Staff Bios
| Hallie HemmingsenCo-Executive Director
Hallie began at Max Higbee Center as an intern in February of 2010 and was hired on as a Recreation Leader that September and has been here ever since! Over the last two years, Hallie has worked in nearly all facets of Max Higbee, and most recently helped to establish the Nutrition Education Program for the members. Without a doubt Hallie has fallen in love with her job and is truly passionate about her work. Her favorite parts about working at Max Higbee are being a part of the laughter that erupts everyday, the genuine friendships that are made, and watching the members try something new. Most importantly though, she adores how Max Higbee Center always focuses on what the member CAN do and not what their disAbility limits them from doing. Hallie loves to film and edit movies in her spare time. She also enjoys LAUGHING, writing in her journal, photography, going to concerts, and enjoying the outdoors! |
| Jenny MartinCo-Executive Director
Jenny started at Max Higbee's X-CAP program in the summer of 2009 and was officially addicted. She has dabbled in almost every program at Max Higbee, and is also a collaborative partner at Bellingham Park and Recreation. She had grown up dreaming of becoming a translator, but can't seem to stay away from the Max Higbee Family! Jenny's favorite part about Max Higbee is the positive effect it has on her and everyone the agency touches. She might go into work feeling grumpy, but leaves 100% of the time with a smile and a passion to keep others smiling. You can always see Jenny riding around town on her bike, or running on the trails. She loves being outside with the sun on her face, or indoors with her nose in a book! |
| Carrie BieberProgram Manager
Carrie has worked with Max Higbee Center for over a year. She has a strong background with working with those with developmental disabilities, including working with F.A.C.E.S. (a summer program that provides curriculum and recreation activities for children and teens with autism), and working as a special education para-educator in the Mt. Baker school district. Her favorites parts about Max Higbee Center include how everyday leaves her smiling, and the relationships she has built with the clients. She also loves working with the dedicated staff at Max Higbee Center. In her spare time, Carrie loves to sing! She also loves her scooter, playing softball, and her dog, Zeus. |
| Amanda SquiresRecreation Leader
Amanda began working at Max Higbee Center her first quarter of freshman year at WWU, October 2009. Although she had never worked with adults with developmental disabilities prior to Max Higbee, Amanda worked 5 years at a public daycare with some children who had disabilities. Her favorite part of Max Higbee is getting to know the families, and getting to build strong personal relationships with the clients over the years. She loves getting to know everyone's personalities and seeing how incredible the clients are. She also enjoys seeing their growth and confidence in more independent life skills over time. Amanda is currently studying human services at WWU, but likes hanging out with friends, hiking, going on adventures, and watching movies. |
| Mayah StancilRecreation Leader
Mayah has been with Max Higbee Center for about six months, first starting as an intern. Previous to Max Higbee Center, she had no experience with people with disabilities. Mayah's favorite part about Max Higbee Center is that there is always a positive attitude, by both staff and clients. Everyone is always happy and excited about the days activity. Every day's mini-adventure brings new experiences and positive things to remember later. In her free time, Mayah loves going to the beach with her family and two dogs. There is always something fun to do at the beach and the dogs tend to make it an adventure. She also enjoys reading. |
| Christina ZechaRecreation Leader
Christina had been a volunteer for 2-3 years at Max Higbee, then was an intern for a quarter, and is now a new staff member as of February 2012. Christina has worked as a Special Olympics volunteer. Her favorite part about working at Max Higbee Center is when the Weekend Program members and staff go out on Art Walks! She also loves making silly jokes with the clients. Outside of Max Higbee Center, Christina likes dogs, rainy days, dogs, volunteering in her community, dogs, dogs, and, did we mention dogs? |
| Jarrett WheelerRecreation Leader
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Ana CarlsonRecreation Leader
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Jim MartinRecreation Leader
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Amy ShaferRecreation Leader
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