About
Meet The Team
We are dedicated to assisting individuals with developmental disabilities. Over 70% of our team have been making a difference in the lives of the participants for over a year, many have left to pursue other interests only to return for rehire and 25% have been caring for our agency’s families for 6 -11 years. Our professionals work closely with our direct care staff in the office, homes, and community to extensively train, support, and creatively work as a team. It is our desire to maintain open and meaningful communication to provide the highest quality of service to the participants in our programs.
Heather Walker
Owner/ Administrator
I am the Owner and Administrator of Developmental Concepts, Inc. I began working in this field in 1997, starting as a Developmental Specialist. I have worked as a Service Coordinator for both children and adults, a Program Coordinator and a Quality Assurance Specialist. I graduated from Gonzaga University in 1995 with a dual major in Psychology and Sociology and shortly thereafter moved to Idaho. I am grateful that I am able to use my education, training and many years of experience to positively impact people’s lives every day. Many participants that we provide services to I have known the entire time that I have been working in this field; they are like family to me and I am always pleased at the progress that has been made. I am a very proud mother of three beautiful children; all of my time outside of work is spent with them. They are very active in volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, and competitive cheer. My years in this field have taught me compassion, resilience, gratitude and strength which in turn only make me a better business owner, professional in this field and mother to my children. For that I am extremely grateful.
Mandi Papac
Billing Specialist
I am the the billing specialist for Developmental Concepts, Inc. I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I worked in both Developmental Therapy and Psychosocial Rehabilitation after graduating. In 2006, I joined the team at DCI as a Program Coordinator (currently named Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) in the Residential Habilitation program where I enjoyed working with the participants to meet their greatest potential. After starting a family in 2007 I moved to the billing specialist position. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 boys, running, volunteering, traveling and spending time in the mountains.
Zachary Brazell
Human Resources Specialist
I recently graduated from California State University-Chico with my bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in business management and am the HR Specialist at DCI. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to use my education and grow as an individual in the field of human resources. Because I am a recent graduate and I recently moved to Boise from California, the opportunities were limited for me to get my feet wet. I have a great deal to offer, and I am excited to be able to expand my knowledge. I am originally from California but relocated to the area to be closer to family. In my off time I enjoy the outdoors, things such as hunting, and fishing are what bring me joy in addition to spending time with my family and friends.
Xenia Worontsoff
Human Resources Specialist
Hello, my name is Xenia Worontsoff, and I am the Human Resource Specialist for Developmental Concepts, Inc. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in psychology from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Louisiana. I am originally from Texas, but recently relocated to Boise with my fiancé who is a business owner in the area. When I am not at work I enjoy hiking, working out, paddleboarding, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to be a part of the DCI team and to be able to use my education and experience to grow in this field!
Holly Blankenship
Quality Assurance Specialist
I am the Quality Assurance Specialist for Developmental Concepts, Inc. and my experience in this field began in 2006 while running a home-based daycare. I earned my Social Work degree from Salisbury University in 2016 and have grown personally and professionally through work with children and adults in schools, developmental disability agencies, and assisted living facilities. I am the wife of a military veteran and a mother to three wonderful adult children. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. The best part of working in the social service industry is knowing each day is an opportunity for growth and learning from those we help!
Holli Mullins
Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional
Hi all! My name is Holli and I have been working in this field for a little over 7 years. I have been passionate about helping others from a young age and have carried my passion into my degree, then career. I was introduced to this type of work early on and have had many experiences helping others integrate into the community as they desired. I have worked with both kids and adults with disabilities and mental health diagnoses. I have a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare. In addition to obtaining my bachelor's degree, I played volleyball all four years. With that being said, I love to be active and busy. When I am not working with our lovely Developmental Therapy and Residential Habilitation Hourly participants, I am taking my two doodles to the dog park, going on hikes, traveling, going to the hot springs, playing volleyball (grass, sand, or indoor), or a variety of activities with friends. I have been with the Developmental Concepts, Inc. team since February 2023 and look forward to growing and making a difference with our team as the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional for our Developmental Therapy and Residential Habilitation Hourly program. If you are looking for a company to listen to, connect with, and provide experiences actively, do not hesitate to reach out to our amazing team! We look forward to hearing from you and eventually working with you!
“All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” – Calvin Coolidge
Deborah Overby
DSSS
Hello, I am Deb! I am a Direct Support Staff Supervisor here at Developmental Concepts, Inc. I graduated from Boise State University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Sciences and a minor in Sociology. I believe every person deserves the chance to advocate for themselves and I am here to help make that happen. Our team of office professionals enjoy working with our participants to encourage their self-growth. DCI has great community engagement opportunities, social events, and personal development programs to help participants succeed. I am honored to be a part of every participants journey.
As for my own journey, I grew up here in Meridian and I love all things outdoors that Idaho has to offer. In my relaxing free time I enjoy plants, reading, and watching movies with my dog. In my adventurous free time I enjoy snowboarding, going to concerts, and skydiving. I look forward to serving you!
Mariah Martinez
Direct Support Staff Supervisor
Hello! My name is Mariah Martinez. I am Direct Support Staff Supervisor here at Developmental Concepts, Inc. I have been working in the Residential Habilitation field for about two years now. I have loved helping each participant I have worked with live their best life. I have done hourly direct support and worked in various homes with a variety of different participants. I have lived in Idaho my entire life. Before Developmental Concepts, Inc. I worked as a Residential Habilitation House Lead, and I was a Client Advocate for the Women’s and Children's Alliance. I also spent time as a Correctional Officer at Idaho’s Correctional Alternative Placement Program. I am currently working on my associates degree in Social Work at the College of Western Idaho. I am so happy to be a part of the Developmental Concepts, Inc. team! I look forward to serving our participants and supporting our staff.
Chelsea Smith
Clinical Supervisor
Hello, my name is Chelsea Smith. I am the Clinical Supervisor for the Children’s Behavior Intervention program. I am an experienced Behavior Interventionist who has been working with children and adolescents with disabilities and behaviors since 2019. Working with children with disabilities and behaviors is a passion of mine. I love to see the participants gaining the skills they need to become independent individuals. I have completed the Applied Behavior Analysis Certification at Capella University, and I have recently completed the requirements and have been approved to take the Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst examination. I have received my Master’s in Developmental Psychology with a concentration in Children and Adolescents from Walden University in 2020. Outside of work, I love crafting, farming, gardening, and hunting.