Chief Executive Officer
Program Director
Finance Director
Data Manager
Operations Manager
SLATE Program Manager
Family Service Manager
Family Services Coordinator
Fiscal Assistant
Lead Consultant
Parent Consultant
(Early Start)
Receptionist
(Spanish Bilingual)
Bilingual Parent Consultant
(Spanish Bilingual)
Intake Specialist
Community Navigator (Spanish Bilingual)
Bilingual Parent Consultant (Spanish Bilingual)
Behavior Program Coordinator
Gina’s background is in nursing however after her son was diagnosed with autism in 1996 she pursued a different career path serving families who have children with diverse abilities. Through her 15 plus years at RFENC, she has accomplished many things that promote system change. In her words, “Working together is the key to meaningful change that creates a true impact in the communities RFENC serves. Living here my whole life, I know that each county and its many communities are all unique in what they need. I enjoy teaching and supporting others as they learn and put their new skills into action. I must say, my favorite part about working at RFENC is being part of a culture that creates positive outcomes and system change that lead to growth and progress.”
Elena has worked in education and with behavioral students for over 10 years. She taught in the SLATE program for 8 years before becoming director. She is married with two adult children, one typical and one high-functioning Autism and anxiety disorder. Elena has a Master’s in Education with a credential in School Counseling, but life’s experiences have been her biggest teacher. She loves to play with her six grandchildren, paint/draw, ride her bicycle, and take rides with her hubby on his Harley.
The Gibson’s moved to Redding from Florida in 2013 not because Kristen wanted to share in the misery of incredibly hot summers, but because of her husband, Jason’s, job. They have two sons, Drew born in 2003 and Logan born in 2006. Kristen says Logan is a “rough and tumble” boy. He loves sports and doesn’t let Down Syndrome slow him down. In her search for services and a school for Logan, Kristen became familiar with RFENC. When she’s not working she enjoys being with her family.
Jennifer originally started working with RFENC from 2004 to 2016 as the Database Specialist. She helped create the database that houses the data for RFENC’s funding. She stepped away for 4+ years to develop herself by working as an Administrative Assistant and now is back as the Database Specialist and is supporting the team with new found knowledge and encouragement. Her two daughters started in 2004 as peer mentors for the SLATE program and they are now working in and studying Special Education and Social Work areas. Jennifer truly believes with teaching our young people about disability awareness that we can make a huge impact in all communities. She also believes that the data generated from the services provided, here at RFENC and the surveys acquired from families, will tell the story on how our organization can make change in our systems and give our families a better outcome in navigating services for their children.
I am a Shasta County native; I have lived here my whole life; I grew up in Old Shasta with my parents and my two brothers. My husband and I have two sons, Aaden is 13 years old, and Izick is 9 years old. Aaden was diagnosed with non-verbal autism and sensory processing disorder at the age of 2 ½ and it has been a journey since. Both of my sons are on IEP’s and are thriving in school. Izick loves to play sports, and we love to watch him play. Aaden enjoys playing baseball in the Challengers league here in Shasta County and in the summer, he enjoys our SLATE program. My son Izick goes as a peer mentor, he enjoys helping others and talking with other peers who have siblings with disabilities. I drove the school bus for the Redding Rancheria HeadStart and for Cascade School district, driving students with behaviors and special needs; I was a bus driver for 10 years. I came to Rowell in 2024 as a Community Navigator and have found my place in this world. Helping others in their family’s journey is an honor and a great feeling. I enjoy traveling with my family, going to the beach, hiking, playing sports, and adventures.
Laura has worked for 20 plus years with behavioral students in the educational system. Her parents launched her passion for children through their foster home of 32 years. Growing up on a family farm and raising 2 children on a farm in Cottonwood has helped keep her grounded with her love for nature and animals. She loves the challenge of finding what behaviors are communicating and impowering children to get their needs met.
McKenzie is a Redding native and a 2022 graduate of Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work while playing Division II college softball. Her journey with Rowell began at the age of four through peer mentoring with the SLATE program, sparking a lifelong passion for the Special Needs community and advocacy for those whose voices are often unheard. She is now excited to come full circle as a member of the Rowell team, where she looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the disability community. In addition to her work in with Rowell, McKenzie is a high school varsity softball coach, using her athletic background to mentor and inspire young athletes. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dogs, hiking, kayaking, and camping, always seeking new adventures in the great outdoors.
Janeth moved to Redding when she was 13 from the Bay Area. She the second oldest of seven kids and from a young age she has helped translate for her mom. Janeth previously worked as a CNA for 4 years before she started to learn about Rowell which then led her to work for her sister, Jasmin, as well as caring for other adults with disabilities who she has grown close with them and their families. She has always found myself wanting to help people so she’s happy to be able to continue with that here at Rowell. Outside of everything, Janeth enjoys trying new foods, whether that be cooking at home or trying a new restaurant. She loves to go thrifting and being on the hunt for good pieces to be re-loved. Her all-time favorite pastime is to just be at home watching musicals and singing her heart out on the couch.
Christine started with RFENC in 2003 as a Parent Liaison, left to focus on family in 2004, then returned to us in 2010 in her present position. She likes to say she was part of the “Adopt 2 Get 1 Free” Program regarding her children. Christine and her husband adopted Taylor and then Tiffany. Roughly a year later they were blessed by pregnancy and the birth of Trisha. Taylor has auditory processing disorder and memory challenges. From birth to toddler he was a frequent visitor of doctors’ offices everywhere. And Tiffany was no stranger to doctors either. Christine enjoys sewing and cooking for her family.
A native Oregonian, Monica came to Rowell Family Empowerment because of her son, Alix, who was born in 2000 and has the diagnosis of autism. Monica says, “Alix has changed my life in so many positive ways. I’m honored to work with other families who are walking the same path.” Her heart is to assist and help bring relief to each household. Her educational background is in business and early childhood. When she’s not in the office she enjoys the beauty of the outdoors, the sounds of opera, and spending time with her family and friends.
San Jose natives, Margaret, husband Steve and daughter Shelby left the cooler bay area and moved to the Redding area in 2010 to be closer to family. She has an extensive background in Early Childhood Education, a Credential in Parent Education and has worked in different schools and programs with the special needs population since 2008. Although not a parent of a special needs child of her own, over the years she has endeared herself to many special needs children and families and is proud to say that she has “Many Special Needs Children”. Margaret enjoys visiting the coast as often as possible, camping and Lake Shasta.
A native of Guatemala, Leslie came to the US in 1993. She and her husband Werner have two children, Werner Jr., born in 1995 and Suzette born in 1997. Both have autism and both attend Shasta College. Werner is pursuing a certificate in Customer Service while Suzette is in Early Childhood Education. Leslie sits on the board of directors for Far Northern Regional Center. She gets much joy from embroidering and cooking for her family. She also leads the Spanish-speaking support group here in Redding.
Susan comes to us with 16 years of experience in the educational field. A transplant from San Diego, she and her family landed in the small town of Fall River Mills, where she got her start working with English language learners. From there Susan pursued her desire to serve the under-served. Hired as a SEPHA (one on one) aide in the moderate/severe classroom, she gained many skills. For the last six years, Susan provided Behavior Intervention support for children whom are “different abled”, working alongside teachers, parents, and school staff to enable the successes of the children she served. She is looking forward to using her experience and education to help families navigate the school system.
I have a background in Dental as an RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) and office administration since 1998. My career path changed to Case Management, and the past 7 years as an Office Administrator in Social Work. My husband and I have been married for 28 years, and we have 5 boys and 6 grandchildren. In 2008, I was introduced to Rowell and attended training in IEPs, & 504’s to help me enable the educational success of my children. I became a Rowell board member shortly after and spent many years there. I am excited to be a part of the Rowell team and look forward to impacting communities by bringing awareness and support to families.
Heidy is an avid youth and family advocate with a deep commitment to supporting underserved populations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from UCLA and is highly experienced in supporting children of ranging abilities in and out of the classroom setting. Outside of her professional life, Heidy is also a proud mother to two wonderful kids, Benjamin and Elliot. She is a Native Spanish speaker and enjoys learning foreign languages, hiking, LEGOs, and caring for houseplants.
Darline is an LA native and moved to Redding in 2022. Darline previously worked as a medical assistant and once she moved to Redding, she saw a need where she knew that she could make a difference in people’s lives, so she started working in a crisis home. There she fell in love with helping families and individuals with disabilities. Darline enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling.
Born and raised in Los Angeles,Andrew pursued a career in behavior after seeing the need through volunteering at various orphanages in Mexico. After 5 years, the passion for helping families has only increased. He is bilingual in both English and Spanish which has led him to provide a voice for many families. He has called Redding home for the last 3 years and loves it. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, eating good food, and spending time with friends. He has a love for music, writes songs, and auditioned for the voice in 2021.
