About
Meet the Team!
Our Mission
SilverNail NW is dedicated to increasing opportunities for choice and access to Professional Behavior Services outside of the Portland, Salem, Eugene corridor. We ensure access by working in locations that traditionally struggle to access behavior services and mentoring other small business owners who work in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities field.
Areas Served
One of our founding goals is to ensure as many people as possible have access to highest quality of professional behavior services. As our business continues to grow we are constantly seeking new professionals and clients in areas that are underserved.
So, if you’re located in an area we don’t yet serve, please contact us and we’ll see what we can do!
Oregon Counties We Are Currently Serving:
Benton | Crook | Clackamas | Deschutes | Grant | Harney | Jefferson | Klamath | Lane | Lincoln | Linn | Marion | Multnomah | Polk | Washington | Yamhill
Meet the Founder
“I first became aware of service equity issues as I witnessed children outside of the I-5 corridor not able to access the needed support systems that other children could access in their local communities.”
Her experience and passion for directly helping people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities combined with knowledge of OAR’s led Michelle to develop SilverNail NW. With her own consulting firm, Michelle increased her capacity to serve a broad range of service users and to help ensure equal access to services despite the county that people live in. She is always excited about opportunities to meet new people and develop new long-term relationships that support people leading fulfilling lives — whether that is helping a house manager implement more robust and efficient practices or empowering a client to increase their autonomy. SilverNail NW’s agency is dedicated to not only writing FBA’a and PBSP’s but assisting teams with a lifetime of changes through ensuring that we provide maintenance services to the plans that we write.
It was at her very first job that Michelle recognized the importance of supporting people experiencing disabilities and while there she made a connection at Oregon School for the Blind (OSB) which propelled her toward providing direct care of students as a residential and school support team.
It was at OSB that she developed some of her fundamental knowledge about and experienced working with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and participating in the (Individual Education Plan) IEP process.
This experience led Michelle to pursue higher education and she graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Child and Family Studies in 2002.
That experience helped Michelle’s next professional development when she returned to her roots in working with people who receive services through local Community Developmental Disability Programs (CDDP’s); first as a case manager or service coordinator at a county office and then at a large provider agency as a house manager and then area director.
Meet the Behavior Professionals
In my opinion, one of the most challenging parts of working in this industry is when behavior supports are taken away after a client starts improving. There is a lack of recognition for the client’s improvement due to the support. Take the support away, and of course, everything changes, and the cycle starts all over again. Just because a person presents well does not mean they don’t have a disability that needs support. Through my work with SNNW, I strive to fix the perception and advocate for continued support.
I strive to build relationships with each of my clients, meeting them where they are and creating a plan to move them forward. I work with clients when they are having their greatest days, their worst days, and everything in between. I help clients recognize their capabilities and independence, while also helping them access the necessary support and acknowledging that seeking support is okay. I provide clients with strategies they can use on their own and also work with their support providers to promote independence and teach replacement strategies.
I became a Behavior Support Specialist through the field of education, where I worked as a teacher and then administrator for many years, eventually earning a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction.
After many years in the education field, I joined SNNW because they value building long-term relationships with clients, families, and support providers. They also prioritize the quality of life of the individuals they serve. These principles work together to strengthen each person’s independence and ensure their dignity.
I love to travel and believe that the journey is just as important as the destination. Road trips are my favorite because I enjoy seeing and doing things along the way, as well as the final destination. Being crafty is another passion of mine. My favorite thing to make is painted water bottles and tumblers. I also enjoy doing home improvement projects, even though I’m better at starting them than finishing them.
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Adriana Mendoza SilvaBehavior Professional -
Amy-Beth McCawdBehavior Professional -
Cecilia RamirezBehavior Assistant -
Deimos ShinraBehavior Professional -
Demeter FinchBehavior Professional | ASL, PTASL -
Manuel Gutierrez-GarciaBehavior Professional -
Morgan EckisBehavior Professional -
Nicole HouseBehavior Professional -
Tatum Korin, Ed.DBehavior Professional
I work directly with clients and their families to provide individualized behavioral support based on their needs and goals. My role can include helping clients develop communication, social, emotional, and daily living skills, supporting positive behavior change, and working alongside families and other professionals to create practical, meaningful strategies for everyday life.
One thing I would like to help change is the tendency to focus too heavily on challenging behaviors without always considering what the person may be communicating through them. I believe behavior support should be about understanding the individual, identifying their needs, building their strengths, and giving them tools to communicate and be more independent. I am passionate about this field because I enjoy building relationships with people, seeing small moments of progress turn into bigger accomplishments, and helping individuals feel understood and supported.
I have a B.S. in Psychology and a Master of Education specializing in Education for Diverse Learners. My experience includes providing ABA-based behavioral support to young children with autism and developmental disabilities, with a focus on communication, social, functional, and behavioral skills. I also have experience in caregiving, childcare, coaching, and mentoring, which has strengthened my ability to support individuals and families with patience, compassion, and understanding.
I was drawn to SNNW because of its focus on individualized care and on supporting people in ways that respect their unique needs, abilities, and circumstances. I value compassion, patience, dignity, and meeting people where they are rather than expecting everyone to fit into the same approach. I also appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with families and help create support that can make a real difference in a person's daily life.
I feel most alive when I am active, surrounded by people I care about, and doing things that feel meaningful. I recently retired from a 10-year professional rugby career, which was a huge part of my life and taught me so much about discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the importance of the relationships you build along the way. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, being creative through coloring and drawing, and spending time with my family and friends. Family is especially important to me, and I value staying connected to the people who have supported me throughout my journey.
When I meet with clients, I work to create a safe environment where clients can acquire tools, access resources, and develop skills to accomplish their personal goals. I also want to work with clients to help them develop confidence in their skills and abilities, fostering independence and self-actualization. One struggle frequently encountered in the field is a lack of language access, particularly for d/Deaf individuals. Language is a fundamental tool for skill-building, fostering connections, and community development. Yet, all too often, it is neglected and overlooked, leaving individuals uninformed and disconnected. I want to create an environment where d/Deaf individuals have consistent language access and can easily connect with the people and communities around them I have experience providing direct care to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DDs), both in personal settings with family members and in professional settings as a Direct Support Professional. I also studied American Sign Language (ASL), sociology, and communication at Western Oregon University, where I graduated with a B.A. in ASL studies. I value connection, community, and language access. I want to support and uplift underprivileged communities and advocate for my clients to gain access to the resources they need. These values are what sparked my interest in social service and eventually led me to join the Silvernail Northwest team. At the end of the day, I like to unwind by spending time with my husband. We enjoy a variety of hobbies together: playing games, creating art, and spending time with friends and family. Of all the hobbies we share, my favorite is dancing; my husband and I are both skilled in English Country Dancing (ECD) and country swing. We love going to dance socials on the weekends.
I specialize in working with families to help bridge language barriers. I work with clients and families to ensure their needs are being met and help make sure appropriate supports are in place.
I enjoy learning and helping people because, as the old saying goes, “helping a person might not change the world but it could change the world for one person.”
Estoy especializada en trabajar con familias para ayudarles a superar las barreras del idioma. Trabajo con clientes y familias para asegurarme de que sus necesidades sean satisfacidas de que se disponga de los apoyos correspondientes. Disfruto aprender y ayudar a la gente porque, como dice el viejo refrán, "ayudar a una persona puede que no cambie el mundo, pero podría cambiar el mundo para esa persona".
Throughout my life I have been dedicated to assisting Families or individuals that struggle with language barriers. I love working with SilverNail NW because they have an awesome team of individuals who love and care about their jobs, and they have proven over and over they deeply care about each of their clients.
“Only a life lived in the services to others is WORTH living.”
- Albert Einsten
A lo largo de mi vida me he dedicado a ayudar a familias o personas que luchan con barreras del idioma. Me encanta trabajar con SilverNail NW porque tienen un equipo de personas increíbles que aman y se preocupan por su trabajo, y han demostrado una y otra vez que se preocupan profundamente por cada uno de sus clientes.
"Sólo una vida vivida al servicio de los demás vale la pena ser vivida".
- Albert Einstein
What makes me feel alive is God, my Family and knowing that I can help people . When I’m not working I like going on walks and enjoying nature, spending family time, and enjoying life.
Lo que me hace sentir viva es principalmente Dios, mi Familia y saber que puedo ayudar a la gente. Cuando no estoy trabajando me gusta salir a la iglesia, pasear y disfrutar de la naturaleza, pasar tiempo en familia y disfrutar de la vida.
I work directly with clients across home and community settings, providing ongoing behavioral and skill-building support. My role includes conducting functional assessments, developing and monitoring Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), and collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistency and progress. I focus on increasing independence, communication, and quality of life through individualized, evidence-based strategies.
One ongoing challenge in this field is the tendency to address behaviors in isolation without fully considering underlying needs such as communication differences, sensory processing, or medical factors. I am passionate about shifting practice toward more holistic, function-based support that reduces reliance on reactive strategies and instead proactively builds skills. My goal is to help create a culture where individuals are better understood, supported in ways that foster long-term stability and autonomy, and celebrated for their differences and contributions to their communities.
I bring over 10 years of experience in teaching and social services across early childhood, K–12, and adult learning environments, with a focus on behavioral communication. My background includes developing and implementing PBSPs, conducting FBAs, supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs using applied behavior analysis and person-centered approaches, and training in neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices. I draw on an anthropological lens grounded in egalitarianism, emphasizing respect for cultural differences and the creation of equitable opportunities.
I am driven by a commitment to dignity, autonomy, and equitable access to meaningful supports. SNNW’s emphasis on person-centered planning, collaboration, and community-based services aligns closely with my belief that individuals deserve supports that are not only effective but also respectful, empowering, and sustainable in real-world settings. I believe meaningful outcomes come from empowering both clients and their support systems.
I feel most engaged when I am learning, researching, and exploring new ways to improve how people access and process information—especially in the areas of cognition, communication, and learning differences. As a lifelong learner and creative writing author, I continue exploring these interests through independent research, while also making time to recharge through quiet, reflective activities and creative problem-solving. In my personal time, I enjoy music festivals, cosplaying with my family, and raising and training foster cats.
When I was five-years-old I was diagnosed with a rare childhood disease which would result in several operations throughout my childhood and into adulthood. That life experience taught me about the importance of autonomy and how that relates to health. Autonomy is an unconditional right and something that every human is capable of exercising. My work in this field is driven by the desire to see that right extended to everyone, especially those living with daily accessibility limitations.
SilverNail provides me with the opportunity to have and create my own flexible schedule and understands the importance of having a work/life balance. I get to work with a diverse and incredible group of humans who all share the same goal of maintaining a level of mutual respect and dedication to all of our clients.
I am a Behavior Professional dedicated to providing person-centered, culturally sensitive, and accessible behavioral support to individuals and families. My focus is on clear communication, consistency, and flexible scheduling, including morning, evening, and weekend availability to meet client needs. In my role, I conduct behavioral assessments, develop Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), and collaborate closely with families, guardians, direct support professionals, case managers, and support teams to deliver high-quality, ongoing care. Driven by a commitment to support underserved communities, I leverage my bilingual abilities to break down language and cultural barriers for Spanish-speaking families navigating behavioral health systems. My professional background includes advocating for unaccompanied immigrant children across the Pacific Northwest and supporting Spanish-speaking families with early childhood developmental milestones and community resources. I hold a bachelor's degree from UCLA and draw from my upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to inform my holistic, intersectional approach to care. Outside of work, I enjoy playing with my dog, going for walks, and going for outdoor runs. I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, as well as watching TV series—especially suspense, thriller, and documentary series.
My goal as a behavior professional is to find the best ways to support each individual based on their unique needs and goals. I meet clients in environments where they feel comfortable and safe, while building trust and helping them develop skills that support greater independence, improve quality of life, and help them overcome challenges. What brought me into this field is my passion for helping individuals and families like mine. I have family members on the Autism Spectrum, so I understand how important it is for families to feel supported, heard, and confident in the care their loved ones receive. I want to help create that same sense of support for other families while helping individuals build meaningful skills and greater independence. I was drawn to SNNW because I value compassion, inclusion, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves to be treated with respect. I appreciate SNNW’s focus on individualized support and creating opportunities for each person to reach their full potential. Not only am I a behavior professional, but I am also currently working as a DSP with 2 years of experience in the field. Before working in IDD services and behavior support, I spent three years as a hospital pharmacy technician, where I developed strong skills in communication, attention to detail, safety, teamwork, and providing person-centered care. I feel most fulfilled when I can make a positive difference in someone’s life, whether through my work or in my personal life. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my Grandma, caring for my animals on my farm (especially my goat, Moose, and my cat, Smog), and spending time with my family and friends. Making time for people and experiences is important to me.
As a Behavior Professional, I believe it is my responsibility to not only create a plan that can enrich the lives of those I serve and those around them, but also to spend quality time getting to know them on a deeper level—beyond just what I read or hear about them. I truly enjoy working for Silvernail NW because they genuinely care about the individuals they support, building meaningful relationships with each person they work with. With 30 years of experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as in the mental health field, my journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of diverse needs across various age groups. I have served as a district behavior specialist for Pre-K through 12th grade and worked with individuals ranging from 18 months to 76 years old in both group home and in-home settings. This extensive experience ultimately led me to Silvernail NW, where I can continue to apply my expertise in a meaningful way, making a lasting impact on the individuals I serve. Balance has been the key to my long-term success in the behavior field without experiencing burnout. I make it a priority to unwind by hiking with my dog, swimming, and taking mini-vacations to the beach.
My academic and professional focus centers on advancing (behavioral) health education through a variety of modalities. My scholarly work and administrative leadership emphasize: Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Developing active learning methodologies and curriculum innovations to increase learner engagement; Faculty/Staff Development: Equipping educators and caregivers with modern instructional strategies, assessment tools, and learner-centered teaching models; and Curriculum Design & Evaluation: Building and evaluating competency-based instruction across settings and frameworks.
I hold a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from UCLA and have authored peer-reviewed contributions in medical education journals, including Academic Medicine, focused on student motivation, learning theories, and instructional innovation. I have twenty-five years of background in medical education, curriculum design, training and development, and academic administration, with extensive experience leading healthcare education and faculty/staff development programs. I have transitioned to Behavioral Support and use the skills honed in higher education administration to develop and deliver support plans for providers and caregivers from Eugene to Portland.
Throughout my career in higher education and academic medicine, I have held key leadership positions across major medical and health science institutions, including Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), serving as Assistant Dean for Education in the School of Nursing, overseeing curriculum innovation, academic policies, and instructional strategy, and Keck School of Medicine of USC / LAC+USC Medical Center, serving as Assistant Dean in the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education, managing resident training programs, educational assessment, and accreditation standards.
I have three amazing daughters, each carving out their paths in life. I enjoy spending time with my dog, Dexter, volunteering at Lone Fir Cemetery, rooting for the Denver Broncos, listening to Duran Duran, and watching/reading/listening to serial killer investigations.
Meet the Quality Assurance Wizards
I strive to ensure new providers know the “unwritten rules”, things that are typically learned after years of experience, in order to help them best serve their clients. I also work with the licensing department to help ensure more consistency in regards to licensing citations.
Meet the DSA Team
As a part-time Administrative Assistant at Silvernail NW, I am committed to supporting our team so they can focus on delivering high-quality care to the individuals and families we serve. Growing up as the fifth daughter in a family of social workers, I developed a strong sense of empathy for those facing challenges. I believe that even a single kind act can have a lasting impact and change someone’s life forever. The “behind-the-scenes” work is where I truly excel, and nothing is more fulfilling than being part of something larger than myself.
After earning my MBA, I achieved my goal of becoming an entrepreneur in the wellness industry, but I quickly realized that being the boss was not what filled my bucket! I now bring years of proactive, detail-oriented organizational skills to my role at Silvernail NW, with a focus on providing quick solutions to unexpected challenges to help optimize our performance. Over time, I’ve become adept at supporting our management team and staff while learning the complexities of our state system
My other happy place is spent on the soccer pitch, watching my amazing teenagers conquer those skills or pounding the pavement, escaping it all in the long run! I completed my first marathon in October, which confirmed that pushing through the hard moments to celebrate a small win is worth it!
My passion is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to try new things, improve their existing skills, and enjoy the world around them. There’s no better feeling than seeing my clients feel proud of themselves and living life to the fullest.
People who don’t work in this industry say things like “you’re an angel” or “it takes a special person” to work with people with disabilities. Maybe I am special, but to me, I see my clients as human beings trying to find their place in the world, follow their dreams, and live life like everyone else. Many people in the general public may not have experience with people with disabilities, and I want to change that! At group Day Support Activities (DSA) events, I’m all about my clients participating as much as possible in community activities and interacting with as many people as they can.
Before joining the SilverNail NW team, I was a para-professional for ten years at a high school in Ohio and a therapeutic riding instructor for three of those years. After coming to Oregon, I experienced the joys and challenges of growing a DSA program for another provider before joining the SNNW team.
This may be overused, but I’m a people person. I’m happiest in a group, talking, learning, having fun. I want people to feel comfortable and accepted, wherever they are. That is to say, I joined SilverNail NW as their Community Services Manager because I love the people on the team and care deeply about the people they support.
In my spare time, I love to hike, go to the beach, and spend time with my family playing games and watching movies. I enjoy exploring new recipes and consider myself a decent cook. I also have two cats who demand my time daily for cuddles, playtime, and treats.
Services
Positive Behavior Support
With direction from people supported, families, ISP teams, and the Oregon Administrative Rules, SilverNail NW works closely to ensure person centered and least restrictive Positive Behavior Support Services.
SilverNail NW has professionals who are OIS certified to write or co-author PBSPs, provide onsite training to the DSPs working with a person who requires safeguarding interventions. At this time we do not provide OIS classes but are happy to refer you to our partners.
Technical Assistance
SilverNail NW provides technical assistance to people, non profits, and companies who want to apply for certification and endorsements in the State of Oregon.
We believe that even the most experienced and educated providers in Oregon benefit from a fresh perspective, system development, and best practices. SilverNail NW has substantial experience meeting the Oregon Administrative Rules in Oregon.