Better Together Supports
Better Together Supports

Better Together Support Team

Who We Are

We are a team of people who have been in the IDD community from being DSP’s and educators to front line advocates. We believe that each of our clients has the potential to not only exist in their community but also thrive within it, be accepted into it, interact within it, and contribute to it. We also believe that DSP’s are the best chance we have as an agency at impacting the lives our clients and we want to see our DSP’s succeed for their clients sake and their own sake, not ours.
CEO

David Neely

CEO

David Neely

David grew up working in the IDD community by his witnessing his mother’s work in education. As a result of what he saw, David began his own career in the IDD community by supporting IDD students in the classroom as well. This eventually turned into him being a DSP in a group home and eventually to becoming the HR Director for another community living supports agency.

David has an educational background in psychology and business. It was his experience and education that eventually led him to start Better Together Supports. It is his belief that we were created to thrive in community and his vision is to lean on that truth for the benefit of BTS clients and DSP’s.

Finance Team

Finance Director

Richard Neely
Billing Specialist

Janey Kuhn

Finance Director

Richard Neely

Richard has served various communities as a pastor, principle, teacher, and even a financial advisor. He has helped support members of the IDD community in school and social settings. Richard has an educational background in finance and Biblical studies. He is also a veteran of the United States Army.

Billing Specialist

Janey Kuhn

With over 20 years of expertise in accounting, medical billing, payroll, and operational management, Janey brings a proven track record of supporting medical offices, hospitals, surgery centers, and state fiscal services. Her work spans both private healthcare and public sector environments, ensuring compliance, financial accuracy, and efficient business operations.

Relations Team

Client Relations Director

Sarah Martinez
Bilingual Relationship Coordinator

Janet Martinez
Bilingual Relationship Coordinator

Elvia Zavaleta
Bilingual Relationship Coordinator

Melissa Beltran
Relationship Coordinator

Erika Loftin

Client Relations Director

Sarah Martinez

Sarah’s passion for service shines at Better Together Supports. With unparalleled customer care and organization as her greatest strengths, she goes the extra mile to creatively solve challenges for clients and staff alike.

Now, Sarah brings her knack for building connections to her role at Better Together. She thrives on investing in our DSPs, celebrating every shared success with clients, and embodying the belief that when we support each other, we all grow together. Her dedication has been pivotal to our journey, from 10 DSPs when she joined as our first internal employee to the vibrant organization we are today.

Bilingual Relationship Coordinator

Janet Martinez

Janet is our bilingual relationship coordinator. Her journey into this role is rooted in a deep commitment to fostering connections and enhancing support systems. Beyond her professional endeavors, Janet enjoys spending time with her children and family.

Her passion for seasonal decorating transforms her home around the year. She’s dedicated to maintaining a clean and orderly living space. With several thriving plants gracing her home, they breathe life into her surroundings.

Bilingual Relationship Coordinator

Elvia Zavaleta

Elvia has been an integral part of our team for the past year, bringing over 10 years of dedicated experience in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field. Her deep compassion, professionalism, and positive energy make her a trusted and valued team member. Elvia is a proud bilingual professional, enhancing our ability to serve a diverse community with empathy and cultural understanding. Her enthusiasm extends beyond her work—she enjoys dancing and singing, which reflects her uplifting and engaging personality.

Bilingual Relationship Coordinator

Melissa Beltran

Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and brings three years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She’s worked as both a Direct Support Professional and a Behavior Technician, where she discovered her passion for helping children on the autism spectrum learn and grow. Outside of work, Melissa loves spending time with her family and giving back to her community as a youth leader, mentoring and cheering on the next generation.

Relationship Coordinator

Erika Loftin

For Erika, connection isn’t just part of the job — it’s what she does best. As a Relationship Coordinator at Better Together Supports, she brings warmth, compassion, and a genuine love for people to every interaction. She’s passionate about helping others feel seen, supported, and valued, believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can take root and grow into something beautiful.

Outside of work, Erika finds joy in spending time with her husband, their three wonderful children, and their lively bunch of animals—including two dogs, two cats, and a flock of backyard chickens. Whether she’s getting her hands dirty in the garden, strolling through a farmers market with an iced coffee in hand, or enjoying a peaceful day by the lake, she’s happiest when surrounded by nature, her favorite people, and plenty of sunshine.

Compliance Team

Compliance Director

LauraLynn Ripoyla
Lead Compliance Specialist

Danika Kennedy
Compliance Specialist

Andrea Martinez
Education Specialist

Rachel Linder
Education Specialist

Erin Rolik
Bilingual Education Specialist

Donny Miles
Bilingual Education Specialist

Maria Luisa Varona
Human Resource Specialist

Paul Corbell

Compliance Director

LauraLynn Ripoyla

LauraLynn initially joined BTS in 2023 on a temporary basis, but she quickly found herself enamored with the work and decided to make it a permanent gig. With over 13 years of experience as a CNA and MHTT under her belt, LauraLynn made a pivot back to education after her son began displaying signs of atypical development. This journey led her to dive into child development classes, ultimately culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Completing her student teaching stint in a school with high behavioral needs, LauraLynn brings a wealth of firsthand experience to her role. With a deep understanding as both a caregiver and a mother of a neurodivergent child, coupled with her educational background, she’s uniquely equipped to provide invaluable support to both clients and staff at BTS. Her ultimate goal? To witness everyone thriving together.

Lead Compliance Specialist

Danika Kennedy

Danika’s dedication to special education sparked in Lebanon High School as a student aide and blossomed through her work in local schools. With two impactful years in residential treatment and another two as a behavior coach, she’s honed a keen sense for transformative care.

Now, Danika brings her passion for progress to Better Together as our Compliance Manager. She thrives on guiding our DSPs and celebrating every stride forward with our clients, embodying the belief that growth is a journey we share. Her role is central to our mission, shaping the framework of excellence and shared success that defines our community.

Compliance Specialist

Andrea Martinez

Andrea is a dedicated individual from Gresham, Oregon, with experience in behavioral support, direct care, and customer service. She is passionate about helping others especially in the Spanish speaking community and is known for her empathy, teamwork, and attention to detail. Andrea is eager to continue growing and making positive impact through her work.

Education Specialist

Rachel Linder

Rachel Linder is the calming and grounding presence in our team. As our newest Washington County Education Specialist, she brings a sense of assurance to everything she does. Rachel’s calm demeanor spreads through the team, making her a trusted resource. For clients in Washington County, Rachel is your go-to contact!

Education Specialist

Erin Rolik

Erin is our newest Clackamas County Education Specialist, bringing her upbeat personality and go-to attitude to the team. Currently working on her Master’s in Special Education, Erin is a rising star in the field, and we’re excited to see her grow. If you have clients in Clackamas County, reach out to Erin!

Bilingual Education Specialist

Donny Miles

Donny Miles comes to Better Together Supports with a strong foundation in Special Education and direct support training. With years of experience supporting individuals across a range of abilities, Donny has provided hands-on care and led training for DSPs focused on person-centered, trauma-informed support. He has worked closely with families, schools, and service agencies to help create consistent, empowering environments for children and adults alike. As Bilingual Education Specialist, Donny supports multilingual clients and their teams with culturally responsive guidance, clear communication, and resource navigation. His background as a linguist and educator allows him to bridge gaps across language and learning needs. He’s passionate about equity in education and support services, and brings warmth, creativity, and professionalism to every collaboration.

Bilingual Education Specialist

Maria Luisa Varona

My name is Maria Luisa Varona, and I serve as a bilingual Education Specialist for Better Together Supports. I have worked for nearly a decade in schools as both a paraeducator and one-on-one educational assistant for students with disabilities. Last year, I obtained my Master’s degree in bilingual education and served as a dual-immersion Spanish/English teacher. As a person with disabilities myself, as well as being bilingual and bicultural, my passion is supporting and empowering the traditionally underserved yet so important bilingual/Spanish-speaking and disabled community.

Human Resource Specialist

Paul Corbell

Paul is a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the supply chain and distribution industry. His career has progressed through various roles at major beverage companies, showcasing expertise in warehouse operations, inventory management, and customer service. Paul has consistently demonstrated adaptability, efficiency, and strong leadership skills in fast-paced environments. Currently, he applies his diverse operational background to a human resources role, supporting workforce management and development.

Resource Team

Executive Support Manager

Jackie Gundlach
Office Specialist

Elizabeth Anderson
Media and Marketing Specialist

Anna Neely

Executive Support Manager

Jackie Gundlach

Jackie has been a stay-at-home mom and school volunteer for the last 11 years, but she is ready to dive back into the workforce, leveraging her previous experience. She previously worked as a substitute instructional assistant for the local school district and as a records and eligibility specialist at a nonprofit mental health and alcohol treatment facility. Jackie is excited to bring her skills to the Better Together Supports Team as an executive assistant and resource manager.

Office Specialist

Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth is an experienced client services professional with a strong background in delivering high-quality support and fostering positive relationships. Known for her patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction. As a dedicated mother, Elizabeth brings a natural sense of care, kindness, and responsibility to her work, making her a valued team member in any environment.

Media and Marketing Specialist

Anna Neely

Anna brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to Better Together Supports. Recently, she was the campus director of an all-inclusive private school, focusing on meeting the diverse needs of every student. Her event planning experience reflects her commitment to community engagement, promoting connection and inclusivity. Anna is dedicated to making a meaningful impact for DSPs and client families, embodying the values of compassion, empowerment, and advocacy.