TREASURER/SECRETARY

Ms. Zander currently works as the Chief Administrative Officer at Berger Seed, where she has worked for more than ten years. Prior to working at Berger Seed, she worked as a project manager for Ascendum Corporation, an interactive marketing and technology consulting firm where she managed a wide range of projects, including projects involving IT infrastructure and software development. Ms. Zander earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in financial management from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

BOARD MEMBER

Elyssa brings over a decade of dedicated experience in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) field to her role as a Board Member at Griffin’s Place. For the past 11 years, Elyssa has worked both independently and in collaboration with various agencies to enhance the lives of individuals with I/DD through a range of impactful services. Her expertise span from program development and management, job placement services, as well as professional behavior services—each reflecting her deep commitment to empowering individuals and fostering inclusive communities. Elyssa’s practical insight and passion for person-centered programing make her a vital asset to the Griffin’s Place board, where she helps guide strategic initiatives that support the organization’s mission of promoting independence, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Meet Deb, the new director for Griffin’s Place! Prior to Griffin’s Place she gained over a decade of experience as an Administrator of care facilities in our community. This work with patients across diverse physical, emotional, and behavioral health needs built a strong foundation in adapting to individual needs, advocating for person-centered care, and connecting people with the resources that support their well-being.   At Griffin’s Place, her goal is to combine this background with her passion for creating opportunities that foster independence, dignity, and community engagement. She looks forward to meeting new faces at our upcoming events!

ADVISORY

Britteny is a founding board member and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in private practice. Her passion is supporting individuals to have successful and full lives of their choosing. Britteny works with transition aged adults and older adults to build skills in communication, self-determination, Independence and interests. She has more than 25 years of experience working with individuals within all the environments we live, work and play.

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kori joined us as an intern while at Liberty Highschool, looking to make a difference in her community, and has been with us since. This fall, Kori will be attending the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington with the goal of Studying Pre-Occupational Therapy in order to make a difference for future individuals with disabilities. Kori will be working remotely while studying but will return in-person at events during school breaks.

Board Member

Ashley Vuylsteke is a skilled and passionate Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her journey with Griffin’s Place began as one of the original skills trainers, where she developed a deep commitment to fostering communication and independence in neurodiverse populations.

After her early work with Griffin’s Place, Ashley pursued and earned a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Pacific University. For the past nine years, she has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in both early childhood (ages 3–5) and school-age (K–21) settings, supporting a wide range of abilities.

Currently, Ashley continues her involvement with Griffin’s Place by providing ongoing social skills training for program participants. Her professional expertise, combined with her long-standing relationship with the organization, makes her a dedicated advocate and invaluable asset to the board.