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.
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.
Holly Blankenship
Quality Assurance Specialist
I am the Quality Assurance Specialist for Developmental Concepts Inc. My experience in this field began while running a home-based daycare in 2006 and grew personally and professionally through work in schools, developmental disability agencies, and assisted living facilities. I earned my Social Work degree from Salisbury University in 2016 and obtained my Assisted Living Administrators License in 2021. I am the proud wife of a military veteran and the mother of three wonderful children. My favorite part of working in the social service industry is learning from those we help. Each day is an opportunity for growth!
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!
Samantha McConaughy
Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional
Hello, my name is Samantha McConaughy, and I am a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) at Developmental Concepts, Inc. I majored in Human Services/Psychology and have been working in the human services field for almost twenty years, working with the elderly community and adults and children with disabilities. I hail from Diamond Bar, California, but have been in Idaho for five years. When I am not working, you can find me with my family and friends.
Morgan Proud
Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional
I am a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) and have almost four years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with my bachelor’s in public health and recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with my master’s in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology. I worked as a residential habilitation staff for Developmental Concepts, Inc. from 2012-2015, I left when my husband and I got married and received orders to South Carolina. Most recently, I moved back home to Boise and started back at DCI. I am a mother of three young children, and as such I feel a strong sense of advocacy for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. I have a passion for ensuring that our most vulnerable individuals are safe and well cared for, while being given the opportunity to live as independently as possible. I am happy to be back with such a wonderful company and working with individuals who have the same passion for this field of work as I do. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors and volunteering within the community.
Whitney Newton
Direct Service Support Supervisor
I am a Direct Service Support Supervisor for Developmental Concepts, Inc. I have gained experience in this field starting in 2005. I have worked in group homes, assisted living and now with at Developmental Concepts, Inc. a developmental disability agency. I have my CNA license in Idaho. I have a very loving family, who support what I do. I have a passion for helping people with a wide range of illnesses and disabilities. I love learning new things from staff and participants.
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.