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We have a dedicated leadership team with a proven record of success.
Debby Graham,
Executive Director
Debby has been with Centerforce since May 1994. She graduated from Morris Community High School. After high school, she received a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico in developmental psychology with a minor in therapeutic recreation. She then went on to receive a master’s degree from the same institution in applied behavioral/instructional analysis. Debby also has a PHR certification from the Society for Human Resource Management and is a certified CARF administrative and program surveyor.
Debby has many years of experience working with a wide range of people who have support needs; including those with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, the homeless and runaway teens. This experience gives her a greater understanding about what people need to be successful. She has worked at all levels of social services including residential facilities for juvenile teens, autistic children and adults and homeless teen mothers. Debby’s experience extends into the following areas:
Supervisor for employment & day program services for adults with disabilities in Oregon.
Clinical manager for an outpatient mental health clinic and in-home and school counseling programs in Oregon and Arizona.
Debby finds great enjoyment and fulfillment in assisting others to reach their personal goals and assert the same rights many of us take for granted.
Janet Pouvi,
Program Director
Janet has been with Centerforce since June 2007. She has a bachelor’s degree in human services.
Janet has worked in many of Centerforce’s programs throughout the years, starting in the Person-to-Person program. Once this program was discontinued, she assisted in Pre-Vocational Services, Community Access and Individual Employment.
In 2011, she was promoted to Case Manager, Lead Case Manager in 2012, Client Service Coordinator in 2014 and Program Director in 2017. In Janet’s role as Program Director, she continues to provide Community Guide services to clients, represent Centerforce at outside meetings, and provide training and support to program personnel. She supervises the Community Inclusion Manager, Individual Employment Manager and Case Managers. Janet also assists with the training and support of our work-study students and our UW Tacoma Practicum students.
She has the desire to help improve the quality of life for others and found that she is able to do this through her work here at Centerforce.
Heather Kirschbaum,
Client Services Manager
Heather graduated from Saint Martin’s University with a bachelor of arts in psychology in 2003. While there, she gained internship experience working for Child Protective Services, Child Welfare Services, and Behavioral Health Resources.
She has been with Centerforce since 2008 where she’s had the pleasure of working in multiple departments, including our sheltered workshop, job coaching, case management, Group Supported Employment and Community Inclusion. Working throughout the organization has helped her understand, implement and fulfill Centerforce’s mission and vision, while providing the best service to our clients and their families.
Previously, she worked as a residential counselor at an adolescent group home and as a residential care provider for adults with disabilities before coming to Centerforce.
Shayne Gallauher,
Community Inclusion Manager
Shayne is a dedicated professional with a commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities through inclusive practices and compassionate leadership. With a background in social service, Shayne brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Community Inclusion Manager at Centerforce.
Previously, Shayne served as a family educator within the Head Start program, where she nurtured and empowered families to lay a strong foundation for their children’s future. With a keen eye for individual needs and a passion for advocacy, Shayne further expanded her horizons into case management, working closely with clients from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Shayne’s diverse experience has equipped her with a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families, as well as the importance of personalized support structures in navigating complex social systems.
Transitioning into the field of special education as a behavior therapist with a focus on supporting autistic students, Shayne honed her skills in individualized support and tailored interventions, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.
Since joining Centerforce in September 2023 as a Community Inclusion Specialist, Shayne has been passionate about promoting client satisfaction and inclusion within the community. Her dedication and advocating approach have not only enriched the lives of clients served, but also strives to foster a culture of belonging and empowerment.
In April 2024, Shayne was promoted to Community Inclusion Manager, further solidifying her commitment to driving positive change and fostering inclusive communities. In this capacity, Shayne continues to lead by example, inspiring others to embrace diversity and champion the rights of all to lead fulfilling lives.
As an advocate for social justice and equality, her passion for helping others achieve their goals and find fulfillment serves as a guiding force in all her endeavors.
Christina White,
Individual Employment Manager
Christina graduated from Central Washington University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and law. Her early aspirations were to work as an immigration/animal rights attorney. In college, she worked as a caretaker for individuals with disabilities and it quickly became her passion.
After graduation, she came to Centerforce in 2019 as a job coach. She loves to be an advocate and wants employers to see each client's full potential. She enjoys making connections in the community, with families and at worksites.
In 2023, she was promoted to Centerforce’s individual employment manager.
Ashley Johnson,
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Manager
Ashley Johnson recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. While working on her degree, Ashley interned at Centerforce as an Employment Specialist in Individual Employment from January 2022 until May 2023.
After graduation, Ashley continued her work at Centerforce in its Division of Vocational Rehabilitation program. She has worked as a job coach and developer, participating in job fairs and workshops for DVR and School-to-Work clients. In 2023, she was promoted to Centerforce’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation manager.
Ashley enjoys helping and encouraging others to find their passions while supporting them so they can reach their goals.
Join Centerforce
Centerforce is a great resource for those seeking full-time employment, part-time employment, and work-study or internship opportunities. We are always seeking eager students willing to learn from our agency and teach us some things as well.
If you are interested in any of the available positions, please email your resume to Debby Graham at debbyg@centerforce.net.
Community Employment Specialist
● Need excellent customer service and communication skills to interact with clients, families, employers and the community.
● Work closely with your team members.
● Develop relationships with business/employers in the community to secure jobs for people with disabilities.
● Assistance of clients in building work readiness, and social and self-advocacy skills through work experiences and individual coaching.
● Document service through a cloud-based client management system.
● Facilitation of client job/activity starts and provide on-site training and guidance to both the client and their supervisors/coworkers.
Board
Kevin J. Carpenter, Chair
Port of Tacoma, Senior Project Manager
Kevin has a long history of nonprofit involvement. He was introduced to Centerforce by the former Development Director in 2012, after moving home to Tacoma from the Midwest. Looking for a new opportunity to serve, he quickly recognized Centerforce as that opportunity, and joined the Board of Directors soon thereafter. Kevin’s focus is fundraising and event coordination. He has served as Board Vice-Chair and currently serves as Board Chair.
Kevin received his bachelor of science in computer science from Washington State University and is currently Senior IT Project Manager at the Port of Tacoma where he is also building the Port’s Change Leadership program.
Ray Allen Krontz, Treasurer
Retired, Attorney
Ray grew up with a developmentally disabled younger brother with cerebral palsy and, in later years, was his brother’s guardian. Ray knows what it’s like to live with and to look after a loved one with special needs. Ray has lived most of his life in Washington state, graduating from Bothell High School in 1976, Washington State University in 1980, and Willamette University College of Law in 1983. He made a career in law book publishing, working at times for Butterworth Legal Publishers, the Washington Supreme Court, CD Law, Inc., and Reed Elsevier Lexis.
Ray and his wife, Connie, are now retired. They have one child, Jack, who is developing a career in social work. Ray has served on the Centerforce board since 2006.
Janee’ Cantu, Secretary
President, Integrated Claims Management
Janee has worked with businesses for over 25 years to help support their industrial insurance needs. While passionate about her work, she finds giving back to the community as equally important. Leveraging her skills learned while owning and managing her own business, she is committed to be an advocate for Centerforce’s mission and make valuable contributions as a board member. She first joined the Centerforce board in early 2020 and is currently serving as Secretary.
In her free time, Janee enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and paper crafting.
Vernell Chandler
Retired, Tacoma Schools Special Education
Vern brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Centerforce's Board of Directors, where he has been an esteemed member for many years. Vern holds a bachelor of arts from Central Washington State College, and a master of counseling psychology and a master of special education/special needs leadership from the University of Washington.
Vern's professional journey spans decades of dedicated service in the field of education, including working for Bellevue Public Schools and Tacoma Public Schools until his retirement in 2002. His work in schools laid the groundwork for his passion for fostering inclusive learning environments. Post-retirement, Vern's dedication to education continued for 13 more years at Bates Technical College, where he served in a part-time capacity, imparting knowledge and guidance to aspiring educators.
Vern's multifaceted career and profound commitment to inclusive education make him an invaluable asset to our Board of Directors. His wealth of experience, coupled with a fervent advocacy for educational equity, continues to shape and guide Centerforce's mission towards creating inclusive and empowering opportunities for all.
Cardell Simmons
Semi-retired
Cardell is a lifelong native of Tacoma and a graduate of Washington State University with a bachelor of arts degree. With a few different careers under his belt, most notably as a college admissions advisor, he joined Centerforce’s board as he saw his work experience aligned with Centerforce's goals and mission.
Prior to being accepted to the Centerforce board, Cardell has had a long history of volunteer service in Pierce County including working with public television and radio stations for over 20 years. Outside of his board duties, Cardell currently helps with a local hospice organization and volunteers to help children living with critical illnesses.
Bo Carpenter
Warehouse manager, TerraFirma Foundation Services
Email
Bo was born and raised in Tacoma and graduated from the University of Washington Tacoma with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. After college, he spent some time organizing interviews and showcases for local artists and business owners. He joined Centerforce in 2023 as a board member and is looking forward to working within the greater South Sound community.