Sharing Our Gratitude
Welcome to our monthly gratitude page. We want to take the time to thank people who support us with their time and talents. Scroll down to see the ones you may have missed.
Apr. 2026
Heather Gethers, Brian Johnson, and Jalayna Watkins with Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Community Services
This month, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Heather Gethers, Brian Johnson, and Jalayna Watkins, Regional Stabilization Representatives with Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS).
Stabilization work often begins long before services are delivered. Brian, Heather, and Jalayna play a critical role in ensuring that individuals experiencing complex, high-stress situations can access the stabilization supports they need. Through thoughtful conversations, service authorization, and ongoing oversight, they help ensure that these supports are implemented effectively and remain responsive to each individual’s needs.
Their work requires careful coordination, strong systems knowledge, and a commitment to thoughtful decision-making. By guiding access to stabilization services and monitoring their effectiveness, they help ensure that this service promotes meaningful support and long-term stability for individuals and their teams. They bring a steady and supportive approach to situations that can often feel overwhelming for individuals, families, and provider teams alike.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an essential role in helping stabilization services function effectively across Washington. Their collaboration and attention to detail help ensure that individuals and provider teams can access the right supports at the right time.
We are grateful for their partnership and for the professionalism, insight, and dedication they bring to this work every day.
Mar. 2026
Tammy Adams
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Columbia County CDDP at Columbia Community Mental Health, Inc., and especially Tammy Adams, for their exceptional partnership and collaboration.
Tammy’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy have made a meaningful difference in our work. Her timely communication, collaborative approach, and dedication to ensuring accuracy and on-time processing support not only provider stability but ultimately the individuals and families we serve.
This level of partnership reflects a shared commitment to integrity, accountability, and smooth systems that allow services to stay focused where they matter most: on people.
We are truly grateful for the professionalism and collaboration of the Columbia County CDDP team.
Feb. 2026
Morgan Wilson
This month, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Morgan Wilson, LICSW, and the team at Whitmire & Associates for their thoughtful, collaborative partnership and the care they bring to individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
Morgan’s work reflects a deeply relational and person-centered approach to care management; one that recognizes the complexity of systems while never losing sight of the humanity of the people within them. Her ability to navigate challenging situations with clarity, compassion, and integrity helps create spaces where individuals with disabilities and their families feel supported, heard, and respected.
The Whitmire team’s commitment to coordination, advocacy, and whole-person support strengthens the broader care ecosystem and makes meaningful collaboration possible. We are grateful for their partnership and for the shared values that guide this work: dignity, relationship, and the belief that better outcomes are built together.
Jan. 2026
Teresa O'Donnell
We would like to take a moment to offer our deep and sincere gratitude to Teresa O'Donnell, who served as the Region 3 Waiver Services Resource Manager and officially retired as of December 15, 2025.
As Among Friends worked to establish ourselves in Washington, Teresa’s collaborative spirit, steady guidance, and thoughtful partnership made a meaningful and lasting difference. She consistently approached her role with professionalism, openness, and a genuine commitment to problem-solving—creating space for dialogue, shared understanding, and forward movement, even in complex systems.
Teresa exemplified what true partnership can look like between systems and providers. Her support not only helped our organization grow but, more importantly, strengthened our ability to better serve individuals, families, and teams across the region. The ripple effects of her work will continue to be felt well beyond her time in this role.
We are incredibly grateful for Teresa’s dedication, leadership, and the care she brought to her work. We wish her every joy, rest, and fulfillment in this well-earned retirement, and we thank her for the legacy she leaves behind.