Children require a wide range of learning experiences in order to gain skills and abilities that will help them to grow. Our early intervention (EI) specialists typically work with children from infancy to age three in order to address any needs or delays in their developmental process.
Children in Innovative Services NW’s Early Intervention Program receive treatment from graduate level Teachers and licensed Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, each having expertise in child development and experience working with young children with special needs and their families.
Because research suggests that young children learn best in their natural environment, our EI Specialists travel to the family home or meet in a community setting to enhance cognitive, social, speech, and motor development through play and daily routines. Our EI specialists provide education and training to families and caregivers in an effort to promote skill acquisition across all areas of development. Children in our EI program may also receive services from our Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists as appropriate according to each child’s plan.
Meet our administration
Emily Castor
M ED
Director of Pediatric Therapy, Early Intervention Specialist, FRC
Emily has been with Innovative since September 2016. She holds a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science in Biology (Microbiology) and German from Humboldt State University, and an Early Intervention/Early Childhood Education certificate from Portland State University. She specializes in Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, parent coaching and consulting.
Jenica Cattin
Pediatric Therapy Clinical Assistant
Jenica has been with Innovative since July 2020. She spent five years with the Battle Ground School District specializing in Primary Education Behavior Management. She is trained in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) and has a background in special education, behavioral support and early childhood education.
Bo Ditch
Family Resource Administrator, FRC
Bo has been with Innovative since December of 2019. She has dedicated 20 years of her career to being an advocate for and working with families, children and adults with different abilities. She specializes in Early Intervention Administration.
Beth Markell
M.S. Ed; CEIS
Early Intervention Program Manager
Beth has been with Innovative since March of 2021. She has a Masters of Science in Education: Birth to Three from Wheelock College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Women’s Studies from University of Vermont. She specializes in Early Intervention, Complex Medical Needs, Social-Emotional Development, Self-Regulation, Strength based/positive behavior interventions, Parents as Teachers, Functional, family/child-centered routines, and is a Certified Therapeutic Horse Back Riding Instructor.
Meet our Early Intervention Specialists
Adena Manzer
MS, SpED
Early Intervention Specialist & FRC
Adena has been with Innovative since September 2019. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Western Governor’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Western Governor’s University. She specializes in early intervention, developmental milestones, social/emotional skills, resilience building, self-regulation, positive behavior interventions, play and problem solving, cognitive skills, promoting first relationships and growth-mindset.
Carissa Dahl
Early Intervention Specialist & FRC
Carissa has been with Innovative since January 2022. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education & Special Education from Washington State University. She specializes Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention.
Chelsea Piper
Early Intervention Specialist & FRC
Chelsea has been with Innovative since November 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from West Texas A&M University. She specializes Early Childhood Special Education.
Wednesday Prendergast
Early Intervention Specialist & FRC
Wednesday has been with Innovative since March 2021. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Nevada, Reno and specializes in Early Childhood Development.
Tanya Ramirez
MS, SpED
Early Intervention Specialist & FRC
Tanya has been with Innovative since August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from University of Oregon, and Master of Science in Special Education from University of Oregon. She specializes in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education.
Meet our Family Resource Coordinators
Christina Beck
Family Resource Coordinator
Christina has been with Innovative since January of 2022. She has a Masters in Education Science Curriculum and Instruction from University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Texas Woman’s University.
Cheyanne Craig
Family Resource Coordinator
Cheyanne has been with Innovative since May of 2021. She has a Bachelors of Art in Education from Washington State University. She specializes in Home Visiting (Prenatal – 5 Years), Early Childhood Development, Promoting positive parent – child relationships, Community Resources and Support and Positive Behavior Interventions.
Roxanne James
FRC Supervisor
Roxanne has been with Innovative since March of 2022. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Policy from Portland State University. Roxanne has 15 years of experience supporting children, youth & families and adults in nonprofit, K-12 and higher education settings. She has specific training in counseling and conflict mediation, providing trauma-informed care, resource coordination, intercultural communication and child development. Roxanne enjoys supporting families and connecting others to community resources.
Cindy Oregon
Family Resource Coordinator
Cindy has been with Innovative since August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Learning from California State University, Los Angeles.
Sami Long
Family Resource Coordinator
Sami has been with Innovative since April 2022. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology and is currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education to be completed in April of 2023. Sami is also a licensed Behavior Technician.
