & Washington
Meet Kennedy, our Yamhill and Washington County Coordinator! She is a recent graduate of George Fox University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Kennedy is passionate about living out Empowered Services’ Core Values in every aspect of her life, both professionally and personally.
With years of experience in direct care, Kennedy is eager to support the needs of her customers and help strengthen their communities. While attending George Fox, she worked as a DSP and found great fulfillment in supporting the I/DD community through compassionate caregiving. Her studies, along with her hands-on experiences working with customers in diverse settings, deepened her dedication to this meaningful work.
Beyond her professional experience, Kennedy’s lifelong love for volleyball has inspired her to coach young athletes. During her time off, you can often find her in the gym, encouraging players to grow their skills, build confidence, and discover their potential both on and off the court.
Kennedy’s empathy, advocacy, and lively spirit shine through in everything she does. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and empowering individuals and families to thrive.
Originally from Washington, Kennedy now calls Oregon home and is excited to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves. Outside of work, she enjoys long walks, staying active, soaking up the sunshine, and getting lost in historical fiction novels by Kristin Hannah.
As County Coordinator, Kennedy looks forward to creating lasting relationships, uplifting her community, and carrying out Empowered Services’ mission with warmth, integrity, and enthusiasm.
Audrey
County Coordinator: Lane, Linn & Benton
Audrey plays a vital role as the Coordinator for Lane, Linn, and Benton counties, working alongside Will Bucknum to support these areas. In addition to her coordination responsibilities, she continues her work as a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP). Born and raised in Springfield, Oregon, Audrey graduated from the University of Oregon in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree.
Her journey in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community began in 2018 when she took on the role of a DSP, where she quickly found her passion for working with individuals with I/DD. In 2019, Audrey expanded her skillset by becoming a teacher at a vocational school, where she worked with Will Bucknum, who was the Lead Teacher. Together, they helped students aged 20 to over 70 develop essential life skills such as social interaction, fine motor coordination, coping strategies, and self-advocacy. Audrey also took the lead in organizing field trips, where students gained exposure to various job opportunities within the community. Her efforts contributed to many of her students successfully transitioning from sheltered workshops into the workforce.
In addition to her work with the IDD community, Audrey has contributed to her local community by teaching at a faith-based preschool for over three years, demonstrating her dedication to fostering growth and learning in individuals of all ages.
Helping others is a core value for Audrey, and she is excited to continue making a positive impact through her work with Empowered Services. When she’s not working, Audrey enjoys a variety of crafting hobbies, including knitting, sewing, and crochet. She also loves spending time with her family and caring for her pet turtle, Fred.
Mandy
Hiring & Onboarding Specialist
Meet Mandy our Hiring Lead at Empowered Services, where she helps customers connect with the right providers and supports DSPs and BYOCs as they begin their journey with the company. Whether she’s interviewing new team members, walking them through onboarding, or offering encouragement along the way, Mandy brings genuine care, warmth, and enthusiasm to everything she does.
Beyond her hiring role, Mandy loves sharing her passion for wellness by teaching nutrition classes and leading Empowered’s adaptive rock climbing events. These activities blend her love of movement, inclusion, and community. Her commitment to helping others feel empowered, healthy, and connected shines through in every part of her work.
Mandy earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Kinesiology) from George Fox University, where her passion for inclusive recreation first took root. During her time there, she founded the GFU Adaptive Climbing Program, an experience that sparked her lifelong dedication to the IDD community. She continues to serve this community with empathy, creativity, and joy, always striving to make movement and wellness accessible for everyone.
Originally from Colorado, Mandy has also called New Zealand, Washington, and now Oregon home. She and her husband were married in May 2025 and love adventuring together, whether it’s hiking through the forest, backpacking in the mountains, skiing, surfing, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
When she’s not working, you’ll often find Mandy playing guitar, swimming, or exploring new ways to stay active and connected with the outdoors. She’s passionate about helping others grow and thrive both personally and professionally and is excited to continue building a community rooted in compassion, inclusion, and empowerment at Empowered Services.
Shelby
HR & Marketing Coordinator
Meet Shelby, our HR & Marketing Coordinator. She is originally from Orange County and has dedicated her life to serving others. After graduating from culinary school in 2000, she spent most of her career in the food industry, where cooking has always been more than just a job. For Shelby, food is a way to care for people and bring them together.
In 2019, she felt called to help families who were stressed and short on time, so she launched a family-friendly meal prep business. Her goal was simple but heartfelt: help families spend less time worrying about dinner and more time connecting around the table. Her business quickly became a local favorite in Yamhill County, especially known for her irresistible protein bites & cookies!
This summer, Shelby felt another calling, to serve the I/DD community. She joined Empowered Services as the Human Resources and Marketing Coordinator and hasn’t looked back since. She’s excited about what the future holds and the opportunity to continue making a positive impact every day.
Outside of work, Shelby is a devoted wife to her husband and proud mom to their three amazing children. Since settling in the Willamette Valley in 2014, she’s become an active part of the community, cheering on her kids at sporting events, volunteering at church, and lending a helping hand wherever she’s needed. Shelby’s heart for service shines through in everything she does, and she brings warmth, care, and encouragement to every team and community she’s part of.
Melissa
Administrative Assistant & Matching Specialist
Meet Melissa our Matching Specialist! She brings deep enthusiasm to her role, connecting families with compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure customers receive the support they need, while helping providers fulfill their calling. Her work is fueled by both purpose and passion.
With over a decade of experience in the I/DD community, Melissa has served in a variety of roles that have shaped her into a thoughtful and skilled professional. Her background has not only sharpened her expertise, but deepened her commitment to creating meaningful, lasting matches between families and providers.
Melissa is known for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and strong sense of justice. She’s a natural advocate who goes the extra mile to ensure others feel safe, seen, and valued. Her welcoming presence and sincere compassion help create an environment where people feel truly supported.
Outside of work, Melissa finds joy in spending time with her family. She’s married with two adult sons and treasures day trips to Lincoln City with her husband, especially visits to The Chocolate Frog for their beloved fudge and taffy. She also enjoys going to concerts with her sons and embracing the simple pleasures of life: sunny walks, good food, cuddles with her cat, and quiet evenings watching shows. One of her dreams is to travel internationally and explore new cultures.
We’re so lucky to have Melissa on our team, her warmth, dedication, and heart are a true gift to Empowered Services.
Sandra
County Coordinator: Clackamas
Meet Sandra, our Clackamas County Coordinator. Sandra brings with her not only a broad range of experience but also a deeply rooted sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to supporting the IDD community. She operates with a core belief at the heart of her work: that every person, when offered the right support, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful opportunity, can grow, connect, and realize their full potential.
Sandra’s path began as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), where she discovered just how powerful compassion, patience, and human connection can be. Each relationship she built reinforced her belief in the importance of showing up with empathy and respect. To grow in her ability to serve, she earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from George Fox University, focusing on community-rooted care and meaningful, lasting support. Her work has always been guided by a deep belief that every person deserves to be valued, heard, and supported in becoming their best self.
A proud native of the Big Island of Hawaii, Sandra carries with her the enduring and heartfelt spirit of Aloha; a way of living that places great importance on kindness, compassion, humility, and relationship. It’s a spirit you can feel in the way she approaches her work, the warmth she brings to her interactions, and the strong, authentic connections she builds. Now living in Oregon, Sandra shares her home with her husband and their beloved cat, Miso, who adds a touch of charm and mischief to their everyday life.
Outside of her professional role, Sandra finds great joy in the simple pleasures that make life meaningful. She’s an avid baker, often creating sweet treats to share with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. She also has a deep love for the outdoors and can often be found exploring Oregon’s natural beauty—whether she’s hiking a trail, walking near the water, or planning a new adventure that allows her to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Sandra has already stepped into her role with intention, warmth, and a genuine excitement to make a difference. We are so excited for the energy and dedication she brings to you, and we know she will make a lasting impact in the lives of the individuals and families we support.
Please join us in giving Sandra a warm and heartfelt welcome; we know you’ll love her as much as we already do!