Dedication and Commitment
Our team at Housing Independence is here to help bridge the transition from living at home to having the skills and confidence to successfully live independently in the local community. In addition to housing and living resource services, we also offer employment services to support the goal of working and living independently.
Our Team
Kaitlan Purkapile
Operations Manager/ DSP Provider
Kaitlan Purkapile, our dedicated Operations Manager and DSP Provider, joined Housing Independence in 2021 as a Direct Support Professional before transitioning to her current role. With a passion for creating environments where individuals can thrive by developing crucial life skills, Kaitlan fosters a greater sense of community among our clients. Outside of work, she cherishes moments with her family, enjoys the company of her pets, and loves exploring the scenic Oregon Coast.
Nic Angeles
Housing Resource Manager
Meet Nic Angeles, the Housing Services Director and Housing Resource Manager at Housing Independence. Having been with the organization since 2016, Nic's journey began as a DSP, supporting individuals with daily needs, group activities, and employment. With a love for sports, outdoor adventures like camping and kayaking, and the company of his dogs and cats, Nic brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his role.
Amy Reza, M.C.
Community Activities Director
Amy Reza, our Community Inclusion Coordinator, has been a valued member of Housing Independence since 2020. Armed with a master's degree in communications from Miami University of Ohio, Amy collaborates with our clients to design community-based activities that align with their hobbies and interests. Drawing from her background as an educational paraprofessional and therapy horseback riding instructor, Amy is passionate about enabling diverse ways for our clients to participate in the community. In her downtime, she relaxes with her family and two cats.
Anthony Ramirez
Employment Specialist/ DSP provider
Bringing over 6 years of experience to Housing Independence, Anthony Ramirez has been a vital part of our team since 2023. With a background in working with foster kids and in group homes, Anthony's journey from DSP to Employment Specialist showcases his commitment to helping clients achieve their goals. When not exploring employment options for clients, Anthony can be found hiking, playing with his dog, and sharing his passion for martial arts.
Vladimir Londoño, M.Ed.
He/Him
Bilingual DSA Program Manager
Vladimir Londoño, known affectionately as "Vlad," joined us in 2023 as the Bilingual DSA Program Manager. Boasting over 16 years of experience in disability services and armed with a Master's degree in Special Education, Vlad is committed to breaking language barriers and enhancing accessibility for all. A world traveler who has lived in 5 different states, Vlad is enthusiastic about contributing his expertise to our mission at Housing Independence.
Madison Smith
She/Her
DSP Provider
Meet Madison Smith, a dedicated DSP and DSA Provider who joined Housing Independence in 2022. With a profound passion for helping others, Madison takes pride in assisting the intellectual and developmentally disabled community in building skills that support independence. When not at work, Madison enjoys the company of her two cats, Ash & Ponyo, and relishes shooting pool with friends. Her favorite quote, “Dude, sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something." From Jake the Dog (Adventure Time), reflects Madison's inclusive and respectful approach.
Lena Carter-Scott
She/Her
DSP Provider
Lena Carter-Scott, our dynamic DSP/DSA Provider, has been contributing to Housing Independence since 2023. Armed with a BA in Psychology, Lena enjoys playing video games and exploring Oregon in her free time. An avid animal lover with several pets, Lena is a fan of the band My Chemical Romance. Leading engaging DSA activities, such as "Lena’s Science class," she creates opportunities for clients to participate in fun and cooperative science experiments.
Katya
She/Her/Hers
DSP Provider
Katya, our enthusiastic DSA Provider, started working at Housing Independence in 2023. Embracing the role, Katya enjoys television, film, and reading, along with exploring the beauty of the state. Having moved here at the start of the pandemic, Katya is making up for lost time and is excited to provide support for our clients in community environments. Her love for going outside and discovering the wonders of this beautiful state shines through in her dedication to enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Kerry Schmidlin
She/Her
DSP Provider
Kerry Schmidlin, a valued DSP/DSA Provider who joined Housing Independence in 2023, brings a passion for travel and hiking to her role. Kerry is not only creative but also organizes fun craft projects for clients, often themed around holidays. With great input into daily life support activities involving food, Kerry ensures everyone remains happy. An animal lover, Kerry has plans to adopt a dog in the future, further contributing to the positive and nurturing environment at Housing Independence.