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.

Maria Sotelo-Dominguez

Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional

I am a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) for the Adult Developmental Therapy program at Developmental Concepts, Inc. I have served persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities for 15 years. I received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Boise State University. I follow a philosophy that uses Strengths Based Approach, Positive Behavior Supports and Self-Determination Theory in supporting participants reach their personal goals and enhancing their everyday lives. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the beautiful wilderness of Idaho. I am happy to be part of the DCI Team!

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.

Cindy Aebischer

Office Manager

I am the Office Manager for Developmental Concepts, Inc. I have over 20 years’ experience in office environments in a variety of industries here in the Treasure Valley. I enjoy learning new skills and enhancing my experiences and abilities. I also enjoy camping, cooking, and gardening in my spare time as well as spending time with my family and friends.

Sandy Danaha

Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional

I am a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional for the Residential Habilitation program at Developmental Concepts, Inc. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in psychology, where I gained my first experience working with young children with Autism in an early intervention program. From there, I served persons with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families as a service coordinator for the Department of Developmental Services in Southern California. In 2005, our family moved to Idaho and I took a few years off from working to raise my three children. In 2009, I was hired a Pathways of Idaho, where I served persons with mental illness in a variety of positions that allowed me to work from home. Now that my children are older, I decided to return to serving this demographic as it is what I truly love to do. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, hiking, attending my children's sporting events and walking my German Shepherd Max.

Stephan Buckolz

Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional

Stephan was born and raised in Idaho. He started his career 8 years ago as a direct support professional. While working he continued his education at Boise State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. After Graduating he stepped into the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional roll and since then has found a passion for all different departments in the DD field. He currently enjoys his role in Quality Assurance with Developmental Concepts, Inc.

Outside of work he enjoys painting acrylics and watercolor, reading books in his hammock, and spending time with his friends.

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

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.

Terra Croxen

Direct Support Staff Supervisor

Hello! My name is Terra Croxen. I am a Direct Support Staff Supervisor here at Developmental Concepts Inc. I am passionate about advocating for those who can't advocate for themselves and those that struggle to do so. About helping every individual live the highest quality of life possible. A life with dignity. Whether that be children, people with physical/mental disabilities, or the elderly. I strive to leave people better than when I found them. I obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant Certification from BSU and studied Psychology at CWI. I first worked in a group home assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in 1994. Since, I have had many opportunities to serve in a multitude of settings. From group homes, assisted living and memory care facilities, private care, hospice care, and childcare, to name a few. Though I provided direct care as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years, most of the past 15 years have been spent in leadership, supervisory, or assistant administration roles. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, dancing, being outdoors, in the water, and trying to make the world a better place one smile at a time. I am honored to be a part of the diverse team here at DCI.

Linda Silene

Direct Service Staff Supervisor

I went to BSU form 1987-1992, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. In 1991, I decided to change my major to Social Work because I found a great need for it in my community. In January 2020, I began working with Developmental Concepts, Inc. as a Direct Care Provider for DT and RH Hourly. I enjoyed working closely with the participants and the staff. I am now a Direct Service Staff Supervisor with DCI. I have the privilege of working with staff and participants in a whole new light. When I am not working, I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

David Kociol

File Clerk

Howdy, I am David Kociol, and I have my degree in theatre and communication from Boise State University. My entire field was about teamwork, and I although I am new to this, I feel prepared to say, “can do” and “let’s try it.” As filing clerk, my job is to make sure the paperwork is never stacked too tall and unsorted, and every participant’s case is available. I am originally from California, but I have been here so long that I am just an Idahoan. I am a bit of a geek about food and movies, or just entertainment in general, but I am about sensibility and orderliness. I also love my scooter. I hope we can get your needs sorted out.