Learn about the work we do.

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Connections Supervisor 

Hi there, my name is Amanda! I began at the company as a Job Coach and was able to expand my experience from there. I love my job because I get to connect with so many amazing, compassionate and unique individuals who all have so much love and knowledge to give. In my free time, I love to spend time at home with all my fur babies! I look forward to continuing to explore these opportunities with such an amazing team at CNW.

Connections Specialist 

Hi, I'm Amanda G! I am a driven individual and I have a lot of compassion for helping others. I work hard to accomplish my goals. In my off time, I train and coach jiu-jitsu for our youth and adult program. I have experience in helping others. I have worked in the medical field assisting patients with their concerns. I have been a youth coach for eight years building up their self-esteem and any other mental health they are needing help with. I have a passion for helping others no matter what it is they need help with. This industry allows me to grow and gain knowledge that will help me support others.

Connections Specialist

Hi, my name is Josh. I have lived in Oregon for twenty years. I enjoy spending time with close friends and family. When I am not at work I like to write music or watch soccer. I'm a huge soccer nerd and a proud supporter of the Portland Timbers and Liverpool FC! I have a combined seven years as a Direct Support Professional, Group Home Manager, and Social Service Specialist. I am passionate about building relationships with the people I support as well as teaching and learning new ways to better support individuals with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities. I am very excited to apply my experience here at CNW.

Contracts Specialist

Hi, my name is Jordan. I started my journey with CNW as a job coach. I've always had a desire to help those around me grow and succeed. I recently graduated from Western Oregon University with a degree in Public Health, and I am excited to keep supporting communities throughout Oregon. Outside of work I enjoy reading, camping, and board games. I strive to connect with my family and friends as much as I can. I'm also a huge dog lover, so you can often find me snuggled up with my dog.

Recruiting Specialist

Hello, my name is Andrea!

I am so excited to be a part of the Connections NW team! With my experience in HR, management, hiring, and office work, I feel that I’ll be a beneficial asset to such an incredible team! I share the same passion for helping others and hope to continue to grow with such an amazing and selfless community.

One of my favorite things to do outside of work is go to the beach, at any chance that I get! I find the most peace while listening to the waves crash, and feeling the sand between my toes. I also love spending time with my family and making memories to cherish and that will last for a lifetime. Being a mom and a wife are two things I never knew I could love so much, they challenge me every day, while also bringing me the utmost joy at the same time.

Recruiting Lead

Hello, my name is Tiana! I have called Yamhill County home since the third grade and will forever be a true Oregonian. I received my Bachelor's degree from Portland State University in Liberal Arts and I am excited to apply the knowledge I learned here at Connections NW! I am really looking forward to assisting individuals in finding meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities as a recruiter here. In my free time, I enjoy going to Timbers games, cooking, and spending time with my family. I look forward to positively serving the community that I have called home for so long!

Billing/Contracts Supervisor

Hi, my name is Krysta. I moved to the Pacific Northwest when I was two years old. I enjoy being part of a community and serving others. I have been working with people with developmental disabilities for about five years. I started as a DSP and decided to make this my career. I did leave this type of work for a year but did not find enjoyment in other companies as much as I did with this community. I decided to come back! I am so excited to get started and be part of a team here at CNW. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at my church through multiple programs and spending time with friends and family. 

Billing Specialist

Hello.  My name is Tiffany, Coach T, Tante, Bug, and this guy at the YMCA keeps calling me Ashley, so feel free to be creative. I love to laugh, travel, help people, write, and roll. I graduated from George Fox with a degree in Psychology and Christian Education.  I coach the swim team and assistant coach of jiu-jitsu and women's self-defense. I'm passionate about encouraging people and helping them stay safe. I love to see them grow and succeed. I'm also passionate about my jiu-jitsu game, facing my fears, and growing healthier and stronger physically, emotionally, and mentally a little more every day. In my downtime, I write epic fantasy novels and hang out with my husband of 24 years, my cat, and my bearded dragon.

Contracts Specialist

Hello, I'm Paige! I've had the privilege of being a part of the Connections NW team since my husband and I relocated to Newberg from Bend in 2022. Growing up with a mother who was a SPED teacher nurtured my heart for serving the IDD community. My experience as a PSW has fostered a deep respect for the invaluable care provided by our DSPs, and I appreciate the opportunity to offer them quality support. Outside of work, I volunteer with Young Life, enjoy walks and adventures with my dogs Lucy & Gus, and cherish time with loved ones! It's an honor to work with a team that shares my commitment to our customers and DSPs!

Contracts Specialist

My name is Yecenia. I have always been passionate about helping my community, and making a difference one interaction at a time.  I was born and raised in Oregon.  My world consists of my husband and children. We really enjoy spending quality time together and working on music projects, hiking, board games and anything that is fun fun fun! I am a very bubbly and social bird. You can catch me writing short stories, dancing, singing, and acting in films and tv shows as an extra. I am a science nerd and I love to learn! I am so excited to be joining Connections NW. I look forward to serving our community and enriching the lives of as many individuals as we can.

Scheduling Specialist

Hello! My name is Laci. I have worked with people from all demographics for most of my adult life and have a heart for others. I spent over 10 years working as a DSP and PSW serving adults and children in the IDD community. I am a born and raised Oregonian, and love the outdoors. You can often find me hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, crafting, and spending time with my family and fur babies. I love exploring new places, trying new foods, and going on adventures. I am so excited to be part of the team at CNW, and have the opportunity to further serve and empower my team and customers

Connections Specialist Lead

Hi, my name is Nicole and I am super excited to be a part of the CNW team! I have spent much of my career serving others in my community and am passionate about learning, growing, and meeting people where they're at.

I grew up in Alaska where I developed a deep love of the outdoors, and now spend much of my free time adventuring through the Pacific Northwest with my family. When I am not frolicking through nature, you can find me cooking, singing, and dancing in my kitchen or curled up on the couch with a good book.

Administration Support

Hi, my name is Jess! I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for just over 30 years and am happy to be raising my own family in the area. I am so excited to take on the role of Administrative Support for Connections NW. I hold an associate degree in accounting and business and am currently pursuing a bachelor’s to master’s program in Environmental Science and Policy. I love exploring all that our area has to offer with my husband and three kids. We enjoy taking our two dogs on overnight hikes around Mt. Hood and other natural areas. You can also frequently find me curled up with iced coffee and a good book; or sewing, gardening, crocheting, and canning. Taking care of others is also a passion of mine and something I hope to continue doing with the Connections NW team.

Job Coach Lead

Hi, my name is Courtney. I am so excited to start my new adventure with Connections NW. I have been working in supported employment since 2017. In my spare time I enjoy camping and fly-fishing with my husband and two daughters and our 4 dogs. I was born and raised in Yamhill County and love the small town atmosphere. When I am not spending time with my family I enjoy helping people and watching them achieve their goals. I am looking forward to helping you grow and succeed. 

Employment Specialist

Hello everyone, my name is Abby and I am so excited to be here~ I started working with Connections NW in Fall of 2023 as a job coach, I loved being able to meet and hang out with customers and help them reach their goals. I changed positions in 2024 and joined all the talented, wonderful people in the office as an employment specialist where I now get to meet and help eve more people! I am a huge science nerd and love to go camping away from people where I Can see the stars. I also love Disney, I often listen to Disney songs at work or at home while I work on homework for my teach degree.

Business Development Specialist

Hi, My name is Jennifer.  I was born and raised here in Oregon, and Eugene is where I call home.  I went to Oregon State University and got my BA in Psychology. I had the opportunity to work in a wonderful group home for individuals with developmental disabilities.  I was the activity coordinator, and I loved seeing the joy and happiness the residents experienced daily.  After graduating I got the travel bug and spent several years living and working abroad.  I spent a year in Guinea, West Africa with the Peace Corps working in health education. I then went to the Czech Republic where I was an English teacher in an elementary school.  I loved the experience of living abroad and working with children.  

When I moved back to Oregon about 5 years ago I began my career in senior living, social services, and business development. I am excited to join the team at CNW.  I love bringing people and organizations together and working to serve Oregon's more vulnerable population.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking, traveling, and hiking with my husband. I love exploring the different hot springs around the Pacific Northwest and taking weekend getaways to explore this beautiful area

Connections Specialist

Hi, Cassylou here! I am excited to join Connections NW as a Connection Specialist. I have over 20 years of combined experience in the medical field assisting seniors and I/DD community members as a CNA, DSP specialized in crisis prevention, stabilization, and behavioral support plans both in residential and in-home settings and have worked in the child welfare field. I attended college locally at Chemeketa Community College. I am passionate about advocacy for individuals in our vulnerable community. Something that brings me joy and fulfillment is being able to bring positive enrichment and life experiences to those around me. In my spare time I coach a high school equestrian team, ride horses, go camping, and relax along the riverbanks. I also manage my small farm producing fresh eggs, chicken, and beef products for my community 

Referral Specialist

Well hello! My name is Katie! I found Connections NW after working in activity enrichment with senior citizens & then bookkeeping for small businesses. I am excited to work for CNW where individuals with all backgrounds are offered support in finding their voices and autonomy; something I hold very close to my heart. I am utilizing my Associate's degree in Business to assist the admin team in developing the best program for our customers.  When I'm not at work, you can find me crocheting or listening to audiobooks with my dog curled on my lap.  

Referral Specialist

My name is Ashley, and I’m proud to have been born and raised in Oregon. Growing up in the IDD community has shaped my passion for helping others and supporting them in becoming the best versions of themselves. This passion drives me every day, and working with Connections Northwest allows me to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others. I have a diverse background that includes training as a medical assistant in the healthcare field, as well as spending five years working for a law firm in Salem. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills that I bring to every role I take on. Outside of work, I have a deep love for animals and flowers. In my spare time, you’ll likely find me at home on our little farm, which we've worked hard to create. We share our home with three dogs, three pigs, and a flock of chickens, and we’re excited to add more animals in the future. As a family, we also love to explore the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, enjoying camping in our rooftop tent and making memories with family and friends during all kinds of adventures.

Operations Manager

 My name is Ashley, and I’m proud to have been born and raised in Oregon. Growing up in the IDD community has shaped my passion for helping others and supporting them in becoming the best versions of themselves. This passion drives me every day, and working with Connections Northwest allows me to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others. I have a diverse background that includes training as a medical assistant in the healthcare field, as well as spending five years working for a law firm in Salem. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills that I bring to every role I take on. Outside of work, I have a deep love for animals and flowers. In my spare time, you’ll likely find me at home on our little farm, which we've worked hard to create. We share our home with three dogs, three pigs, and a flock of chickens, and we’re excited to add more animals in the future. As a family, we also love to explore the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, enjoying camping in our rooftop tent and making memories with family and friends during all kinds of adventures.