Staff – Adult Services

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 / Clinical Director of Adult Services

Lori Jo has worked at Gem State Developmental Center since 1999 and is currently the Clinical Supervisor at the Meridian Adult Program. 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.

Locations:  Meridian, Nampa

Lilibeth Delapeña
Developmental Specialist II

Lilibeth has worked at Gem State Developmental Center since September of 1998. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology for Education degree at St. Louis University in Asia. She is a Developmental Specialist II and currently works at the Meridian Adult center. Lilibeth has always been passionate about working with people with developmental disabilities. She takes pride in finding ways to help them improve their overall quality of life. She strongly believes in the company’s mission of providing the “highest quality of functional therapeutic services while encouraging, enhancing and challenging that individual to develop strengths and skills for a successful life.” She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and learning new things. 

Location:  Meridian

Charlotte Dringle
Developmental Specialist II

Charlotte has worked at Gem State Developmental Center since January of 2006. She has a bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in Ohio and a Masters’ degree in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix. She is a Developmental Specialist 2 at the Nampa Adults program. Charlotte has worked collectively in this field for over 20 years and feels joy in watching her participants' growth and shares in their pride in themselves with each accomplishment. She enjoys playing the drums, crochet, essential oils, and gardening.

Location:  Nampa

Dallin Cox
Developmental Specialist

Dallin has been with Gem State Developmental Center since August of 2020. He earned his Bachelor's in Social Work from Boise State University. Dallin works in the Annex as a Developmental Specialist 1. He has a fun and easy going attitude, and is multilingual in Russian and English. He has always wanted a career helping individuals develop life skills, and sees this type of work as a happy and successful life. He believes that using tools that we learn from our lives can help us become contributing members of society. Dallin enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, watching movies and reading. 

Location: Meridian

Michael Sullivan
Developmental Specialist

Michael has been with Gem State Developmental Center since September of 2021. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. Michael is currently a Developmental Specialist 1, working with adults with special needs. Michael likes to help anyone who needs it. Michael enjoys drawing, cooking, exercise, movies, hiking and playing with his dogs. 

Location: Meridian 

Allyssa Cox
Behavior Interventionist
Allyssa has been with Gem State Developmental Center since May of 2022. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Minor in Music from Idaho State University. Allyssa is currently a DS 1 working with adults and kids with special needs. Allyssa enjoys helping participants realize their potential and achieve their goals. She would like to continue to expand her knowledge and experience professionally and personally in pursuit of those purposes. Allyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her dog. She like watching movies, reading, creating music with her violin or piano, playing volleyball, swimming, dancing, and camping. 

Location: Nampa/Meridian

Maria Albarran
Intern

Maria has been with Gem State Developmental Center since September of 2022. She is currently going to Boise State University to get her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work with a minor in Family Studies. She is bilingual (Spanish) and has always enjoyed helping others in her community by volunteering. She loves to go on walks with her daughter and dog. She also enjoys spending time in the gym.

Location: Meridan

Tiffany Murphy
Intern

Tiffany has been with Gem State Developmental Center since September of 2022. She is currently going to Boise State University to get her bachelor's degree in Social Work. Tiffany enjoys helping others in her community and furthering her skillset. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Location: Meridan

Robin Simmons
Developmental Technician II

Robin has worked at Gem State Developmental Center since April of 1996. As a Developmental Technician 2, Robin is medication and First Aid certified. Robin works diligently to ensure participants in her care are fully supported in meeting their progress goals. She enjoys her time with family, especially being a grandmother, watching movies, and traveling. 

Location:  Nampa

 

Maria Guillen
Developmental Technician II

Maria has been with Gem State Developmental Center since June of 2001. Maria is a Developmental Technician 2, who enjoys working with adults and children with special needs. She enjoys watching their progress and loves being able to make a difference. Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends and making memories with her grandkids. Her favorite pastimes are crafts (crocheting), gardening, hiking, and going camping. 

Locations:  Meridian - Yo Hablo Español

Heather Simmet
Developmental Technician III

Heather has been with Gem State Developmental Center since November 2005. She is a Developmental Technician 3 and enjoys working with adults with special needs. Heather enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring her many hobbies in her free time. 

Locations:  Meridian

Diana Garcia
Developmental Technician

Diana has been with Gem State Developmental Center since June of 2011. She is a Developmental Technician 1, with certification as a Nursing Assistant. She always wanted to help others achieve their goals, and enjoys having the opportunity to assist participants. Diana enjoys bike rides, going for walks, and spending time with family and friends. 

Location:  Nampa - Yo Hablo Español

Angel Comisac
Developmental Technician

Angel has worked for Gem State Developmental Center since August of 2021. As a Developmental Technician, Angel advocates for the well-being and independency of adults with special needs. As a life-long learner, Angel enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, crafts, and traveling. 

Locations:  Meridian

Valorie Dudgeon
Developmental Technician

Valorie has been with Gem State Developmental Center for over 5 years. She retuned to GSDC after being retired for 2 years. Valorie works as a Developmental Technician 1 and is a Certified Nursing Assistant. Valorie enjoys providing assistance to those with special needs so they may become more independent. She enjoys time with her grandson and reading James Patterson books. 

Location: Nampa

Brandy Uker
Developmental Technician

Brandy has been with Gem State Developmental Center since 2022. She works as a Developmental Technician 1 and enjoys providing assistance to those with special needs so they may become more independent. 

Location: Meridian

Brian Hill
Developmental Technician

Brian has been with Gem State Developmental Center since September of 2022. Brian works with the adult's program as a Developmental Technician and enjoys spending time with friends and working on hobbies.

Location: Meridian

Desiree Corvera
Developmental Technician

Desiree has been with Gem State Developmental Center since October 2022. She has previously worked as a Teacher's Aide with a daycare center. Desiree works with the adult program as a Developmental Technician and enjoys spending her time with family, and friends and exploring new places.

Location: Meridian 

Jake Murphy
Developmental Technician

Jake has been with Gem State Developmental Center since March of 2023. He works with the adult program as a Developmental Technician and enjoys spending his personal time with family and friends. Jake enjoys playing music and entertainment. 

Location: Meridian