Operations Director, OIS Instructor and Behavior Professional

Aubrey Valadez

she / her

Aubrey's education and experience include working as an ABA technician, an early childhood educator, administration at a non-profit organization/community action agency and as a QMHA. 
Aubrey is an animal lover. Especially, dogs! She is a pleasure reader, loves music and enjoys connecting with her community by attending femme/queer shows and gatherings. She cares passionately about human rights, finding more ways than ever to be loud and proud! Holding space for others to find their truest selves and than cheerleading that self is Aubrey's highest purpose. 
Currently, Aubrey writes behavioral plans (Functional Behavior Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans), teaches Oregon Intervention System courses for our DSPs and members of the community, and works administration for Behavior and Mental Health Consultation of Oregon. 

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Program Manager

Damaris Elix

she / her

Damaris is a mother of three wonderful children. Each of them has taught her to see life in different ways. Her passion grew when she became the mother of her middle son, Javier, who experiences Cerebral Palsy. Nine years later, Mateo was born, and he now experiences Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety.

Damaris graduated as an Elementary Education Teacher in her home country of Guatemala and also earned a Technical Degree in Human Resources after immigrating to the United States. She has longed for a better quality of life for her children and for them to live a full and meaningful life. That motivation led her to continue her education, and in 2022, she received her certificate as a Community Health Worker. She is experienced in wraparound, IEPs and 504 activities, collaborative problem solving, Trauma-Informed Care, and is a certified Family Support Specialist. One of her greatest passions is supporting other parents who share the beautiful experience of raising children with a disabilities, who have so many abilities,  especially within the Hispanic community.

Direct Support Professional 

Melissa Cabaccang

she / her / ella

Melissa has a background in printing which has given her a map of Central Oregon in her head, customer service which has made her easy to connect to and social service work which has attributed to the research of resourcing to ones needs. Melissa has been a DSP going on three years. In her free time, she likes to create digital art, running with her dog, cooking new meals and listening to music This has led to Melissa creating several art designs for BMHC and using those to build on how we are seen in the community, and creating a new way of recognizing our agency out in the wild. She has continued to show up for BMHC and the community in so many ways, all with the want to help build another pilar to support all those who may need it without feeling the burden of the outside world.​

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Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Lexus Aguirre

she / her

Lexus is passionate about social work and advocating for individuals in need. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from New Mexico State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Walden University.  

Lexus discovered her passion for working with the IDD community while serving as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism. 

Now based in Bend, Oregon, Lexus works as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Her experience as a Behavior Professional and DSP has allowed her to support both children and adults, creating individualized strategies to promote independence, personal growth, and meaningful engagement. She values building strong relationships and advocating for the individuals she serves.  

Outside of work, Lexus enjoys exploring new places—whether trying out a new restaurant or traveling to a different country—as well as hiking, reading, and spending quality time with her friends, family, and her cat.  

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Iris Rivas C

she / hers 

​Iris moved from Maryland to be with her partner, Taylor in June 2021. Since then, she has been looking for a way to give back to the LGBTQ+ and Latino/a communities. She loves animals, ranging from farm animals to household cats! This passion helped her train three dogs to be therapeutic animals who are currently in service. She can be found outdoors when it's nice and inside with her Xbox otherwise, as they both hold a special place for her. Iris enjoys listening to music when she engaging in any activity, as it helps her decompress and explore upon her guitar skills. Iris describes herself as compassionate, calm, and considerate. She enjoys listening to others talk about everything they are passionate about. Iris believes that community is key and hopes to continue to do this work as long as folks will have her! 

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Cheryl Fania

she / her

​Cheryl has been working as a direct support professional since August of 2024. Cheryl has always been drawn to supporting, serving others and advocating for human rights. Cheryl has owned and operated a dog daycare service in the community for 7 years which she still runs on a part-time basis. Cheryl has two loyal and lovely long haired German Shepherds with whom she spends all for free time with. Hiking and day trips to lakes and rivers with her loving dogs is how Cheryl grounds and centers herself.

Cheryl also enjoys cooking, doing crafts as well and gardening. Cheryl has a deep understanding of caretaking and expressing empathy towards others which is why she was so drawn to becoming a direct support professional. Cheryl enjoys supporting and advocating for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Cheryl feels that this is her calling and is very happy working with such lovely people and supporting them in their homes and communities. 

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Shelleigh Williams

she / her

​Shelleigh has been with BMHC for 3-years, committed to providing the best support she. Shelleigh loves working with people and her heart has & always will be in the health field, whether it's supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, Ment Health or being a CNA.  Shelleigh loves the outdoors, soccer, football and riding bikes.  Shelleigh especially loves her cat Rascal Danger, as he is her little ball of happiness.