Staff – Children’s Services

Clinical Director

Julia Morton
Clinical Director of Children's Services

Julia has been with Gem State Developmental Center since July of 2023. She completed her bachelor's degree in psychology and communication. She has a passion for providing quality, personalized intervention with a positive attitude for the participants in the Children's Program. Julia loves all things Disney, board games, movies, and LEGOs. Stop by to say hello!

Locations:  Meridian, Nampa

Children's Staff

Theresa Cotner
Developmental Specialist

Theresa has been with Gem State Developmental Center since March 2025. She earned her Master's in Teaching and works as a Developmental Specialist at the Nampa Children's Program. In her free time, Theresa enjoys time with family and friends and pursuing her hobbies.

 

Location: Nampa

Jamie Jamtaas
Developmental Specialist

Jamie has been with Gem State Developmental Center since June of 2025. As a Behavior Interventionist, Jamie utilizes various strategies to promote positive engagement and appropriate social interactions with participants. In her free time, Jamie enjoys spending time with family and friends. 

 

Location: Nampa

Diana Barrow
Developmental Specialist

Diana has been with Gem State Developmental Center since August of 2024. As a Behavior Interventionist, Diana supports the youth by positive modeling, teaching appropriate social interactions and utilizes intervention strategies to help participants manage challenges in their day. In her free time, Diana enjoys spending time with family, friends, and pursuing her hobbies. 

Location: Meridian 

Jessica Choueiry
Developmental Specialist

Jessica has been with Gem State Developmental Center since November of 2024. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology works as a Developmental Specialist at the Meridian Children's Program. In her free time, Jessica enjoys time with family, friends, and pursuing her hobbies. 

Location: Meridian 

Elena Winkel
Behavior Interventionist

Elena has been with Gem State Developmental Center since July 2025. As a Behavior Interventionist, Elena promotes positive engagement strategies to help participants manage challenges throughout their day. In her free time, Elena enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Chahalis Richard
Behavior Interventionist

Chahalis (Halis)  has been with Gem State Developmental Center since September 2025. As a Behavior Interventionist, Halis employs a variety of intervention strategies to promote positive engagement with participants. In her free time, Halis enjoys spending time with family and friends. 

Location: Meridian

Sarah Ward
Behavior Interventionist

Sarah has been with Gem State Developmental Center since February 2025. As a Behavior Interventionist, Sarah models positive interactions with the participants of the Children's Program. Her ability to connect with the kids and provide them with a fun and structured environment promotes progress. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and community. 

Location: Meridian 

Emilyann Yuruki
Behavior Interventionist

Emily has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since September 2023. Emily is currently attending Boise State University, where she is majoring in Psychology. She works as an Intervention Technician in the Meridian Children's Program. Emily enjoys helping others and likes to read books and go paddle boarding. 

Location: Meridian 

Michelle Cook
Behavior Interventionist

Michelle has been with Gem State Developmental Center since August of 2024. As a Behavior Interventionist, Michelle promotes positive engagement, appropriate social interactions and utilizes intervention strategies to help participants manage challenges in their day. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends. 

Location: Meridian

Libbie Fairchild
Behavior Interventionist
Libbie joined our team as an Intern for the Fall /Spring 2024 semesters. Shas is currently attending university for her master's degree in social work.  Libbie enjoys staying busy and in her free time, pursuing hobbies and spending time with family and friends.  

Location: Nampa

Kaylee Denny
Community-Based Support Technician

Kaylee has been with Gem State Developmental Center since April of 2025. She began her Service Learning for CWI and joined our team shortly afterward. Kaylee has a passion for helping others and is a great addition to the Nampa Children's team. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. 

 

Location: Meridian/Nampa