About A New Leaf
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A New Leaf
2428 N Stokesberry Pl.
| Meridian, Idaho 83646
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Phone: (208) 939-3888
Fax: (208) 939-5599
1312 S. Washington Ave.
| Emmett, Idaho 83617
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Phone: (208) 365-4477
Fax: (208) 365-2110
URL: www.anewleaf.info
 A New Leaf Brochure
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| A New Leaf is a family owned and operated business of masters prepared educators. Combined, we have over 50 years of experience working with families and children, as well as raising a child with autism.
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Meet Our Staff !
A d m i n i s t r a t i o n
| Keith Crownover,
President
After relocating to the Boise Area in 2003, following 37 years of public school in California as an educator, I feel most fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with both my daughters, Joy and Amy, in the public schools in Meridian, Idaho, and subsequently in our agency. The establishment of A New Leaf, as a family owned and operated agency, is fulfilling a dream of our family, to create and develop an institution that would provide quality caring services to the participants and families to our surrounding communities. Our agency has been blessed to have so many employees who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the participants to whom we are able to offer services. My “retirement” continues to be “pushed out”, as I am having such a rewarding time seeking to provide the best environment and services for the special needs population of Treasure Valley. It is our mission and commitment to provide high standards and ethics in the services we provide and to our employees.
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| Credentials
 Master of Arts in Education
Bachelor of Arts
Administrative Credential
Multiple Subjects Credential
Cross-Cultural Training Certification
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| Amy Wright,
Administrator
I have been blessed with working in the Human Services field for the past 12 years. It has been very exciting starting our agency and venturing into a new part of the field. Our staff, families, and participants have contributed to such a positive environment, they truly make up the success of this agency. I reside in Meridian with my husband and two children. I enjoy spending time with my family just "hanging-out", watching movies, and catching Sonic during "happy hour"!
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| Credentials
Master of Education in Crosscultural Teaching
Bachelor of Science in Professional Child Development and Child and Family Studies
Administrative Credential
Multiple Subject Credential
Adult Developmental Specialist
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| Joy Cameron,
Community Relations Director,
Service Coordination Director
If anyone had told me that the same developmental preschool that I visited when I was in middle school to read to the kids would someday be the same developmental preschool my own son would be attending…well, let’s just say I had been getting prepared early on for a lifetime journey. Originally from San Diego, I have been in Idaho going on 5 years and I absolutely love living here. I have been married to my husband John for 21 years and we have 3 children, Jessica-18, Chelsea-16 and Cody-14. We have 5 Nigerian Dwarf goats, 8 baby chicks and 2 dogs; Rusty our Golden Retriever and Happy our 10-month old Havaton (10 lb. mop). I feel very blessed to be part of a family owned and run Developmental Disability Agency. Every member of my family is an integral part of what makes “A New Leaf” so special, including our son Cody who is a participant. He has a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, Speech Apraxia, and as of 4 years ago, a Seizure Disorder. It is so fulfilling to me, personally, to help families navigate the system of services, supports, and education. I also feel blessed to work with like-minded, compassionate, hard-working, exceptional people: our therapist, specialist, community professionals and administrative staff. It definitely takes a village to raise a child, and in our case, to effectively run an agency with purpose. As a former Special Education teacher, I continue to enjoy educating others through one-on-one interaction and community speaking engagements. The blessings I have personally received from our participants and their families are more than I could ever give in return!
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| Credentials
Master of Arts in Special Education
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
Child Developmental Specialist
Certified Developmental Specialist Course Trainer
Proud Parent
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| Amy Fisher,
Accounting
I have 20 years of experience in accounting. I've been married for over 40 years and enjoy 3 daughters and 5 grandsons. We moved to Idaho from sunny Arizona to be nearer to our children and grandchildren and have lived in Meridian for almost 3 years.
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| Credentials
Bachelor of Science,
Business Administration,
Idaho State University
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| Jan McDonald,
Office Assistant
I moved to Boise in 2007 from San Diego, California, with my husband, specifically to work in the office of A New Leaf. I observe the growth of the participants, and the passion the employees have, to make such a positive difference teaching life skills. I am very blessed to work in this family business.
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| Credentials
Associate of Science in Child Education
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| John Cameron,
Information Technology Administrator
I've been making computers behave for over 17 years. Some of my jobs have required travel to most of the western and mid-western states; I hope to see the rest of the country one day and also travel overseas. I am married to Joy (who also wants to travel) and we have 3 children. We own a house in Meridian which has 3 acres and a barn. We've never had acreage before so we are having fun trying to raise some farm animals, like our dwarf Nigerian goats, chickens, and ducks. Our son Cody has Autism and loves to explore the property, collecting bugs and spiders!
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| Credentials
Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems Major
Business Administration Minor
Microsoft Certified System Engineer
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| Willie Britt,
Office Assistant
I moved to Emmett in 2007. I worked as an administrator for a personal care home in Greenwood, Mississippi, for several years. I have always loved working with the elderly. I also love working with children. I have a great husband of 49 years and three wonderful children. I love to go camping, fishing, and spend time with my family. I also love playing with my dogs.
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| Credentials
Licensed nursing home Administrator
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I n t e n s i v e B e h a v i o r a l I n t e r v e n t i o n
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| James Baker,
IBI Director
Originally, a farm boy from Southern Idaho, I have been working in social services since 1994. I graduated with a B.S in Family Science in 1996 from BYU. After getting married later that year, we moved to Southern California when I attended Loma Linda University and completed my Masters in Marital and Family Therapy. After a brief stint in financial services, I moved back to Idaho in 2001 and returned to my roots working in social services. I have worked as an IBI Director for the past 5 years and I love every minute of it. When I am not helping staff or managing kids behaviors, I am at home managing by own four children’s behaviors.
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| Credentials
B.S, Family Science, Brigham Young University
Marital and Family Master, Loma Linda University
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| Cheryl Botting-Hammack, IBI Coordinator
I am originally from Hartford, Connecticut where, from the time I was born, my parents were involved in providing services to adults with developmental disabilities through their privately owned group home. I later moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where our family provided foster care services to multiple children and families. During our time in Oregon I met my husband who I have been married to for almost 18 years and attended college originally for Business Administration. After having our son who is now 14, I returned to school once again, finding the field of Psychology completely fascinating and engaging. We relocated to the Boise area a little over 4 years ago and have completely enjoyed our time here and the positive opportunities it has created for our family. Over the last 25 years I have experienced a wide variety of career opportunities which have included working in the construction field, business administration and the social services industry. Working with families, children, and adults with disabilities has been the most rewarding and challenging career and it keeps me constantly learning. When not at work I continue to play the violin and attend Tae Kwon Do and Crossfit with my son.
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| Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Oregon Institute of Technology
Certified IBI Professional
Developmental Specialist
Developmental Specialist Trainer
Service Coordinator
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| Karma Hill,
IBI Coordinator Assistant
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D e v e l o p m e n t a l S p e c i a l i s t s
| Chris Wright,
Adult DS
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and have worked in social services for 7 years. I work as a DT as well as an adult DS at A New Leaf and reside in Meridian with my wife and 2 children. In my spare time I enjoy baseball, football, politics and music.
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| Credentials
B.S., Business Administration
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| Katherine Wiese,
Adult DS
I began in this field 6 years ago as a residential habilitation staff. I provided staffing for two wonderful ladies for 3 years. We enjoyed so many activities including attending concerts, Boise State football games, and two trips to Tamarack Resort. Upon graduation in 2006, I decided to continue working with the developmentally disabled community and became a Training Specialist. In 2007 I took the Developmental Specialist test and have continued in that position since. I am looking forward to beginning my Master’s degree next year.
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| Credentials
B.S. Political Science from Boise State University
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| Lindsey Trowbridge,
Child DS
I moved from Bend, Oregon to Nampa about six years ago to attend Northwest Nazarene University. By the time I graduated in December of 05, I had met this great guy, Adam, who is now my husband, so I decided to stay in this area and start my life with him. At this time, we don't have kids, dogs, cats, or fish, but still manage to find someway of keeping ourselves entertained. I enjoy hiking, running, spending time with family and watching my favorite tv shows (The Office, Bones and House). When I was in high school, I was a peer tutor in the Special Education classroom and I fell in love with helping children with disabilities. I worked as a Developmental Technician at another DDA for a couple of years, prior to getting my degree. In May of 06, I became a Developmental Specialist. I began working at A New Leaf in April of this year and have loved working with this fun team of people and all the amazing children that I have had the opportunity to get to know.
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| Credentials
B.A. Psychology
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| Brent Hart,
Child DS
I was born and raised in Meridian and have recently moved back in March of 2008 after living in California for 4 years. I graduated with my B.S. in Psychology from Eastern Oregon University in beautiful La Grande Oregon in 2004. In 2004 I also moved to the central valley of California (Modesto) to attend graduate school. I graduated with my M.S. in Psychology after finishing my thesis on infant generalized imitation of live and televised models. My wife, Katie, and I married in June of 2005. We enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible with our two dogs (Jackson, a Great Dane, and Ruby, a Golden Retriever).
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| Credentials
B.S. Psychology
from Eastern Oregon University
M.S. Psychology with Distinction, Behavior Analysis and Marriage and Family Therapy concentrations
from CSU, Stanislaus
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| Mark Foust
I graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1994 with a B.S. in Human Development and a minor in Psychology. While attending college, I worked as a Residential Counselor, providing counseling services to children with explosive behaviors, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities. In 1996, I moved to Mountain View, California, and attended San Francisco State University to earn my Special Education teaching credential. Eventually, I became the Special Ed Lead Teacher for grades 1-3 in a non-public school, where I taught for 10 memorable years. Needing a break from teaching and California, I moved to Meridian in 2008 to be closer to family and I absolutely love it here. This past May, I began working at A New Leaf as a Child Developmental Specialist. Even though it’s only been a few months, I already feel blessed to be a part of this amazing team.
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| Credentials
B.S. Human Development
from the University of California, Davis
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| Timothy Schank,
Child/Adult DS
My life journey has been filled with a host of blessings. For instance: Just celebrated 33 years of marriage to my beautiful wife Pam, reared two wonderful boys – T.J. and Jeff (one is a Deputy Sheriff and the other will soon be a Social Science Teacher). My personal background includes: teaching both special education and history; serving as an elected School Board Trustee; local business owner; previously nominated as an Outstanding Young Man of America; served as both local president and regional director of the California Jaycees; and proudly served in the U.S.M.C. In addition, my resume includes a myriad of teaching endorsements, an A.A. degree from Antelope Valley College and a Political Science degree from Boise State – That’s right! Go Broncos.
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| Credentials
B.S. Political Science,
Boise State University
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| James Pitman,
Child/Adult DS
I am an Idaho native, born in Emmett. I have worked in this field on and off for about 20 years (since 1990) with roughly 12 years of that as direct care. I have a BS in psychology (magna cum laude) from Boise State University and worked as a coordinator of both the Social Psychology and Psychology and Law Research Labs at BSU. I have worked in an ICF/MR, in Res. Hab., as a Special Olympics volunteer and at the Idaho State School and Hospital. I have extensive experience in dealing with excessively aggressive/violent behaviors. I worked for about a year as a QMRP/Program Coordinator prior to accepting my current position as a DS. I have worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses. I am fluent in Portuguese.
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| Credentials
B.S. Psychology,
Boise State University
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S i g n L a n g u a g e T h e r a p i s t s
| Chris and La Rae Norman,
Sign Language Therapists
We were married almost 2 years ago, and one of the main things we had in common was our involvement in the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community. When we met I’d been teaching and instructing with sign language for 2 years, she was just coming out of college from a sign language interpreting program. She was involved in sign language 4 years previously. We have been actively involved in the d/Deaf and hear of hearing community together since then. We have taught, helped, and instructed a vast array of age groups with sign language in Oregon, California, Washington, and Idaho.
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Associate degree in interpreting in Washington from SFCC
Certification of Completion with ITP
Graduated top of class from Interpreting program in Oregon
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R e s i d e n t i a l H a b i l i t a t i o n P r o g r a m C o o r d i n a t o r s
| Rebecca Jensen,
ResHab/Adult DS
I moved to Nampa, Idaho 10 year ago with my two boys from Pocatello, ID. I attended The College of Idaho and graduated in 2006 with a BS in Exercise Science, minor in Human Biology. I became a Developmental Specialist in 2007 and absolutely love working in this field. I became a part of A New Leaf’s team in 2009 to help start up the Reshab program and I am very excited to see it grow. In my spare time I enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, basically anything outdoors.
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| Credentials
B.S. Exercise Science
from College of Idaho
Human Biology Minor
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P S R / L C S W
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| Marilyn Sears,
PSR Director
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
CAFAS certified
I have always been drawn to the “underdog”, and so I changed my major from music education to social work. Originally I worked in the Adoption field, but in 1997, I began doing psychotherapy. I have worked with 3 clinics, and I had my own business for 5 years. Joining forces with A New Leaf felt like coming home to me, because it is such a caring atmosphere. I still love music – jazz and classical – and I am a groupie for The King’s Singers from Cambridge, England. I also love quilting, and have made quilts for each of my seven children, and most of my eighteen grandchildren. I do at least one quilt each year as a humanitarian project. This year I have made two – one for Walter Reed Hospital, for a wounded soldier, and one for an Orphanage in Africa. I love helping people and seeing real, tangible progress!
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| Della Chipman,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
BSW from BSU
MSW from Walla Walla College
CAFAS and PECFAS certified
Clinical Endorsement
I have a master's degree in social work with 6 1/2 years of experience working in the mental health and disabilities fields. I've had experience working with a wide range of family issues while working at Children's Home in N. Carolina. My "beyond work" interests and activities include teaching 5th and 6th grade Sunday School class, co-directing children's choir, teaching crafts during annual VBS, chillin' with the youth group, and I am the counselor for the Gem State Young Marines.
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S e r v i c e C o o r d i n a t o r s
| Melissa Coto,
Service Coordinator
I graduated from BSU in 2000 with a degree in Elementary Education that included a bilingual endorsement. I decided to stay home for a bit after having 2 children within 2 years. I am currently the mommy of 3 with the latest addition just having been added 16 months ago. My middle child was diagnosed with Autism at age 3 and ultimately is the reason why I work as a Service Coordinator now. I remember all too well, feeling like there was no one out there to help me through the maze after our lives were turned upside down. I also, later, ended up with a service coordinator that helped me research some options and was there to help when I needed it. This eased the load and allowed me to get a footing again. This is what I hope to come alongside and do for each of my clients as well. If you have any questions or would like more information, please send me an e-mail.
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| Natalie Jones,
Service Coordinator
I am originally from Boise and attended college at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy. While in college I also studied vocal performance and performed in recitals and operas. Before starting at A New Leaf, I worked as a full time music therapist with a private practice providing therapy for children with developmental disabilities, adults and children with cancer, and women in Labor and Delivery. I am currently working on my Masters in Human Services with an emphasis Social and Community Work. With this Masters I hope to introduce others and programs to integrating mainstream therapies with complimentary and alternative therapies. I started service coordination so I could stay at home with my growing family. I enjoy being with my family, being outside, listening to all types of music, playing guitar, and singing. I hope to continue providing music therapy and educating others on the power of music on top of being a service coordinator.
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| Ashley Locke,
Service Coordinator
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| Kim Fitch,
Service Coordinator
I graduated from the College of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree. I majored in Exercise Science and Physical Education while playing on the Women’s Basketball Team. While studying to be a physical therapist and a PE teacher, I discovered an ever growing need for advocates for children with special needs. I had a wonderful teacher that showed me compassion for individuals with disabilities. I have worked with children and adults with disabilities for almost 8 years now. I have enjoyed working as an Extended Resource Room Aid, a PSR, an IBI, a Service Coordinator for adults, and now as a Service Coordinator for children. I truly enjoy assisting my clients and their families with all of their needs. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, our son, and our two crazy basset hounds.
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© 2008 A New Leaf
2428 N Stokesberry Pl. Meridian, ID. 83646
208.939.3888
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