Staff – Administration

GSDC trains our professionals with the highest industry standards and latest innovations in therapy. Our paraprofessionals are also trained at this level to ensure consistency and the highest quality service possible.

Exceptional training and exceptional staff for extraordinary people!


Lori Jo Poole
Owner/ Administrator

Lori Jo has worked at Gem State Developmental Center since 1999 and is the current Owner and Administrator. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Idaho State University and a Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. She has 20 years of experience working with adults and children with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses.

She has experience working with individuals, groups, and professional staff in a variety of settings. Her therapeutic experience includes parent coaching, sexuality and social skills training, cognitive self-change, anger management, behavior modification, and drug and alcohol education. She is currently the President of the Board of Idaho Families of Adults with Disabilities.

 

Jamie White
Clinical Director of Children's Services

Jamie has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since June of 2013. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology through the University of Phoenix. As Clinical Director of Children's Services, Jamie really enjoys supporting participants in meeting their goals, and serving as primary supervisor for staff in her department. Jamie enjoys spending time with family and friends, creating arts & crafts, and being outdoors in nature.

Locations: Meridian/Nampa

Tara Harwick
Clinical Director of Adult Services

Tara has been with Gem State Developmental Center since May of 2023. She comes to us with years of developmental and intervention experience. Tara is the Clinical Director of Adult Services and enjoys supporting staff and participants in developing goals and implementing programs to help everyone succeed.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Locations: Meridian/Nampa

Antonio Washington
Program Support Specialist

Tony has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since 2019. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Innovation & Design. Tony has over 15 years of experience working in the social services field. As a US Army veteran, Tony has training in conflict studies, small unit field management, scope analysis, and multi-focal project impact. Tony enjoys spending his personal time with his family and friends.

Krysty Meyer
Senior Secretary

Krysty has been with Gem State Developmental Center since 2022. She comes to us with years of administrative and documentation experience. She currently holds the position of Senior Secretary and is the Medicaid Billing Coordinator for the company. Krysty enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves making a difference in the lives of others.

Paul Binkley
IT Technical Support

Paul has been with Gem State Developmental Center since 2021. He works closely with all departments within GSDC, providing technical assistance and instructions for all designated projects.