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
I am absolutely over the moon to introduce myself as the newest addition to the Empowered Services family, stepping into the role of COO (Chief Operating Officer). From the moment I set foot in this incredible team, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and camaraderie, like I’ve found my second home.
Allow me to share a little piece of my heart with you, so we can truly feel like family. I hail from the charming town of Newberg, where I was born and raised amidst the beauty of its rolling hills and warm community spirit. Family holds the key to my heart—I’m not just a proud wife but also a blessed mother of three wonderful grown boys, each one a testament to the love and joy that fills our home.
My career has been deeply rooted in serving others, particularly those in the disabilities community. For twelve amazing years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles—from Special Education classrooms to IDD foster homes and as a DSP. These experiences have not only shaped my professional path but have also ignited a fire within me to help individuals discover and embrace the best versions of themselves.
At home, my heart is filled with the pitter-patter of paws and the occasional disgruntled meow. With five rescue dogs and two cats, our household is a bustling haven of furry love and endless cuddles. When I’m not immersed in the joys of family and furry companionship, you’ll often find me indulging in my favorite hobbies—crocheting away, sharing laughs with loved ones, and basking in the simple pleasures of life.
I couldn’t be more thrilled to embark on this journey with the Empowered Services team, where I’m eager to channel my knowledge, passion, and unwavering commitment to support and uplift our community. Remember, if you ever find yourself in need of assistance or simply wish to connect, my inbox is always open at sandi@empowered-services.org. Let’s walk this path together, as one big, loving family.
I hope you have a beautiful day!
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.
Dylan
Hiring Lead & DSP
“A smile is a light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.” -Denis Waitley
Dylan, our Recruitment Lead at Empowered Services, has a lifelong connection to Salem, where his upbringing in an environment filled with children of diverse ages and abilities shaped his future. His mother’s work in daycares instilled in him patience, empathy, and a fervent desire to assist those in need.
An enthusiast of health, fitness, and the great outdoors, Dylan finds solace in nature, particularly through hiking. He cherishes the pursuit of waterfall trails during the summer, with Abiqua Falls in Oregon being a personal favorite. Committed to fitness, Dylan dedicates four to six days a week to gym training, believing in the importance of nurturing both mind and body for a rewarding life. His passion extends to inspiring others towards health and wellness.
Dylan’s personal journey and engagement with the IDD community have deepened his understanding of their everyday challenges and the ways to offer support. His role at Empowered Services allows him to contribute positively to the lives of those in the I/DD community by helping them develop new skills and opportunities. Dylan values the growth he experiences alongside them, marking his dedication to making a difference.
April
Billing Specialist
I love being able to connect our customers with providers that care for them.
April is Empowered Services’ skilled Billing Specialist, boasting a rich career spanning payroll, administration, and logistics. As a devoted wife and mother of three, her family-centric values shine through her professional dedication.
Holding degrees in psychology, fitness management, and Christian Ministries from George Fox University, April champions the importance of lifelong learning, a principle she lives by. Her educational background fuels her comprehensive approach to her role, blending analytical skills with a deep understanding of human behavior.
Beyond her responsibilities, April finds joy in the great outdoors, gardening, cooking, and enriching her mind through audiobooks and podcasts. This balance of professional rigor and personal enrichment underscores her as a pivotal asset to our team, reflecting her commitment to growth, both within and outside the workplace.
Connie
County Co-Ordinator
It's my hearts desire to see people's lives change dramatically for the better. I get to do that on the regular! I love helping people be their best selves with new resources, love, and encouragement.
Connie is the dedicated County Coordinator at Empowered Services, with a rich 25-year history in social services, particularly focused on aiding families with special needs. She resides in Clackamas County with her loved ones, including two sons, one of whom has special needs, blending her personal experiences with her professional endeavors.
Her hobbies include crafting, reading, and traveling, but she has a particular affinity for gardening, which reflects her deep faith and the tranquility it affords her. Connie’s journey to Empowered Services began from a personal quest for support for her son, leading her to join the organization four years ago with the aim of making a significant impact on families in similar situations.
In her role, Connie is pivotal in bridging families with the crucial resources and support they need, thereby improving their lives and instilling hope. Her commitment is rooted in a sincere desire to empower these families, ensuring they have access to all necessary support and information. With her professional acumen and personal understanding, Connie stands as a vital member of our team, always ready to provide guidance and resources to those seeking help for loved ones with special needs.
Joshua
Administrative Assistant
"Be a source of joy in someone's life; your warmth can melt the coldest of moments."
Joshua joins Empowered Services as the new Administrative Assistant, enriched with an impressive background in Quality Control and a strong commitment to volunteerism. As a lifelong Oregonian, his passion for community service is deeply rooted, highlighted by his remarkable tenure as one of the youngest volunteer Firefighter/EMT-Basics in the Oregon Outback Rural Fire Protection District alongside his father. Their contributions were pivotal in establishing the department’s foundational infrastructure, integrating it into the Klamath County 911 system, and securing its first grant from the Oregon Department of Forestry, enhancing local wildfire fighting capabilities in collaboration with Walker Range Fire Patrol.
With extensive experience as a construction materials inspector, Joshua ensured compliance with engineering designs on significant construction endeavors and conducted Quality Control tests for contractors on ODOT highway projects. His expertise extends to recruiting DSPs for the I/DD community, underpinned by his active involvement in numerous I/DD events. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Joshua indulges in hobbies such as gaming, movie-watching, writing, piano playing, and singing. He cherishes cruise vacations with his wife and quality moments with their cat.
At Empowered Services, Joshua is eager to leverage his diverse skills and experiences to support our clients effectively. He envisions himself as a protective figure for the IDD community, aiming to shield them from further challenges and ensure peace of mind for both the individuals and their families
Joy
Customer Intake Specialist
"Every individual we serve holds a unique brilliance. Our role? To provide the sturdy foundation from which they can shine their brightest light."
Joy Whitmore, newly promoted to County Coordinator at Empowered Services for Washington and Columbia counties, brings over two decades of expertise in recruiting, business development, and job development. Joy’s journey includes impactful roles at Full Life between 2020 and 2023, starting as a Job Developer before moving into Recruiting and Business Development. Here, she excelled in candidate selection, conducting thorough interviews, and fostering employer relations.
Prior to her time at Full Life, Joy served as an Employment Specialist at Goodwill of Columbia Willamette, where she expertly managed a caseload of 500-600 job seekers, providing essential support in resume writing, mock interviews, and job readiness. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through from 2005 to 2013 when she operated Fresh Start Consulting. As its founder, Joy specialized in preparing Oregon State Vocational Rehabilitation clients for the workforce, securing employment, and offering subsequent coaching.
Joy’s dedication to service extends to her volunteer work with notable organizations such as Autism Speaks and Transitional Youth. She chaired the Walk Now for Autism Speaks initiative, leading fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts while promoting autism awareness. At Transitional Youth, she dedicated herself to aiding homeless youth in employment preparation, from crafting resumes to honing interview skills.
Joy’s passion for upliftment, combined with her comprehensive experience, positions her as a key asset to our team, promising to drive positive change at Empowered Services.
Jessica
County Coordinator Lead
"Happiness grows exponentially when you plant seeds of kindness in the hearts of others."
Meet Jessica, the newest member of Empowered Services, spreading love and joy as our County Coordinator Lead for Yamhill, Marion, Polk 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
"Radiate positivity and watch as your sunshine brightens even the gloomiest days."
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.