Meet the Staff

Faith Brown (her/she)
Executive Director

Faith joined CFI as their Executive Director in November, 2024 and brings with her abundant experience in non-profit organizing and management. She oversees all operations and implementations of visions and strategies for the growth and success of CFI. Faith is a committed communitarian who volunteers her capacities and passions for aligning policy, budget and outcomes for justice and equity with the Tacoma Public School Board, the Washington State Historical Society, Tacoma Creates for the City of Tacoma, the Filipino American National Historical Society, Trinity Neighborhood Medical Clinic, and the Imagine Justice Project. She is a staunch ally for advancing full justice and equity for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. Faith raises her growing family in the South Sound with her husband, and is a proud peer in the IL Movement.

Todd Holloway (he/his)
Senior IL Advocate (Lakewood)

Todd Holloway is a Senior Independent Living Advocate for the Center for Independence in Lakewood. He works at the local, state, federal, and international levels on Inclusive Emergency Management. Prior to his 10 plus years at CFI, he worked in hospitals doing biomedical photography and videography. He was the media specialist in the education department at Good Samaritan Hospital, where he met the staff and the first director of CFI which was then located on the campus of Good Samaritan. He has never been more comfortable in any position than the one he is in now with CFI.

Ashley Smith (she/they)
Administrative Coordinator (Lakewood)

Ashley Smith first got involved with CFI as a volunteer in 2006 and has supported CFI in various roles.  She is now CFI's Administrative Coordinator and is pursuing her degree in Emergency Management with a focus on inclusive preparedness.  She has completed many trainings with FEMA in Pierce and King County and has led Emergency Preparedness workshops for CFI's participants and the community. She also coordinates the Out and About support group in Lakewood.

Lindsey Schwalm (she/her)
Programs Director (Lakewood)

Lindsey Schwalm is our Programs Director and oversees all of our programs. She has a BA in Sociology and supports CFI in various roles such as being the editor of our quarterly newsletter and planning events such as our annual community picnic. Lindsey also works with some participants and is fierce when it comes to advocating for equity, equality and justice for people with disabilities from all backgrounds. Lindsey is a leader and a peer in our community and is passionate about helping CFI grow.

Chris Notaras (she/her)
Lead IL Coordinator (Marysville)

Christia Notaras comes from an extensive background working with people with disabilities as an Employment Specialist and School to Work Liaison at a non-profit organization called Cascade Connections. She also has worked in the Bellingham School District as an Instructional Assistant and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Assessment. Working at Cascade Connections, she was also an IL provider for DVR.

El Sablan (she/her)
Pre-Employment Transition Services Lead (Lakewood)

El is a Youth Transition Specialist in our Lakewood office and works primarily with youth to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services in the schools. She has experience working as a job coach/employment specialist for various employment agencies that serve people with disabilities. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Criminal Justice and loves helping youth reach their full potential.

Kimberlee Danielson (she/her)
IL Coordinator (Marysville)

Kimberlee is an Independent Living Coordinator and has five plus years of experience working with people with disabilities. She has a BA with an emphasis in Social Psychology, Community Resources and Business Leadership. Her previous job was at Cares of Washington, where she worked as an Employment Support Specialist. She is passionate about helping people achieve their goals.

Anna Ihrig (she/they)
Youth Transition Program Manager (Lakewood)

Anna is the Youth Transition Program Manager for the Lakewood office. She received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Washington. Anna has a passion for supporting youth in our community. She comes with a background of working with youth with disabilities as a certified Behavior Technician. She helps youth to achieve their independent living goals through one-on-one mentoring, pre-employment transition services, support groups, and CFI’s Summer Workshop. Anna believes that positive, long-lasting change happens when we meet people where they are at and help them identify their unique and powerful strengths.

Karissa Bacus (she/her) Youth Transition Coordinator (Marysville)

Karissa is the Youth Transition Coordinator for the Marysville office. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Early Childhood and Family Studies from the University of Washington. She is responsible for helping youth achieve their independent living goals through one-on-one mentoring, pre-employment transition services, support groups, and CFI’s Summer Workshop. Karissa is excited to be able to provide services that are tailored to each person’s unique strengths and goals.

Jesse Gilpatrick (he/him)
Peer Support Specialist (Marysville)

Jesse is our Peer Support Specialist in the Marysville office and facilitates our Out and About peer support group. He also provides information and referral to our callers. Jesse brings experience with facilitating small groups and has over 3 years' experience performing administrative tasks, and providing technical support regarding electronic equipment. He also has valuable lived experience pertaining to the community we serve.

Tony Hester (he/him) IL Advocate (Lakewood)

Tony is an Independent Living Advocate and works with participants to break down barriers to independent living. He is also a systemic advocate and serves on several committees to advocate for accessibility in our communities whether it’s accessible transportation, housing, public information, etc. Tony has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and has over a decade of experience advocating for the disability community.

Janice Freeman (she/her) IL Coordinator (Lakewood)

Alea Camacho (she/her) Veteran Directed Care Specialist (Lakewood)

Janice has an extensive background working with people to access housing and emergency shelters. She works with participants primarily in our Pathways to Community Living program helping them transition into stable housing. Janice is an advocate when it comes to fair housing rights and helps participants navigate all the complexities that come with applying for community resources and benefits. She also works with referrals from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and provides independent living skills training.

Alea works primarily with our veteran participants, whether they are part of the VDC program or Neuro-Rehab program. She was raised in a military family and grew up in Guam. After moving to Washington for college she grew a passion for helping people. She is also a spouse of a veteran and enjoys getting to know people from all walks of life. Alea also has experience working in the public schools and enjoys supporting youth with disabilities.