Staff – Children’s Services
Every child deserves a future filled with hope and opportunity. At the core of our mission is a team dedicated to nurturing young lives, working together to set clear goals, share innovative ideas, and build trusting relationships that empower families. We provide our professionals with advanced training grounded in the highest standards of care and the latest child-focused practices. Our support staff receive the same level of excellence, ensuring consistency, compassion, and a service experience that truly makes a difference. Together, we create safe spaces where children can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Clinical Director
Julia has been with GSDC since 2022. She moved to Idaho in 2019 and received her BA in Psychology and Communication from NNU in 2023. She believes in treating all fellow humans with love, respect, and dignity. In her free time, she enjoys being with her person, paddleboarding, watching movies, playing board and card games, and playing with her dogs (Max & Roo) and cat (Fig).
Children's Staff
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 has been with Gem State Developmental Center since June 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
Chahalis (Halis) has been with Gem State Developmental Center since September 2025. As a Developmental Specialist, Halis employs a variety of intervention strategies to promote positive engagement with participants and manages activity projects as team lead. In her free time, Halis enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Location: Meridian
Diana has been with Gem State Developmental Center since August 2024. As a Behavior Interventionist, Diana supports the youth by positive modeling, teaching appropriate social interactions, and utilizing 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
Patty has been with Gem State Developmental Center since May 2026. She works as a Behavior Interventionist in the Meridian Children's Program. Patty enjoys spending time with family and friends, helping others, and participating in a variety of activities.
Location: Meridian
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.
Location: Meridian/Nampa
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
Emily has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since September 2023. Emily works as a Behavior Interventionist in the Meridian Children's Program. Emily enjoys helping others and likes to read books and go paddleboarding.
Location: Meridian/Nampa
Anna has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since July 2026. She works as a BI Technician with the Meridian Children's Program. Anna's commitment to excellence shows in her compassionate care and driven work ethic. Anna enjoys helping others and spending time with family and friends.
Location: Meridian/Nampa
Lauren has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since July 2026. Her work as a BI Technician with the Meridian Children's Program enables us to provide consistent engagement for the participants in our care. Lauren enjoys helping others and spending time with family and friends.
Location: Meridian
Kaylee has been with Gem State Developmental Center since April 2025. She works as a Community-Based Support Technician in the Children's Program. Kaylee has a passion for helping others and is a great addition to the Children's team. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends and exploring new activities.
Location: Meridian/Nampa
Brandon is currently attending the BSU MSW Program while completing his Internship with GSDC. He has been with our company since May 2026. Brandon enjoys spending his time with family and friends, enjoying various hobbies, and learning new things.
Location: Meridian