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 specialists and educators
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 Supervisor
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.
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.
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.
Trisha Purner
Family Resource Coordinator
Trisha has been with Innovative since September 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development/Psychology from Washington State University, and has been working with children and families in our community since 2004.
Cat Wright
MS, ECSE
Early Intervention Specialist & FRC
Cat has been with Innovative since July 2020. She holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education from University of Oregon.
