Meet the Staff

Leah Velasco (she/her)
Executive Director

Leah has been part of the CFI team since 2009. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington and has 10 plus years of experience in advocating for people with disabilities. She has also experienced living with various disabilities and has overcome several health challenges, which motivates her to help other people overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

Todd Holloway (he/his)
Senior IL Advocate (Lakewood)

Todd Holloway is a Senior Independent Living Advocate for the Center for Independence in Lakewood. He works at the local, state, federal, and international levels on Inclusive Emergency Management. Prior to his 10 plus years at CFI, he worked in hospitals doing biomedical photography and videography. He was the media specialist in the education department at Good Samaritan Hospital, where he met the staff and the first director of CFI which was then located on the campus of Good Samaritan. He has never been more comfortable in any position than the one he is in now with CFI.

Ashley Smith (she/her)
Administrative Coordinator (Lakewood)

Ashley Smith first got involved with CFI as a volunteer in 2006 and has supported CFI in various roles.  She is now CFI's Administrative Coordinator and is pursuing her degree in Emergency Management with a focus on inclusive preparedness.  She has completed many trainings with FEMA in Pierce and King County and has led Emergency Preparedness workshops for CFI's participants and the community. She also coordinates the Out and About support group in Lakewood.

Lindsey Schwalm (she/her)
IL Supervisor/IL Project Coordinator (Lakewood)

Lindsey Schwalm is our IL Supervisor and supports staff in both offices. She has a BA in Sociology and supports CFI in various roles such as being the editor of our quarterly newsletter and planning events such as our annual community picnic. Lindsey also works with participants in all of our programs and is fierce when it comes to advocating for equity, equality and justice for people with disabilities from all backgrounds. Lindsey is a leader and a peer in our community and is passionate about helping CFI grow.

Chris Notaras (she/her)
IL Coordinator (Marysville)

Christia Notaras comes from an extensive background working with people with disabilities as an Employment Specialist and School to Work Liaison at a non-profit organization called Cascade Connections. She also has worked in the Bellingham School District as an Instructional Assistant and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Assessment. Working at Cascade Connections, she was also an IL provider for DVR.

El Sablan (she/her)
Youth Transition Specialist (Lakewood)

El is a Youth Transition Specialist in our Lakewood office and works primarily with youth to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services in the schools. She has experience working as a job coach/employment specialist for various employment agencies that serve people with disabilities. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Criminal Justice and loves helping youth reach their full potential.

Kimberlee Danielson (she/her)
IL Coordinator (Marysville)

Kimberlee is an Independent Living Coordinator and has five plus years of experience working with people with disabilities. She has a BA with an emphasis in Social Psychology, Community Resources and Business Leadership. Her previous job was at Cares of Washington, where she worked as an Employment Support Specialist. She is passionate about helping people achieve their goals.

Anna Ihrig (she/her)
Youth Transition Coordinator (Lakewood)

Anna is the Youth Transition Coordinator for the Lakewood office. She received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Washington. Anna has a passion for supporting youth in our community. She comes with a background of working with youth with disabilities as a certified Behavior Technician. She is responsible for helping youth achieve their independent living goals through one-on-one mentoring, pre-employment transition services, support groups, and CFI’s Summer Workshop. Anna believes that positive, long-lasting change happens when we meet people where they are at and help them identify their unique and powerful strengths.

Karissa Bacus (she/her) Youth Transition Coordinator (Marysville)

Karissa is the Youth Transition Coordinator for the Marysville office. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Early Childhood and Family Studies from the University of Washington. She is responsible for helping youth achieve their independent living goals through one-on-one mentoring, pre-employment transition services, support groups, and CFI’s Summer Workshop. Karissa is excited to be able to provide services that are tailored to each person’s unique strengths and goals.

Jesse Gilpatrick (he/him)
Peer Support Specialist (Marysville)

Jesse is our Peer Support Specialist in the Marysville office and facilitates our Out and About peer support group. He also provides information and referral to our callers. Jesse brings experience with facilitating small groups and has over 3 years' experience performing administrative tasks, and providing technical support regarding electronic equipment. He also has valuable lived experience pertaining to the community we serve.