Empowered-Services

inspirations

Corporate Office

8101 SW Nyberg St. Suite: 217 Tualatin, OR, 97062

Phone Number

503-855-3581

About Empowered Services

Meet the Oregon team behind support that feels personal.

Empowered Services is an Oregon ODDS Standard Model Agency built around person-centered care, thoughtful 1:1 DSP matching, bilingual English/Spanish coordination, and real relationships with the individuals and families we serve across 11 Oregon counties.

Start Your Intake Meet Our Team
Licensed Oregon ODDS Agency
11 Oregon Counties
Bilingual English & Spanish
1:1 DSP Matching

Prefer to talk? Call us at (503) 855-3581

11 Counties

Statewide Certified · 11 Active Counties

Bilingual Care

English & Spanish, Statewide

1:1 Matching

Person-Centered, Not Shift-Filling

ODDS Standard Model

Licensed Oregon Provider

Find Your Path

However you got here, there's a place for you.

Choose the starting point that fits your situation — our team will guide the next step.

I need support

For families, individuals, and case managers. Start with our intake form and we'll handle the rest.

Start intake

I want to choose my caregiver

Hire a family member or trusted friend through the Empowered Choice Program (ECP). We handle credentialing.

Learn about ECP

I want to become a DSP

Join the team. Get trained, matched 1:1, and supported as you build a career rooted in real relationships.

Become a DSP

I want to meet the team

See who's actually behind the work — leadership, Care Coordinators, and the specialists who make it all run.

Jump to team
From Our Founder
John D. Marvin, Founder & Owner of Empowered Services
Our Story

Built on a belief that every life matters.

"Every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling, empowered life — and every family deserves support that feels personal, steady, and human."

John D. Marvin founded Empowered Services with a simple conviction: people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve more than services. They deserve dignity, belonging, trusted relationships, and the opportunity to live with greater confidence and choice.

That conviction began early — through service as a teacher's aide, volunteer work with Special Olympics, and decades of leadership shaped by faith, family, and community. The agency's founding vision was built with his late wife, Sarah, whose heart for people continues to live through the mission today.

From Care Coordinators on the ground to families across the Willamette Valley, Portland Metro, the Oregon Coast, and beyond, Empowered Services remains rooted in real Oregon communities and the relationships that make care feel personal.

Watch the Founder Story
Watch John tell the founder story Play video

Read the full Founder Story transcript

The Empowered Match Method

We do not just fill shifts. We build the right fit.

The right support relationship is never random. We take time to understand the person, the family, the goals, the routines, and the kind of provider who will help that relationship thrive.

Listen

We learn the individual's needs, communication style, routines, preferences, and goals — before we recommend anyone.

Understand

We look at personality fit, family context, safety needs, support style, and the rhythm of daily life.

Match

We identify a DSP or caregiver path that fits the person — not just the schedule. Families are part of the interview.

Walk With You

Care Coordinators stay involved so the relationship can grow, adjust, and remain supported across every season of care.

Our Commitment

Person-centered at every level

Our commitment is simple: the person we serve stays at the center. Around them are the families who love them, the DSPs who support them, and the team coordinating care with integrity, empathy, and purpose.

A mother holding and caring for her child with intellectual and developmental disabilities — a representation of the families and individuals Empowered Services exists to serve
The Person We Serve At the center of everything we do.
Families We Serve
DSPs & Providers
Care Coordinators
Leadership & Customer Care Team
How It Works

Getting started is simple

Four clear steps to begin your journey with Empowered Services — designed for families, individuals, and case managers.

Day 1
1

Submit Intake

Complete the Customer Intake Form or call our team. We learn about your needs, goals, and preferences.

Days 1–2
2

Care Coordinator Connects

Your Care Coordinator reaches out within 1–2 business days to confirm eligibility, county availability, and matching preferences.

Week 1
3

DSP Matching

We match thoughtfully based on personality and life fit, then arrange a meet-and-greet so you can confirm the match feels right.

Ongoing
4

Support Begins

Your DSP starts. Your Care Coordinator stays involved — adjusting plans, celebrating progress, supporting growth.

Currently reviewing new intake requests across Oregon. Submit our quick intake form and a Care Coordinator will follow up within 1–2 business days to confirm availability, eligibility, and next steps.

Start Your Intake
Why Families Choose Us

What sets Empowered Services apart

Four things families and case managers tell us make the difference.

True 1:1 Matching

We match customers with a DSP whose personality, skills, and schedule fit their life — not the next available shift.

Relationship-First Care

Our DSPs build real relationships with the people they support. Trust, consistency, and showing up — every time. Through our Empowered Choice Program, families can even hire someone they already trust.

Local + Statewide Infrastructure

Dedicated Care Coordinators on the ground, with statewide infrastructure behind every match. Local feel, full reach. Find your Care Coordinator →

DSPs Who Stay

We invest in our team. Continuity matters — and it shows in the long-term relationships our customers build with their providers.

Where We Serve

Statewide certified — with 11 active counties.

Empowered Services is statewide certified, with active local support currently coordinated across 11 of Oregon's 36 counties. Bilingual English/Spanish intake is available everywhere.

Washington Multnomah Clackamas Clatsop Columbia Yamhill Polk Marion Benton Linn Lane

Don't see your county? Ask about your county →

Our Core Values

The heart behind everything we do

Six values that anchor every decision we make. Each one ends in "y" as a daily reminder of our deeper "WHY" — the people we serve and the lives we're honored to be part of.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, transparency, and follow-through — doing what's right even when no one is watching.

Empathy

We listen with our hearts. When people feel heard, they feel valued — and that's where real care begins.

Synergy

We're stronger together. Combined talents, shared perspective, one mission — care that's bigger than any of us alone.

Community

We build belonging. Every individual and family becomes part of a caring network — where no one walks alone.

Advocacy

We speak up and stand beside — championing the rights, voices, and dreams of every person we serve.

Legacy

We plant seeds for the future. Care given today ripples forward — touching lives for generations to come.

These values live in everything we do — because when care starts with heart, everything changes.

Our Leadership

The team leading the mission forward

Behind every family we serve is a leadership team that shows up with compassion, dedication, and purpose — carrying our founder's vision forward across Oregon.

You will not be handed off to a faceless system. Behind every match is a team that knows the counties, understands the process, and cares about the person behind the paperwork.

Dylan Surrett, Chief Executive Officer of Empowered Services

Dylan Surrett

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

"DSP-to-CEO. Every system we build should serve real people, real families, and real outcomes."

Dylan Surrett leads Empowered Services with a rare combination of operational strategy, direct-service experience, and personal commitment to the IDD community. Before becoming CEO, Dylan began his journey with Empowered as a Direct Support Professional — giving him firsthand understanding of what quality support looks like in real homes, real routines, and real relationships.

His leadership spans disability services, compliance, workforce development, team support, and organizational systems. He is focused on building the kind of infrastructure that helps people feel supported at every level: customers, families, DSPs, Care Coordinators, and the internal team carrying the work forward.

Dylan's connection to the IDD community is also deeply personal. Through direct caregiving and long-term advocacy for an individual in his care who now lives with him full time, he has navigated behavioral supports, service systems, and complex care-related processes firsthand. That lived perspective shapes how he leads — with empathy, clarity, and a strong belief that services should be built around real people, real needs, and real outcomes.

Outside of work, Dylan and his wife live an active, full life with their growing crew of animals. He enjoys fitness, hiking, spontaneous Oregon adventures, and time outdoors chasing waterfalls and mountain trails across the state.

Sandi Byers, Chief Operations Officer of Empowered Services

Sandi Byers

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

"Sixteen years in disability services taught me this: strong operations matter because people matter."

Sandi Byers brings more than 16 years of experience in disability services to her role as Chief Operations Officer. Her career has moved through Special Education classrooms, IDD foster homes, and agency work — giving her a grounded understanding of the people, systems, and daily realities that shape high-quality support.

As COO, Sandi helps translate Empowered Services' heart into dependable operations. She supports team consistency, service follow-through, internal communication, and the everyday systems that help families, providers, and staff feel cared for and supported.

Born and raised in Newberg, Sandi grew up in a close Oregon community that shaped her values of connection, hard work, and care for others. Family remains at the center of her life. A proud wife and mother of three grown sons, she is continually inspired by their kindness, humor, and hearts for people.

At home, Sandi's household is a lively mix of four rescue dogs and two cats. When she is not supporting the Empowered team, she enjoys crocheting, laughing with loved ones, and relaxing with a favorite reality TV show.

Jessica Sands-Bowling, Director of Operational Excellence at Empowered Services

Jessica Sands-Bowling

Director of Operational Excellence

"I build systems that support people — so customers, families, providers, and staff can all thrive."

Jessica Sands-Bowling brings a people-first approach to operational excellence. Her work centers on strengthening the systems, processes, and team supports that help Empowered Services serve families with consistency, care, and clarity.

Her background is rooted in education, encouragement, and service. With a degree in Intercultural Ministries, Jessica spent years teaching English and ESL in a faith-based school, then coaching track and volleyball — experiences that shaped her ability to help people recognize their strengths and believe in what is possible.

Her path later led to Special Education, where she found deep purpose in the IDD community as a Teacher's Aide and Educational Assistant. Those experiences gave her firsthand appreciation for patience, advocacy, communication, and the power of supportive environments.

Today, Jessica brings that same heart into operations: improving processes, supporting teams, and helping make sure customers, families, providers, and staff feel heard, respected, and empowered. Outside of work, she loves adventuring with her husband, cheering on her favorite teams, and finding everyday magic in the small moments.

Our Team

Care Coordinators & specialists

The dedicated team showing up across Oregon — coordinating services, supporting providers, and walking alongside the families we serve. Click any card to read their full bio.

Evy Gianella, Care Coordinator for Marion and Polk counties at Empowered Services

Evy

Care Coordinator
Marion & Polk

A former DSP whose family roots in the I/DD community shape every interaction. Brings warmth, hospitality, and a love of the Pacific Northwest outdoors.

Ruth Dodd, Care Coordinator for Multnomah, Clatsop and Columbia counties

Ruth

Care Coordinator
Multnomah, Clatsop & Columbia

A musician whose path to the I/DD community began with worship music in Beaverton. Caregiver, DSP, Case Manager, and Registered Behavior Technician who leads with advocacy and meaningful connection.

Will Bucknum, Regional Manager for the South Willamette Valley at Empowered Services

Will

Regional Manager
South Willamette Valley

A composer and educator who has spent decades transforming the lives of teens and adults with disabilities. Founded the Vocational Academy at Pearl Buck Center, and a longtime soccer coach.

Audrey Hernan, Care Coordinator for Lane, Linn and Benton counties

Audrey

Care Coordinator
Lane, Linn & Benton

A Springfield native and University of Oregon graduate whose passion for vocational training has helped students of all ages step into the workforce with confidence.

Sandra Russell, Care Coordinator for Clackamas County

Sandra

Care Coordinator
Clackamas

A Big Island, Hawaii native who brings the spirit of Aloha to Oregon. A George Fox Social Work graduate with a heart for community-rooted care.

Kennedy Kibby, Care Coordinator for Yamhill and Washington counties

Kennedy

Care Coordinator
Yamhill & Washington

A George Fox Social Work graduate who fell in love with the I/DD community as a DSP. Volleyball coach who lights up encouraging others — on and off the court.

Yecenia Atkins, Standard Model Compliance Specialist at Empowered Services

Yecenia

Standard Model Compliance Specialist

A trauma-informed advocate whose own journey of resilience shapes how she shows up. Guides people through complex systems and helps them feel seen, valued, and supported.

Janette Garcia, Billing and Spanish Community Manager at Empowered Services

Janette

Billing & Spanish Community Manager

A Woodburn native whose childhood role translating for her parents shaped a lifelong commitment to bridging communication gaps for Spanish-speaking families.

Alena Paramo, Intake and Contract Specialist at Empowered Services

Alena

Intake & Contract Specialist

A George Fox Psychology graduate and former DSP whose service is deeply personal — her older sister receives attendant care. Advocates with a protective heart and a steady voice.

Melissa Conner, Administrative Assistant and Matching Specialist

Melissa

Administrative Assistant & Matching Specialist

A gentle spirit with a strong sense of justice and more than a decade in the I/DD community. Builds matches between families and providers that turn into lasting relationships.

Mandy Prewitt, Hiring and Onboarding Specialist at Empowered Services

Mandy

Hiring & Onboarding Specialist

An Exercise Science graduate of George Fox who founded the GFU Adaptive Climbing Program. Sparks inclusion through movement, nutrition, and outdoor adventure.

Lily, Community Relations and Events Coordinator at Empowered Services

Lily

Community Relations & Events Coordinator

A social worker and human rights advocate who walks alongside people building sustainable, fulfilled lives. Mentors youth, advises Eugene Youth and Government, and is writing a children's book.

Success Stories

Real families. Real change.

Public reviews and stories from people we serve every day across our 11 Oregon counties. See all on Google →

Share your own experience:

Google Facebook Indeed Glassdoor
Common Questions

Questions we hear most often

Quick answers about who we are, what we do, and how to get started.

What does Empowered Services provide and who do you serve?

We provide person-centered support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — children, adults, and seniors — across Oregon. Our work centers on 1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) matching, life skills, community engagement, attendant care, and daily routines that help individuals live with confidence, connection, and choice. Eligible Oregonians receive services through the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS). See our full list of services →

What areas in Oregon do you serve?

We serve Oregon families through dedicated Care Coordinators in 11 of Oregon's 36 counties — including Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Yamhill, Polk, Marion, Benton, Linn, and Lane. Statewide inquiries are accepted; service availability may vary by county as local support continues expanding. Bilingual English/Spanish intake is available statewide. Ask about your county →

Can a family member or trusted friend serve as a paid caregiver?

Yes. Through our Empowered Choice Program (ECP), eligible customers can identify a family member or trusted friend to apply as their Direct Support Professional. We handle the credentialing, training, and ongoing support so the people who already know your loved one best can be the ones providing the care. Learn about the Empowered Choice Program →

Are services available in Spanish?

Yes. Our Billing & Spanish Community Manager, Janette, supports Spanish-speaking families across Oregon — coordinating bilingual intake, services, and ongoing communication so language is never a barrier to care.

What makes Empowered Services different from other agencies?

Three things consistently come up from families and case managers: 1:1 matching based on personality and life fit (not next-available shifts), lived-experience leadership (our CEO started as a DSP; our COO has 16+ years in disability services), and a founder-rooted culture of showing up with consistency, dignity, and heart.

How is Empowered Services licensed and funded?

Empowered Services is licensed by Oregon ODDS as a Standard Model Agency. Services are available to eligible Oregon residents receiving services through ODDS, a Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP), or a Brokerage / Personal Agent. We do not currently offer private-pay services. Start an inquiry → or call 503-855-3581 if you're not sure whether you qualify.

Case managers, Personal Agents, schools, hospitals, and community partners are welcome to refer customers through the Customer Intake form or by reaching our team directly.

How do I get started?

The fastest path is our quick Customer Intake Form. After you submit, a Care Coordinator will follow up within 1–2 business days to learn about your needs, goals, and preferences. From there we coordinate a DSP match, meet-and-greet, and authorized service plan. Submit the Customer Intake Form →

Looking to join our team as a DSP instead? View open DSP roles →

Take the Next Step

Ready to be part of something meaningful?

Whether you're seeking support for a loved one or called to serve as a Direct Support Professional — there's a place for you here.

Start Your Intake Apply as a DSP

Because when care starts with heart, everything changes.