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Olyvia started as a Family Resources Coordinator in June 2018. Olyvia grew up in her family's church and daycare program, and has helped with multiple programs within the facility. Before coming to Progress Center, Olyvia worked in an infant room and loved getting to cuddle with babies and enjoyed watching how much a baby can grow and learn in a year.
Olyvia has a two year old son, who is the light of her life. All her free time goes to him, which is perfectly fine with her. |
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Janey is joining the Progress Center after spending the last nine years working with students in an elementary setting. There she worked as a para educator as well as a substitute classroom teacher, primarily working with students within the Special Education Department. In 2018 she started on a long and bumpy road by returning to college while working full time and raising her own children. She found the drive and determination it would take to follow her dreams and complete her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development in 2022. Janey is continuing with her studies as she works towards her Masters in Education, which she hopes to complete in early 2024.
In her spare time (which isn’t a lot), Janey enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, gardening, traveling, home improvement, and of course spending time with her family. |
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Sheena Roche joined Progress Center in May 2023. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education for 15 years. Sheena has always had a passion for working with children and their families. She enjoys watching each child develop and grow on their own path.
Sheena has two girls, a bonus son, and too many pets to list. She enjoys seeking adventure with her children on the weekends. |
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Andrea started in July of 2019 as a Family Resource Coordinator. Prior to The Progress Center she worked in the medical field as a patient representative and medical assistant for 15 years. She has always had a passion to be a resource for families in her community.
Andrea has two sons. In her free time she enjoy's the outdoors, exploring new trails to hike, kayaking, camping, going the beach, and having gatherings at her house with friends and family. Andrea's favorite place to visit is Alaska and her bucket list destination is Scotland. |
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Amie comes to The Progress Center with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor Degree is Early Childhood Education Administration. I currently have over 25 years of experience working with children infant through school age in a variety of roles. She has been a Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Teacher Family Advocate and Site Supervisor/Director. Her passion is to support the whole family and helping parents feel confident in their role as their child's "#1 Teacher".
In her free time she likes to spend time outdoors especially at the beach and taking walks with her Yorkie "Dollie". |
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Nicola joined the Progress Center in November 2023 as a Family Resources Coordinator, bringing with her a wealth of experience in education and support for children with special needs. Prior to joining the team, Nicola worked with ESD 112. Her deep commitment to empowering families and helping them navigate the resources and services available to them drives her work. Nicola is particularly passionate about ensuring families have the support they need during critical developmental years, especially for children with developmental delays.
As a lifelong resident of Southwest Washington, Nicola is deeply connected to her community and is committed to making a positive impact locally. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, and embraces a love for the outdoors—whether she’s camping, paddleboarding, or traveling to new destinations in search of adventure and new experiences. |
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Kara Harris draws from personal experience to guide her leadership at Progress Center. Kara joined the organization in 2004, after one of her children was diagnosed with a developmental disability and became a Progress Center client. Working with Progress Center staff to encourage her child’s development, she developed a love for early intervention and began working in the Hospital to Home program.
As a parent and former foster parent to children with special needs, Kara is passionate about the essential role of caregivers as members of a child’s early intervention team. She is dedicated to empowering families to advocate for their children. Kara worked as a home visitor, family resources coordinator, and program director at Progress Center before becoming executive director in November 2015. Kara has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. Kara and her husband, Toby, have six children and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys reading, visiting vintage shops, and spending time with her family. She is active in church and community groups, and has developed and facilitated support groups for foster and adoptive families. |
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As an adoptive and biological mother of eleven and grandmother to ten, children have always been a major focus in Jeanmarie’s life.
Her first job at age 15, was teaching creative movement to pre-school age children, a job she retired from this past June. She has also worked as a Treehouse Educational Advocacy Peer Trainer, the Lead Mentor in the Parent Mentor Program, and as an assistant in the Adoption Unit of Children’s Administration, where she established the Office Moms & Dads program in Cowlitz County. Jeanmarie now enjoys supporting the Progress Center staff who so lovingly assisted many of the children entrusted to her care during the fifteen years she cared directly for children in the foster care system. Jeanmarie and Gregory, her husband of 38 years, are currently the AdoptUSKids Washington State Media Spokesfamily. |
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Megan Schwengler joined Progress Center as a Physical Therapist in June of 2020. She earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Willamette University and then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Hampton University. Prior to The Progress Center, Megan worked in an outpatient clinic with 0–21-year-olds and has always enjoyed working with children and their families. Megan grew up in Clark County. She moved to Virginia and then Arizona to be with her husband who was serving in the Coast Guard.
Megan and her husband enjoy the outdoors including camping and riding four wheelers and watching sports together. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and snuggling up at home watching a good movie or TV show. |
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Stacie has been working at the Progress Center for 25 years!! She spent the first nine years as an early intervention teacher and has also worked as a Family Resources Coordinator. Stacie is currently serving as the Intake Coordinator at the Progress Center and also completes initial evaluations to determine a child's eligibility for early intervention services.
Stacie has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Washington State University. It was there that she began providing one-on-one therapeutic intervention and home-based services with children 3-5 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorders, which led her to the field of education. Stacie grew up in the Longview area and attended local schools. She was happy to move back here following her four years in Pullman, WA. Stacie is married to her husband, Raymond, of 19 years and has two daughters, Madeleine and Lucy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, binge-watching streaming shows, camping, kayaking, attending her girls' activities, and spending time with her family. Stacie is also a member of the Washington Officials Association and officiates local basketball, fastpitch, and football games. |
Karen Stacey
Lead Family Resources Coordinator/Program Director 360-425-9810 ext. 217 [email protected] |
Karen is a mother to three beautiful daughters. One of her children came to Progress Center when she was younger and that was Karen's first encounter with early intervention. Karen has an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Lower Columbia College.
Karen has worked at Progress Center since November 2008. She enjoys her job and the joy that it brings. Karen has lived in Cowlitz County her entire life. When she is not working she enjoys camping, spending time at the river, and all things related to her children. Karen has a beautiful baby grandson whom she loves and adores more than life. |
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Stacey Verduzco is a Early Support Specialist. She joined Progress Center in November of 2018. Stacey is originally from Eastern Washington. She moved to North Carolina to be with her husband who was serving in the Marine Corps. She was a nanny for six years. She then moved to Longview, where she continued to worked with children at a daycare and kids clubs.
Stacey and her husband enjoy exploring the outdoors, traveling, and cooking! She also loves spending time with their two dogs, cat and friends! |
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Lisa is an Early Support Specialist who joined Progress Center July of 2022. Lisa is bringing hands-on experience with infants and toddlers as a Lead Teacher at a local early learning center since 2017. She is continuing her education at Lower Columbia College with the focus on Early Childhood Education. Lisa continues her skill-building by attending workshops, online classes, and education summits. She enjoys meeting and connecting with children and their parents, giving options and ideas to inspire the family to engage in play as a way to meet milestones, and celebrate with the family as they reach their goals.
Lisa and her husband have three grown children and enjoy their free time being out in nature. Camping, walking with their two dogs, or hitting the road on their motorcycle are some of the activities that keep them busy. |
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Alicia joined the progress center in January 2024 as a Family Resources Coordinator. Alicia brings a wealth of experience in assisting individuals and their families/caregivers receiving supportive services. Alicia moved to the Pacific Northwest 5 years ago after graduating with a BA in psychology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Alicia currently lives in Kelso with her husband. She is a proud mother of 2 and grandmother of 1 handsome and active grandson. Alicia enjoys going to concerts, perusing record stores, thrifting for vintage decor, and visiting family. |
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Jueanne joined the Progress Center staff in August 2022 as an Office Assistant.
Born and raised in Michigan, she moved to Washington with her husband, David, in 1991. They are the parents of 6 children and grandparents of 6 (but hoping for more!). Jueanne has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, and previously served as the founding director of Rising Star Productions Community Theater for 10 years. When not directing or acting, Jueanne enjoys dabbling in a variety of hobbies, but mostly she enjoys being "Grandma." |
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Savannah has lived in Cowlitz County her entire life but has moved just over 20 different times since birth. She volunteered at the Progress Center before coming to work here and has always enjoyed working with kids. In her free time, Savannah enjoys playing with her Australian Shephard, Loki, going on spontaneous trips and drives, along with getting to relax at home with her fiancé, Paul, watching movies and eating way too many snacks. Savannah's favorite thing to do in life is to help people, wanting to do whatever it takes to put a smile on someone's face and brighten their day with some positivity.
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Vicky was born and raised in a small country town outside of D.C. until she moved to Montana as a teenager, where she met her husband of 27 years. She moved to Washington in 2001, and children have been the center of her world ever since. While working at a daycare, she found a new love for working with children. Vicky and her husband became foster parents for over 10 years and were part of the parent mentoring program. During that time, they welcomed six more kids into their family, which originally consisted of four.
Vicky spent three years devoted to children's safety by supervising parent-child visits. She has a passion for teaching and safety and hopes to help and teach more families |
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Ginger is a small-town girl, born & raised in Longview. She attended local schools as a young girl and went on to attend Lower Columbia College, where she received her Early Childhood Degree and continuing education. She has worked in various programs in Cowlitz County serving children & families for 30 years.
Ginger married her husband Ger in 1996. They have two boys, Macen & Zander. They have a crazy, fun cat named Jax and a turtle who lives outside & hibernates 6 months out of the year. As a family, they stay busy with sports, spectating/playing basketball and baseball. They also love to take their wave runners out in the summer. When vacationing, Bend, Oregon is a favorite get-a-way spot. Ginger enjoys kayaking, spin class and spending time with her family & friends. |
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Maria joined the Progress Center as a Family Resource Coordinator in July 2024.
Before joining Progress Center, Maria spent 14 years working as a Bilingual Family Liaison at Wallace Elementary within the Kelso School District and volunteered with other community agencies. Maria believes her calling has been to help bridge the gap of communication for families and their children. She describes this as the most rewarding experience of her life. Maria has 5 children and 3 grandchildren whom she adores. She also has a dog named Shredder and 2 cats. Maria enjoys cooking, dancing, traveling to new places and family gatherings. |
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Vici was introduced to the Progress Center in 2017 when her daughter became a client, and since then, she has been inspired to contribute to the mission of supporting children and families. With nearly 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Vici is passionate about fostering growth and development in young learners. Over the past 3 years, she has worked with Broadway, further refining her education and child development expertise.
Vici holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies with a focus on Special and Elementary Education. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time at the beach with her daughter. |
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Eli joins the Progress Center as a pediatric occupational therapist who brings many years of experience working with kids with special needs. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 2019. Eli has worked in a school district and in an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic. Eli is particularly passionate about helping parents understand their child's needs so they can be the strongest advocate for their child. Using a neurodiversity-affirming approach that embraces and celebrates the differences and preferences of each child, Eli loves to help families find new ways to connect and play with their child in a way that promotes learning and growth.
Ever the adventurer, Eli is an avid hiker and loves doing anything outdoors. She even picked up snowboarding when she moved here in 2022! She also enjoys seeing live music, gardening, and salsa dancing. |
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Michelle has dedicated over 14 years to Early Childhood Education. With a genuine passion for early intervention, she finds great fulfillment in witnessing the growth and development of children as they reach new milestones and discover the world around them. Michelle is deeply committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive, learn, and achieve their fullest potential.
As a mother of two, Michelle understands the importance of early developmental support, both personally and professionally. Her approach is rooted in compassion, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of every child she works with. Outside of her professional life, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and extended family. Whether it's camping under the stars, relaxing on the beach, or creating lasting memories with loved ones, she values the balance of family, nature, and connection. |
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Elizabeth (Liz) is joining the progress center after spending the last three years working as a special education and literacy paraprofessional for grades k-5, while also committing some of that time to being an emergency substitute teacher. Liz returned to college and is almost done with her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Liz aspires to continue with her schooling and obtain a master’s in early childhood education.
Liz is a mother of two children and her family seeks adventure whenever possible. Liz enjoys waterparks, zoos, museums, the beach, and most of all she wants to go to Disney World in Florida when her kids are a little older. Liz also enjoys storyboarding in her spare time along with drawing, painting, sawing, and anything to deal with art. Liz's first passion early in life was writing and art. |
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Originally from Hood River, Oregon, Abi moved to pursue her education and is now about to graduate from LCC’s teacher education bachelor’s program, with plans to start her master’s degree this fall. Her journey working with children began at Mt. Hood, where she taught ski and snowboard lessons. Since then, she has gained experience in various roles, including working at a children’s art museum, as a nanny, and as a Head Start assistant teacher.
When she’s not working or studying, Abi enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her love for the outdoors keeps her busy hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. These activities not only fuel her adventurous spirit but also inspire her work with children by teaching the value of exploration and resilience. |