About Us
Who We Are
Full Access High Desert is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing services to approximately 400 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We serve Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and Lake counties. Full Access High Desert is a spin-off of Full Access, which opened in 2002. In 2015 the Full Access Board and agency leadership decided to separate into two brokerages with the goal of providing better customer service with region specific focus. Full Access High Desert is governed by a board of directors primarily comprised of people with I/DD and their family members.
We work to assist individuals with navigating and connecting to support services. We are the link between goals and the resources needed to achieve those goals. We offer self-directed, person-centered services so individuals can access in-home support services.
Our Team Members
Heather Hopkins-Slechta
Executive Director
Mia Swanson
Assistant Director
Francie Bennett
Finance/Admin Team Manager
Aura Carr
Lead Personal Agent
Lisa Laing
Data Entry Specialist
Amie Filben
Administrative Assistant
John Livingston
Personal Agent/Community Engagement
Katie King
ONA Assessment Specialist
Jordan Hymer
Quality Assurance Specialist/ONA Assessor
Neta Alon-Bruce
Direct Referral Coordinator/Personal Agent
Judy Williams
Personal Agent
Zabrina Childers
Personal Agent
Mary McClure
Personal Agent
Cassandra Chapman
Personal Agent
Kayla Struck
Personal Agent
Stacey Koch
Personal Agent
Angela Davis
Personal Agent
David Warren
Personal Agent
Westin Webre
Personal Agent
Liz Woodfin
Personal Agent
Jen Michelson
Personal Agent
Heather Hopkins-Slechta
Executive Director
Heather Hopkins-Slechta, one of the original staff hired by Full Access in 2002, is the Executive Director of the new Support Service Brokerage, Full Access High Desert. After 13 great years with Full Access, she is looking forward to the opportunity for the growth of services focusing on the High Desert region. As a member of the ‘sandwich generation’ it is very important to Heather, both personally and professionally, that services are available to support individuals to stay in their own homes or their family homes. She is a strong proponent of self directed services and advocates these services continue to abide by the original philosophy that created the brokerage system. Heather received her degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and has been working in social services since 1992. She has participated on several state and local advisory committees, as well as planning committees for state wide conferences, related to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After spending several years in the Willamette Valley, Heather moved her three generation household to Bend in 2013. She and her family very much enjoy the area and the outdoor recreation the Central Oregon and the High Desert has to offer.
Mia Swanson
Assistant Director
Mia moved to Central Oregon after graduating from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology Sociology. After moving to Madras and working for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs doing Child Protective Services, she applied for and started working at Full Access High Desert in 2004. While working at Full Access High Desert she got her Master’s in Social Work in 2010 from Portland State University. She has also done practicum work in mental health treatment both inpatient and outpatient, and positive behavioral support plans. As a professional in the field, Mia’s commitment is to maintain the person centered philosophy and unique service delivery that Full Access High Desert has always provided. When she is not working Mia enjoys spending time with her dynamic and brilliant children, walking, anything related to playing in water, and creating beauty in a variety of mediums. Her favorite part of both life and work is hearing the stories of others, and learning deeply from the people around her.
Francie Bennett
Finance/Admin Team Manager
Francie began working for Full Access in Eugene in March of 2002. She made the move over to Bend to work for Full Access High Desert in January 2016. Francie loves the Bend area and enjoys the 4 seasons that the area has and says that she does not miss the Eugene grey clouds and rain. Francie attended college in Eugene and has worked in the accounting field “forever”. Francie has a wonderful family with 2 daughters, 2 dogs, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, 2 nephews, multiple nieces, and 1 precious granddaughter. She also has an amazing core group of lifelong friends that enjoy traveling, the outdoors, and all that Central Oregon has to offer.
Aura Carr
Lead Personal Agent
Aura has more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. She began her career working with at-risk youth in wilderness and educational programs before transitioning to the developmental disabilities field in 2003 as a Direct Support Professional. She later became a Personal Agent and earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies.
Throughout her career, Aura has developed expertise in person-centered services, including specialized support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her experience spans direct support, service coordination, leadership, and operations.
As Lead Personal Agent at Full Access High Desert, Aura provides leadership and mentorship to her team while overseeing key operational functions. She supports a select caseload of individuals and families, coordinates projects and process improvements, manages staff training and development, and oversees the organization’s IT systems. She is passionate about building strong teams, creating effective systems, and ensuring high-quality services that help individuals achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
Outside of work, Aura enjoys spending time with her two children or traveling with her sweet heart to new places.
Throughout her career, Aura has developed expertise in person-centered services, including specialized support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her experience spans direct support, service coordination, leadership, and operations.
As Lead Personal Agent at Full Access High Desert, Aura provides leadership and mentorship to her team while overseeing key operational functions. She supports a select caseload of individuals and families, coordinates projects and process improvements, manages staff training and development, and oversees the organization’s IT systems. She is passionate about building strong teams, creating effective systems, and ensuring high-quality services that help individuals achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
Outside of work, Aura enjoys spending time with her two children or traveling with her sweet heart to new places.
Lisa Laing
Data Entry Specialist
Lisa has worked for Full Access High Desert since 2009. She grew up in Portland and attended Western Business College in downtown Portland. In 2004, she ventured out of the Portland area to start fresh in Bend. Lisa loves living in Bend. She loves the weather and how it’s stormy one minute and then sunny the next…that’s Bend for you! She is very close to her family and spends a lot of time with them. In her spare time she enjoys baking, watching reality TV, playing on the computer and playing cards. Lisa also likes to travel to the beach as much as possible. She enjoys being a part of the Full Access High Desert team.
Amie Filben
Administrative Assistant
Amie has lived in Bend since she was 5. She has two boys and five grandchildren.
Amie enjoys animals and has four cats, two dogs, five lizards and two frogs.
She is excited to work for Full Access High Desert and learn new skills and meet wonderful new people.
Amie enjoys animals and has four cats, two dogs, five lizards and two frogs.
She is excited to work for Full Access High Desert and learn new skills and meet wonderful new people.
John Livingston
Personal Agent/Community Engagement
John was born in Miami, Florida and earned his degree from Florida State University in 1996. John has lived in Bend since 2000, most recently working with homeless families. He is one of the founding members of Project Connect in Central Oregon. John came on board with Full Access High Desert in 2012. When not at work, John enjoys riding his bike or generally playing in the mountains around Bend. He is a father of two and also enjoys finding interesting things to cook with his kids.
Katie King
ONA Assessment Specialist
Katie has lived in Bend since she was a year old. This equals a long time! After years of working in music stores (“make your own music” stores) she worked in a titanium foundry making parts for aircraft, the medical industry, and even the space shuttle! In 2005, Katie took 6 months off to travel around New Zealand and Australia, fulfilling a long-planned dream. She later attended the University of Oregon and graduated in 2008 with her B.S. in Psychology. In 2010, Katie was accepted into Portland State University’s Masters of Social Work program. She also started working for Telecare as a Personal Service Coordinator, helping those with severe and persistent mental illness find their path to more independent living. Shortly after graduating with her MSW, Katie joined Full Access High Desert. She enjoys being with her “fur baby”, Sydney Superdog, camping, fishing, letterboxing, music, movies and reading.
Jordan Hymer
Quality Assurance Specialist/ONA Assessor
After receiving her Bachelor’s in Psychology from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, Jordan had the opportunity to work as a behavioral therapist for youth on the autism spectrum and started mental health case management with clients a the county jail. Jordan recently moved to central Oregon to immerse herself in the outdoor lifestyle Bend has to offer. Jordan’s passion is to work with individuals in the community who need support and resources and she joined the Full Access High Desert team in 2018 in order to continue this work within the central Oregon community. Jordan enjoys being a part of team with similar values and loves working closely with clients to make progress. When she is not working, Jordan enjoys playing hockey and doing anything outside. Central Oregon is proving to be a great move, being able to snowshoe, hike, and climb mountains are beautiful and thrilling experiences she feels lucky to have.
Neta Alon-Bruce
Direct Referral Coordinator/Personal Agent
Neta was born in a small community in Israel. She served in the Israeli Air-Force as a Youth Worker and graduated from University with a BA in Behavioral Sciences. At the age of 26 she moved with her husband to England, where she worked as a caregiver and case worker in a community group home. Following that, she qualified as a teacher and taught in both Elementary and High school. After moving to the North East of England, Neta pursued a career as a Family Support Worker. In 2008, Neta, her husband and two young children made the biggest move yet – to Bend, Oregon. They all felt so welcomed and loved Central Oregon and the outdoor lifestyle so much that they decided to stay. Neta joined Full Access High Desert in 2009. When she is not working, Neta loves to spend time with her family, exploring everything Oregon has to offer.
Judy Williams
Personal Agent
Judy has lived in Oregon for over 25 years. She and her husband now live in Lakeview and love the small town atmosphere and surrounding geography. Judy has worked with individuals with Developmental Disabilities for over 30 years and began in the early 70’s in the State Hospitals. She is a mother to six children and has twelve grandchildren. She looks forward to delivering services to individuals and their families in the Lake County area.
Zabrina Childers
Personal Agent
Zabrina and her family moved from Southern California to Bend in 2001. She attended Oregon State University Cascades Campus for her undergraduate degree in Human Services. From there she obtained a graduate degree in psychology. Zabrina previously worked in the mental health field before joining Full Access High Desert in 2014. Zabrina enjoys spending time with her family and takes pleasure in raising her niece and nephew. She loves Bend: “It’s the most dog friendly place I have ever been to!” Zabrina takes delight in nurturing her black lab Juneau and two rescue kittens, Dante and Jasmine. In her spare time, Zabrina likes to take part in community events such as the art walk and historical haunt, reading, and watching Korean dramas with subtitles. Zabrina is excited to be a part of the Full Access High Desert team and looks forward to the genuinely rewarding experience that serving individuals provides.
Mary McClure
Personal Agent
Mary is from the Southern Coast of Oregon. She graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Anthropology and later obtained a MSW from Portland State University. Mary left Oregon in 1998 and lived in most of the Western states before moving back to Oregon to live in Bend in 2008. Mary and her husband, Michael have two sweet, energetic children and a rambunctious dog. She enjoys reading, spending time outside and with family and friends. Mary has worked in social services for 13 years and hopes to have a long career supporting others as they help themselves.
Cassandra Chapman
Personal Agent
Cassandra was born in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State and moved to Bend, Oregon, in 2001. After relocating to Madras in 2016, she continued her career serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and has recently returned to Deschutes County.
Cassandra has extensive experience in human services, including roles as a Branch Manager for a local I/DD provider agency, Program Manager for Supported Living homes, and Services Coordinator for the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Program. She is known for her compassionate leadership, strong advocacy, and commitment to helping others thrive.
Passionate about supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, Cassandra works to develop community-based solutions for people with limited resources and support systems. She is a dedicated advocate for those she serves in Jefferson County, collaborating with community partners to increase access to opportunities, promote inclusion, and ensure individuals are seen, valued, and connected within their communities.
A proud mother of four children and grandmother of four grandchildren, Cassandra enjoys traveling, reading, fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her family. Her lifelong commitment to service and community continues to guide both her professional and personal endeavors.
Cassandra has extensive experience in human services, including roles as a Branch Manager for a local I/DD provider agency, Program Manager for Supported Living homes, and Services Coordinator for the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Program. She is known for her compassionate leadership, strong advocacy, and commitment to helping others thrive.
Passionate about supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, Cassandra works to develop community-based solutions for people with limited resources and support systems. She is a dedicated advocate for those she serves in Jefferson County, collaborating with community partners to increase access to opportunities, promote inclusion, and ensure individuals are seen, valued, and connected within their communities.
A proud mother of four children and grandmother of four grandchildren, Cassandra enjoys traveling, reading, fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her family. Her lifelong commitment to service and community continues to guide both her professional and personal endeavors.
Kayla Struck
Personal Agent
I was born and raised in Central Oregon and grew up in a very big, loving family. In middle school, my parents decided to become foster parents to be able to help children in need and that is where my love and passion for helping others began to grow. I studied psychology in high school and then went to Nebraska to further my studies at a small Christian College. I spent 4 years studying developmental psychology and graduated with my bachelor’s degree. For the next 2 years, I had the opportunity to work for an organization that supported individuals with disabilities and my love for helping others truly blossomed. I was able to learn so much about myself and others by working in the I/DD field and I fell in love with the people I worked with. In 2017, I made the hard decision to leave the people I had grown so close to and move back to Central Oregon to be close to family. For about 5 years, I worked at another organization in Bend in the I/DD field, in direct care, as a residential manager, and then as the senior program manager before I started with Full Access. In 2020, my sister and I moved over to Metolius where we are enjoying spending time with our family and our pets.
Stacey Koch
Personal Agent
I am a Prineville native and after living in several other states I am a true fan of small town living. Although my education is in the health care field, my true passion is advocacy and making sure that every human understands and can access resources to live their best life. I started at the Department of Human Services and then at the high school working with the Youth Transition Program. Being introduced to the I/DD program has truly been such an incredible experience and has taught me so much about kindness, compassion and resilience. I love to laugh, and my family is my most favorite thing in the whole world. I am an extremely proud mama of two incredible children, alongside my amazing husband who I love to take adventures with.
Angela Davis
Personal Agent
I am a born and raised Central Oregonian, adopted by my grandparents at a young age along with my younger brother. I grew up with a passion for this field and helping others, and being able to do that has been a very fulfilling experience in my life that I hope to build upon in the years to come. Prior to joining Full Access, I worked as the regional manager for an I/DD provider agency, working in community and in home support. In my free time I enjoy being outside with my dogs, camping, ATV’s and Dirt bikes, and generally exploring all that Central Oregon has to offer. On rainy days I can be found inside with my snacks, crafts, and a good tv show. I am very excited to be a part of the Full Access team!
David Warren
Personal Agent
David was born in Hilo, Hawaii, and earned his degree from Oregon State University in June 2020. After moving to Bend in 1998, he most recently worked with the High Desert Education Service District before joining Full Access High Desert in 2024. Inspired by his stepfather’s experience with a supportive probation officer, David initially considered becoming a PO himself, but ultimately found his calling in helping children with behavioral and mental health needs. Driven by a desire to counteract the negativity in the world, he is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community. When he’s not working, David enjoys relaxing at home or exploring Bend with his daughter.
Westin Webre
Personal Agent
Westin was born and raised in beautiful Bend, OR. He attended Southern Oregon University where he studied Psychology and Business Administration, with a focus on Aging Services. After graduation, Westin worked in the field of aging care services for 10 years, both in administration and care management. Westin joined the Full Access High Desert team in 2024, bringing his passion and enthusiasm for serving the Central Oregon community, which he has always called home. Westin spends much of his free time exploring the outdoors, fishing, snowboarding and upland bird hunting with his dog Bodhi. Westin is passionate about music as an artistic expression. He often spends his weekends and evenings playing guitar and exploring new music.
Liz Woodfin
Personal Agent
Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in human services with a concentration in Child and Family Welfare and has spent the past 18 years committed to supporting people across the lifespan through advocacy, direct service, and program development. She began her career working with children and families in foster care, both as a provider and adoption worker for a nonprofit agency. Over time, her passion for inclusive, person-centered care led her into the mental health field and serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where she gained experience in crisis intervention, residential support, and supervision.
In 2022, Liz joined Full Access High Desert as a Personal Agent. She briefly stepped away to take on a leadership opportunity at NeighborImpact, expanding her understanding of non-profit systems-level work, governance, and resource navigation, before returning to Full Access to continue her commitment to person-directed planning and disability advocacy. Liz currently serves as Chair of the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee. She is known for her grounded presence, collaborative approach, and belief that every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and thrifting. She is super excited to return to the FAHD team!
In 2022, Liz joined Full Access High Desert as a Personal Agent. She briefly stepped away to take on a leadership opportunity at NeighborImpact, expanding her understanding of non-profit systems-level work, governance, and resource navigation, before returning to Full Access to continue her commitment to person-directed planning and disability advocacy. Liz currently serves as Chair of the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee. She is known for her grounded presence, collaborative approach, and belief that every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and thrifting. She is super excited to return to the FAHD team!
Jen Michelson
Personal Agent
Jen brings more than 20 years of experience in the developmental disabilities field and over 15 years supporting individuals in a variety of roles throughout the Central Oregon community. She began her career as a Direct Support Professional with Abilitree/CORIL, where she spent many years helping individuals achieve their goals, build meaningful lives, and increase their independence. She later served as a group home manager with ALSO, further strengthening her leadership skills and commitment to person-centered services.
Known for her practical, solution-focused approach, Jen is passionate about helping individuals discover new opportunities, explore interests and experiences they may not have previously considered, and build lives that reflect their unique goals and preferences. She values collaboration with families and works to promote autonomy, self-determination, and meaningful community involvement through person-centered planning and support.
A longtime Central Oregon resident, Jen has called Bend home since she was seven years old and has a deep appreciation for the community and natural beauty of the region. Her local knowledge and strong community connections help her support individuals and families throughout Deschutes County.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her family, including her two sons, husband, and beloved pets. When the weather is nice, you can often find her exploring Central Oregon’s hidden gems, kayaking, geocaching, tending her flower garden, or rock hounding. On rainy weekends, she enjoys painting and taking on creative craft projects—whether they get finished or not.
Known for her practical, solution-focused approach, Jen is passionate about helping individuals discover new opportunities, explore interests and experiences they may not have previously considered, and build lives that reflect their unique goals and preferences. She values collaboration with families and works to promote autonomy, self-determination, and meaningful community involvement through person-centered planning and support.
A longtime Central Oregon resident, Jen has called Bend home since she was seven years old and has a deep appreciation for the community and natural beauty of the region. Her local knowledge and strong community connections help her support individuals and families throughout Deschutes County.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her family, including her two sons, husband, and beloved pets. When the weather is nice, you can often find her exploring Central Oregon’s hidden gems, kayaking, geocaching, tending her flower garden, or rock hounding. On rainy weekends, she enjoys painting and taking on creative craft projects—whether they get finished or not.
Our Board of Directors
Michael
Board of Directors Member
Nick
Board of Directors Member
Michele
Board of Directors Member
Max
Board of Directors Member
Sam
Board of Directors Member
Allison
Board of Directors Member
Jeannie
Board of Directors Member
Michael
Board of Directors Member
Michael is an educator and digital content specialist whose work bridges technology, education, and advocacy. As the father of an adult son with profound autism, Michael brings personal insight to his role as President of the Board for Full Access in Central Oregon, where he champions support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is particularly passionate about expanding housing opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, recognizing this as a crucial need in the community.
With an MA in Political Science and certification as both an Apple and Google Educator, Michael’s career spans international education and digital innovation. His experience includes teaching in prestigious international schools across Asia, where he specialized in technology integration and educational design.
Currently based in Bend, Oregon, Michael works as a Professional Development Instructor while providing consultancy services in web design, technical writing, and digital content creation. His unique combination of educational expertise and technical skills makes him a valuable asset in both teaching and advocacy communities.
With an MA in Political Science and certification as both an Apple and Google Educator, Michael’s career spans international education and digital innovation. His experience includes teaching in prestigious international schools across Asia, where he specialized in technology integration and educational design.
Currently based in Bend, Oregon, Michael works as a Professional Development Instructor while providing consultancy services in web design, technical writing, and digital content creation. His unique combination of educational expertise and technical skills makes him a valuable asset in both teaching and advocacy communities.
Nick
Board of Directors Member
Nick was born in Bend and grew up in the Sisters area. He loves outdoor activities like swimming, downhill skiing, camping and hiking. He also likes computers and anything to do with electronics. Nick is on the Planning Committee for Sisters Starry Nights. He helps with stage set up and loads in the sound equipment for the venue. He is also a volunteer for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department. Nick is currently a Full Access client and is the newest member of the FAB Board of Directors. He has, “lots of fun making kids and adults live their lives to the fullest that they can be.”
Michele
Board of Directors Member
Michele is originally from Colorado and came to Oregon the long way around the country. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in southern Minnesota with a BA in German and then went for a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She and her family (husband and two children) left Minnesota soon after and moved aboard a sailboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and sailed the East Coast, living aboard their 42 foot Albin Nimbus for 7 years. She went back to school for a BS in Nursing when they were living in Charleston, SC, and as she worked as a 4K teacher in the Charleston Schools. Michele has been a nurse for 13 years, always working with children and their families. After making the move to Bend in 2013, she’s been working with Deschutes County as a Nurse Case Manager for children with special health care needs and supporting the entire family get needs met. Now with two adult children still in the home because rent in Central Oregon is crazy, one of whom receives services from FAHD, she and her husband and 13 year old Giant Schnauzer are spending more time camping and skiing and enjoying high desert life. Michele loves to read, play cards, and do the crossword puzzle in the Bulletin.
Max
Board of Directors Member
Max is originally from England, having immigrated to Oregon in 2015. Like many, he was drawn to the beauty of Oregon because of his love of the outdoors, the PNW culture and Intellectual/Developmental Disability services. From the age of 19, Max has been involved in supporting people with disabilities to live their best lives. He has spent 9 years working in the provider sector and his later years working for Deschutes Counties Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities program where he is a program supervisor. He holds a BSc in Social Sciences w/Social Policy. In his spare time, Max is a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, he enjoys creative endeavors, traveling and the outdoors, mountain biking, hiking and camping.
Sam
Board of Directors Member
My name is Sam and I am a Disability Rights Advocate. I support People with Disabilities within Madras, Oregon. I am a Kiwanian, member of the Employment First Committee for Jefferson County, I am on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Committee for Jefferson County, I am a Board Member for Full Access High Desert and I am a member of the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition group and am currently joining SARTAC. Since 2017, I have been advocating within Madras, Oregon. I have started my advisory committee of Jefferson County Oregon and I’ve helped with fundraising events, volunteering and partnering up with many Non-Profit organizations like Full Access High Desert, Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon, BestCare and many others. Although the Advisory committee that I started is no longer active, the experience forward is going to be towards starting a Non – Profit called Unity4Inclusion.
Allison
Board of Directors Member
As a sister of a brother with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, Allison has spent her life connected to the IDD community. From coaching Special Olympics basketball to supporting independent living, subbing in special education classrooms, navigating social service and disability systems, and volunteering at a coffee shop providing job experience to the IDD community, Allison is passionate about the joy, resilience, and beauty people with diverse abilities bring to our world.
Professionally, Allison has over 25 years of experience with mission-driven nonprofits. As the founder of Aspen Wave Strategies, she partners with nonprofits to bridge what is possible with what is practical. Allison has a master’s in public administration from Seattle University and a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and education from Oregon State University.
After two decades living in Seattle and Denver, Allison is back in Oregon, enjoying the Central Oregon seasons, exploring the outdoors, shuttling her teens, walking her dog, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Professionally, Allison has over 25 years of experience with mission-driven nonprofits. As the founder of Aspen Wave Strategies, she partners with nonprofits to bridge what is possible with what is practical. Allison has a master’s in public administration from Seattle University and a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and education from Oregon State University.
After two decades living in Seattle and Denver, Allison is back in Oregon, enjoying the Central Oregon seasons, exploring the outdoors, shuttling her teens, walking her dog, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Jeannie
Board of Directors Member
Jeannie retired in 2002 after 17 years in special education with the Redondo Beach Unified School District and moved to Central Oregon, where she became a founding board member of Full Access High Desert. She has served on the board for more than 20 years.
As the mother of a son with autism and intellectual disabilities, Jeannie’s personal experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to advocacy. She transitioned from nursing to special education, coordinated California’s pilot WorkAbility I transition program, and dedicated her career to helping students with disabilities achieve greater independence.
Today, Jeannie and her husband, Tom, enjoy living in Sisters, Oregon, where they spend time with their son, garden, and enjoy life in Central Oregon.
As the mother of a son with autism and intellectual disabilities, Jeannie’s personal experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to advocacy. She transitioned from nursing to special education, coordinated California’s pilot WorkAbility I transition program, and dedicated her career to helping students with disabilities achieve greater independence.
Today, Jeannie and her husband, Tom, enjoy living in Sisters, Oregon, where they spend time with their son, garden, and enjoy life in Central Oregon.
Beth Rixe Service Center
Beth Rixe was a client with Full Access during her adult years. She was a joyful young woman whose disability took her life too soon. Beth was loved, loving, involved, active and independent. This was a result of the love and support of her family and also the services of Full Access.
In the past, people with developmental disabilities were treated terribly and isolated in large institutions, separating them from families who loved them. It is not that way anymore and it was never that way for Beth Rixe. Our building is a reminder of the beautiful life Beth lived and the importance of self-determination and person-centered support services.
We are proud Oregon is a national leader in keeping families connected, involved and together. Full Access High Desert is a major force in Central Oregon providing the necessary services to give people with developmental and intellectual disabilities the opportunities they have always wanted. Individuals with I/DD are now able to work, socialize, and integrate in the community. We dedicate our building and express our gratitude to Beth Rixe for setting the example of what it means to live a self-directed life in pursuit of her dreams.
