Home » Employee of the Month: November, 2025 – Alex
We’re excited to spotlight Alex, our Employee of the Month! As a Direct Support Professional, Alex goes above and beyond every day to empower others and make a difference through compassion, patience, and creativity.
“As a Direct Support Professional, I get to experience the pure joy of helping people live life to the fullest, and that’s an incredible feeling,” Alex shared. “The daily goal is to ensure dignity, independence, and happiness, and I can’t imagine a more important role. Working with Ethan is a privilege because he brings such positive energy to every interaction. I especially love his determination when he finds something he likes — he’s absolutely committed to seeing it through — and his fun-loving nature keeps me on my toes with his cheerful pranks! Supporting Ethan and watching him thrive is a constant reminder of why I chose this career and why I look forward to coming to work every day.”
Alex’s dedication to fostering growth and independence truly embodies what Alliance Services stands for. His enthusiasm, reliability, and genuine care for those he supports inspire everyone around him.
Thank you, Alex, for the heart you bring to your work and the positive impact you make each day!
MacKenzie is a proud Newberg native with a heart full of curiosity, creativity, and community spirit. Her background is delightfully varied — she earned an associate’s in general studies with a social work emphasis from Portland Community College, and along the way she’s dipped into all sorts of roles that have sharpened her empathy, adaptability, and passion for people.
In her free time, you’ll find MacKenzie right in the mix of family life: her partner, their kiddo, and their three dogs keep things lively and full of joy. During Oregon’s rainy months, she likes to get her hands dirty with arts & crafts projects or break a sweat at the local rec center. When the skies clear and the sun peeks through, she’s all about being outdoors — hiking local trails, soaking up fresh air, or simply wandering in nature’s classroom.
MacKenzie is deeply committed to continuing her education — there’s always more to learn, after all — and has dreams of exploring the world (even if just one small adventure at a time). Through past experiences in memory care and brief involvement with the I/DD community, she’s gained a growing appreciation for inclusive, person-centered support — something she hopes to continue building on in this role. As she grows, Mackenzie aims to bring that same zest for life, openness to new experiences, and heart for others into every interaction.
Ignacio
Bilingual Care Team Specialist
Ignacio has lived most of his life in Oregon where he enjoys staying active through sports, especially soccer, and working on automotive projects. His hobbies have taught him the value of teamwork, attention to detail, and following structured processes. In his free time, you can find Ignacio hiking, road tripping, and spending time outdoors which he finds essential for both his physical and mental health.
Ignacio’s introduction to the I/DD community occurred in high school when his cousin with support needs came to live with them. Ignacio’s mother encouraged him to educate himself through specialized courses to better understand how to provide meaningful, informed care. Ignacio’s experience supporting his cousin sparked a lasting commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and advocating for their well-being.
Ignacio is eager to expand his knowledge and continue making a positive impact on individuals and families in the I/DD community. His goal is to contribute to a compassionate and culturally responsive care environment that empowers those we serve.
Stephie
Care Team Specialist
Originally from Dundee, Stephie brings a background in Public Health and Administrative Support, including time working with the United States Coast Guard and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She’s known for her calm, approachable nature, attention to detail, and commitment to creating structure that helps others thrive.
She was drawn to Alliance’s mission and the opportunity to support the I/DD community in a meaningful, people-centered environment. Stephie values being part of a collaborative team that leads with heart and purpose.
Outside of work, Stephie enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, running her own small business, and spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, camping, white water rafting, or riding motorcycles. She also loves hanging out with her dogs, spouse, going to the gym, grabbing coffee, and watching reality TV with friends and family.
Kyler
Care Team Specialist
Kyler is a Newberg native with a deep passion for supporting the I/DD community. His journey in to serving the community began early when his family started fostering children, sparking his commitment to helping others.
Kyler brings valuable experience to his role, previously having worked as a direct support professional during college and then later as a case manager in the behavioral health field. His diverse background enables him to approach each individual and family with empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Kyler is eager to continue growing and contributing to his community by making meaningful impact in the lives of the people he serves.
Outside of work, Kyler enjoys scenic hikes, time with his family and friends, and playing sports. During the warmer months, Kyler loves to go camping and spend as much time as possible outdoors.
Delia
Care Team Manager
With over 10 years of experience working in the I/DD community, Delia brings a diverse skill set and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in need. Throughout her career, Delia has held various roles, ranging from behavioral therapist to leadership positions, where she has continuously demonstrated a passion for ensuring the highest standard of care and service.
Delia is driven by a philosophy of going above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service, protecting and advocating for those who need it most. She believes in the power of teamwork, collaboration, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. With a strong commitment to empowering individuals, Delia aims to play an integral part in advancing the mission of Alliance Services.
Outside of work, Delia enjoys hiking, taking walks, binge-watching new TV shows, and diving into horror movies and books. Her love for personal growth and learning extends into all aspects of life, ensuring she remains motivated, compassionate, and driven in both their professional and personal endeavors.
Tanner
Community Partnerships Manager
Tanner is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for personal growth, community service, and helping others. Raised in a loving Christian home, he carries those values into both his personal and professional life. As a devoted husband to Ashley and a father to three children, Tanner believes in the importance of family and strives to model integrity, compassion, and service in everything he does. His strong foundation in faith drives his commitment to making a positive impact on those around him, both in his work and in his community.
With a natural curiosity and an enthusiasm for self-improvement, Tanner is always seeking new ways to challenge himself and grow. His love for the outdoors, combined with his creativity and hands-on approach, allows him to find joy in building, creating, and solving problems. Whether working on a personal project or volunteering his time, he is always eager to contribute to the well-being of others and continuously looks for opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Greg
CEO
Greg was raised in a loving household that instilled the values of compassion and empathy through active volunteering at soup kitchens, churches, health clinics, and food delivery programs. These hands-on experiences opened his eyes to the challenges faced by overlooked individuals and ignited his passion for fostering more supportive communities for the underserved. Over the past 12 years, Greg has dedicated his work to both the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community and senior citizens, helping them lead richer, more fulfilling lives.
Embracing the mantra “serve to lead,” Greg believes that a life dedicated to service enriches both the giver and the receiver, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community. He understands the transformative power of genuine connections, asserting that through these relationships, we can all share our unique gifts with the world.
Outside of his commitment to service, Greg enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He is happily married to his wife, Christina, and is an avid runner who competes in trail races and participates in a local run club. Additionally, he finds joy in yoga and tennis; however, on rainy days, you can find him curled up with a good book, savoring the quiet moments. Greg’s holistic approach to life reflects his belief that balance and well-being are essential to serving others effectively.
Bennett
Bilingual Care Team Specialist II
Bennett was born and raised in Arizona and is the youngest of seven siblings. His six older sisters were a big influence on him while growing up, setting an example of hard work and the value of having a sense of humor. Throughout his youth he participated in the Boy Scout program where he learned how rewarding and impactful serving those around him can be.
After turning 18 and graduating Bennett lived in Panama City, Panama for a couple years where he was introduced to Spanish and grew to love speaking the language. Upon returning home to the US, he studied at Arizona State University and graduated with a BA in Spanish Linguistics.
Bennett currently lives in Newberg with his partner where he spends his free time baking at home, taking care of his many plants, or enjoying a book. His other interests include any excuse to be in nature such as hiking, kayaking, camping, and backpacking. Bennett also participates in the Rotary Early Bird club in town and is looking forward to serving individuals with I/DD.
Kaitlyn
Administrative Coordinator
Kaitlyn was born and raised in the small town of Forest Grove, Oregon. Shortly after graduating high school, Kaitlyn followed her heart to Montana to achieve her bachelor’s degree and then to Texas to work for a Fortune 500 consulting company. Kaitlyn realized she no longer wanted to be away from her loved ones and moved back to Oregon.
Kaitlyn’s source of happiness comes from the moments she can spend with her family. When she finds the time, Kaitlyn also enjoys kayaking and goes camping with her partner. Kaitlyn has always been a traveler and will take weekend getaways to allow herself time to recharge so she can bring the best version of herself to serving our community.
Kaitlyn is inspired to partner with and serve the I/DD community because of the incredible example her mom, whose been a Special Education Instructional Assistant since Kaitlyn was in kindergarten, set for her. She has had the pleasure of supporting individuals with I/DD in elementary schools and is excited to be joining the Alliance Services team to continue making an impact!
Mariah
Care Team Specialist II
Mariah is a passionate young woman dedicated to making a difference in the world using her empathy and unique ability to connect with the community. She has an extensive background in caregiving and mental health including employment at the Oregon State Hospital, and Trillium Family Services. Mariah was born in Bend Oregon and spent her childhood moving all over the Portland metro area having attended over 15 schools before eventually graduating in 2018. She has a background in psychology and philosophy through Grand Canyon University and played a large part in raising her brother who is diagnosed with Aspergers.
Mariah spends her free time connecting with nature, enjoying a good book, or exploring her talent in creative writing. She is also a loving parent of three lazy cats and one rambunctious puppy.
Karina
Care Team Specialist II
Karina is a driving force of creativity, enthusiasm, and compassion. Having spent her childhood in New York City and her teenage years in a town of 35,000, she brings with her a range of life experiences that provides a peek into various walks of life. This experience leads to an abundance of knowledge and a passion for compassion, empathy, and understanding for everyone.
Karina has about 13 years of customer service experience along with both friends and family in the I/DD community that help compound her passion to help others and learn further how she’s able to effectively do so.
She is a loving pet parent to two cats and enjoys doing a variety of creative projects, playing video games, hiking, and exploring in her downtime with her loved ones. She’s always looking to learn something new and loves to hear about others’ joy and happy experiences in their lives so she’s able to celebrate alongside them.
Jasmine
Recruiting Specialist
Originally from Montana, Jasmine was drawn to Oregon to further her education and enjoy the beautiful west coast scenery. Jasmine is a student of business administration and human resources at Portland State University and is a lifelong learner. She enjoys reading books about philosophy, business, and personal development and is also learning to speak Spanish. Jasmine spends her free time with her dog, Diego, learning to cook and bake new recipes. Her favorite thing to bake is homemade bagels.
Jasmine has spent the last 8 years working in retail management, with a passion for human resources and driving a positive work culture. She also spent three years enjoying work as a home care worker, so her enthusiasm for business and helping others has made her a perfect fit at Alliance Services!
Cassie
Care Team Specialist II
Cassie was born and raised in a small logging town called Vernonia, Oregon. Her graduating class only had 23 kids. While in high school Cassie had the opportunity to partner with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who were in elementary school. This sparked her desire to pursue a career working with individuals in the I/DD community.
In Cassie’s free time, she enjoys spending time and making memories with her kids, reading, and finding new places to hike and explore.
Cassie has previously worked as a provider with Alliance Services and is excited to join the Care Team!
Crystal
Care Team Specialist II
Crystal has nearly 10 years of experience in the health care and mental health sectors. Coming all the way from the island of Guam, she strives to connect and assist our community wherever possible. She loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, and bonding over shared experiences.
Crystal’s hobbies include reading, cooking, and travelling. Some of her favorite trips have been to Japan, the Caribbean, and The Great Wall of China. She and her husband are always discussing their next adventure and researching new travel destinations! She looks forward to meeting our community and making those connections!
Jared
Care Team Specialist II
Jared is a graduate of Iowa State University where he studied psychology. Throughout his college years he served as dorm floor president, volunteered in the community, and played in several bands. One of his favorite memories is when the university asked his band to play on central campus for a large event.
Jared is an advocate for self-growth and likes to push himself to find out what he is truly capable of. He sees change as an opportunity for self-improvement and always tries to look at things in a positive light. He has a pet rabbit named Boston and has volunteered in several capacities for a local rabbit rescue. Basically, if you ask him about rabbits, you’ll never hear the end of it.
Jared has also won two writing contests and some of his poetry was published while he was still in high school. He spends his free time writing lyrics/poetry, recording music, taking care of his rabbit, and taking singing lessons. After working for Alliance Services as a DSP for over a year, he is excited to begin his next adventure as a Care Team Specialist.
Liz
Advocacy
Liz is a passionate community leader and advocate for health & human services. Raised in Twin Falls, Idaho, Liz graduated from Seattle University, and began her career working as a frontline behavioral health technician for a community mental health agency. This work inspired her return back to school to acquire her Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. She specializes in policy development and advocacy at the city, state and federal level, and is passionate about preserving access and choice for vulnerable populations. When Liz isn’t working, she enjoys time in the great outdoors with her husband, two kids and their pup.
Travis
Director of Operations
Travis is a devoted father, loving husband, and a dedicated leader with a sincere commitment to making a positive impact on his community through how he cares for others. With a track record of leadership roles across various industries, Travis has discovered his true calling in helping others live happy and healthy lives and is excited to continue to touch and transform lives with Alliance Services.
Travis’s greatest source of joy lies in quality moments spent with his wife and daughters. However, he still finds time to slip away and in his free time he watches football and plays disc golf. This helps Travis to unwind but also to stay active and engage in friendly competition.
Guided by his “why,” Travis continually seeks avenues to improve the lives of those around him. With his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment, he aspires to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the I/DD community with Alliance Services.
Keri
Senior Intake Specialist
Keri is a passionate mother who prioritizes her family, friends, health, and personal growth. Her daughter holds her heart, but don’t worry she has plenty of love to go around for the I/DD community and beyond excited to make an impact in our community through the service she provides.
She is an incredible fit with our team with her depth of administrative experience, 19 years spent in customer service, and a background in psychology and family counseling. She is great at building trust and exuding compassion while supporting individuals and families. She is also no stranger to our shared community having previously volunteered with I/DD students in a Special Education program.
In her free time, you can obviously find her with her little girl, but you can also find her hiking, lifting, and relaxing while watching sports.
Keri is looking forward to working with the Alliance Services family and supporting our vision to help better communities…one story at a time.
Cristina
HR Operations Manager
Cristina enjoys connecting individuals with resources to live their best life. In her previous jobs, she was responsible for designing structures and practices to support the best customer experience by ensuring each individual felt seen. She is honored to share these skills and values in support of the amazing staff and providers at Alliance Services.
Cristina also enjoys brunch, live music, stand-up paddleboarding, scavenger hunts, and laughing with family and friends. Native to the Pacific Northwest, she loves hikes in the Columbia River Gorge on crisp fall days.
Michelle
Senior Billing Specialist
Michelle was born and raised in Yamhill County. Though a country girl at heart, she is enjoying “city life” and doing ministry with her husband.
She has worked in administrative roles for 12 years and enjoys the challenges that come with her current role as Billing Specialist.
Neil
Partnerships and Business Development
Neil is, first and foremost, a family man. As a husband and, more recently, a father, his passion for the care we provide has never been stronger. Neil has personally experienced the impact that compassionate care can make. His wish for those we serve is that they be provided with an empowering experience that fosters our customers’ independence and creates space for quality time amongst families.
Neil’s favorite place to unwind is by a lake or in the mountains. He hopes to share his love of water skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and other activities with his boys as they grow older. On the average weekend, you can find him at a park with friends, grilling up a family meal in his backyard, or enjoying a date night with his wife, compliments of grandma and grandpa.
Neil’s goal at Alliance Services is to positively impact the lives of more individuals throughout Oregon and deepen our roots in the community.
Kelsey
Senior Care Team Specialist
Kelsey has lived in Oregon her entire life. After graduating high school in 2020, amidst the pandemic, she followed her passion for caregiving while studying at CCC, where she received an associate’s degree. After working as a caregiver for a while, Kelsey was hired as a mental health professional at Trillium Family Services. This work fueled her passion for caregiving and supporting the I/DD community with Alliance Services, and she is eager to get to know the people we serve.
In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, Murphie, her partner, and her friends and family. She loves hiking, especially when waterfalls are involved, hunting for seashells at the beach, and running. Kelsey also enjoys mellowing out with video games, a show, or painting.
Brigit
Senior Care Team Specialist
Brigit was born and raised in McMinnville, OR. She graduated from Portland Community College in 2022 with a degree in General Studies. She has six children who are all grown and living on their own. In her spare time, Brigit enjoys nature walks, playing games with her kids, loving on her pets, and reading. On most summer days Brigit can be found outside with a book and a coffee. She owns over 6,000 books!
Brigit spent the last eight years working as an education assistant for students with special needs in an elementary school. She came to love all her students and appreciated their unique abilities. Brigit is excited to be part of Alliance Services and continue to use her knowledge to help those in the special needs community.
Kimberly
Director Of Community Partnerships
Kimberly has a huge heart for the I/DD community. Having first worked with a friend within the community who moved from a different state in dire need of better services, she was able to provide the encouragement and support needed to help her friend make huge process in their journey to independence and in the process found her calling.
Born and raised in Southern California, Kimberly has experience making magic at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks, providing one-on-one support at Behavioral Health Works, and serving the I/DD community at 24 Hour Home Care in California. She is beyond thrilled to be in Oregon and you can now often find her at local farmer’s markets, training her dogs, and spending time with her husband.
Kimberly is excited to continue serving the I/DD community in Oregon, ensuring our customers receive the care they deserve and have allies that stand beside them throughout each and every step of their care journey.
