Cornerstone Valley believes that every member on our team is vital to our mission: helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive in Community.
Cornerstone acknowledges the mission-critical role of our direct care staff in caring for our individuals. We believe in rewarding the dedication and hard work of our direct care staff by providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are pleased to note that several members of our management team previously served as direct care staff.
HOUSE MANAGERS
Amber Dulaney
adulaney@cornerstonevalley.org
House: Cedar
Angel Hatchell
ahatchell@cornerstonevalley.org
House: Douglas & Maple
Mack Little
House: Cypress
Jocelyn Strand
House: Hemlock
Fred Burch
House: Juniper
McKenzie White
House: Ponderosa
Mack Little
House: Sequioa
Tori Pike
House: Willow
ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT STAFF
Associate Director
Wynter Yancey
Wynter’s career in social work began at a 24-hour provider agency, where she worked for five years and held a variety of positions. She then served as a County case manager for four years, and an adult and child foster care licensor for two years before coming to Cornerstone Valley. Wynter has worked with the ID/DD population in a variety of settings, including their place of employment, community integration, and their personal homes. She has provided direct care and participated in individualized outings. Wynter joined Cornerstone Valley in 2019 as our Services Director, which morphed into her current role as Associate Director.
“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.”
—Jim Rohn
HR Director
Kaila Thompson
Kaila Began her Human Resources Career as a SHRM Certified Professional in 2006. She brings a diverse background of in Leadership, Management, Hospitality, and Entrepreneurship. Kaila started with Cornerstone Valley in April 2022 and is excited to bring her knowledge and expertise in Federal and Oregon Employment Law and Human Resource management to the Cornerstone Valley family!
“The Effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is”
-Jim Carrey
Human Resources Specialist
Megan Nelson
Bio coming soon
Accounting Manager
Carl Martin
Carl grew up in eastern Oregon in a rural farming community and, when not in school, loved to spend his time hunting, fishing, and playing sports – his favorite being golf. After serving in the Marine Corps and then going to school, he went to work for a local contractor in Corvallis as a bookkeeper and office manager, he’s worked in the accounting feild ever since. What most attracted him to Cornerstone Valley is the service provided to individuals who need that extra bit of help.
He enjoys volunteering at his church and the VFW where he can serve his community by providing assistance to those living and working in it. Carl enjoys hiking, biking and camping. He is always in search of that little out of the way place that may not even appear on a map.
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it” – Yogi Berra
Operations Manager
Omari land
Omari Land Is our Operations Manager. Omari is from Oakland California, and started is journey with us back in December of 2017 as a BSP. Since then, Omari has graduated from Western Oregon University in 2022 with a B.S in business accounting, while also receiving several high honors during his football career at the university as well. Now Omari takes care of logistics and day to day operations of the company, making sure everything set up and in check. Omari plans to continue to work as operations manager, while also being an assistant coach for Western Oregon University’s football team.
“I stayed with Cvi throughout my collegiate career thanks to the support they gave me. Now I am focused on giving back to the organization and people that helped me pave a way for my future.” -Omari Land
Regonial Manager
Sara Cole
Sara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at the University of Oregon in 2012.
Sara’s prior background was in Hospice Care and worked as support staff for elderly adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Sara joined Cornerstone Valley in 2018 and helped our younger individuals engage in the community by visiting the local library, fire station and attending community events such as Movies in the Park. In 2020, she stepped into the role of House Manager for our youth facility, Willow Home. Sarah has recently transitioned into the role of Behavior Support Professional.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
Behavior Specialist
Blayne Burnett
Behavior Professional
Braden Fuszek
Braden Fuszek is an Interim Behavior Professional. He has spent the last four years working towards his bachelor’s degree in psychology, as well as playing football at Western Oregon University! While in school Braden was also working as a DSP for three years in numerous homes at Cornerstone Valley. He also stepped in as a House Manager temporarily for a few months! Braden has resided in the Monmouth/Independence area for most of his life and has been highly involved with youth sports programs as a coach and referee, he has also coached at the high school level. In Braden’s free time he enjoys fly fishing, weightlifting, golfing, going to concerts/festivals, and traveling.
“To appreciate the sun, you gotta know what rain is.” – J. Cole
FOUNDERS
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Nick Smith
Nick worked at a 24-hour ID/DD agency while pursuing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business at Western Oregon University. Nick spent four years working as a Direct Support Professional and became a strong advocate for the individuals in his care, ensuring they had access to education, signing them up for Special Olympics, securing employment and expanding opportunities for self-employment. Nick spent an additional year working as a house manager, then became a Polk County caseworker for ID/DD individuals. In his final year as a caseworker, Nick guided families through the eligibility process to receive county and state Developmental Disability Services. After earning his MBA from Corban University, Nick and his wife, Carly, started Cornerstone Valley in 2013. Nick has volunteered at Special Olympics for basketball and track & field, has served Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, and organized events for inner city children at low-income schools. Nick also serves on the leadership team of his church.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others.” —Mahatma Ghandi
Co-Founder
Carly Smith
Before college, Carly worked as a CNA at Kittias Valley Community Hospital. She then became a Direct Support Professional for four years while earning her degree in Community Health from Western Oregon University. Carly assisted individuals in their homes and worked in vocational and other day programs that taught life skills to adults with ID/DD. She supported individuals with extensive medical needs and a range of mental and behavioral health challenges. Carly became a certified trainer for First Aid, CPR and other health safety courses, and trained employees working in the ID/DD field. Carly Carly co-founded Cornerstone Valley with her husband, Nick, in 2013. Carly served as Associate Director, where she recruited and hired employees, managed employee benefits and shaped workplace culture. She also ensured Cornerstone maintained federal, state and field-specific compliance. Carly simultaneously served as Cornerstone’s in-house certified Behavior Support Professional for the first four years, and became an OIS (Oregon Intervention System) Instructor, advocating for positive behavior support to those with developmental disabilities. During her time at Cornerstone, Carly has inspired staff to be passionate, creative and invested in the care they provide. With Cornerstone’s growth and many capable staff on our team, Carly has recently stepped away from her active role and enjoys the position of prayer warrior and cheerleader for this team that she describes as, “truly selfless and dedicated.”
