Brenda was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. She moved to Idaho in 1979. Brenda received her Master’s Degree in Social work in the early 90’s. She worked for Goodwill before coming to OUI in 1995 where she continues to work. Brenda’s hobbies are gardening, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Besides OUI, Brenda is involved with Kiwanis International and is currently the treasurer for Kiwanis. Brenda also belongs to the ACCSES-IDAHO Association and the Idaho Association of Developmental Disabilites Agencies.
I was born in Helena, Montana and was raised in Montana, California and Idaho. I attended the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. I enjoy camping, fishing and hanging out with family. I love my coffee; especially lattes! My community involvement consists of actively staying informed on current, legislative and community events, especially those that effect people with disabilities and the elderly. I am a member of ACCSES - IDAHO and Chamber of Commerce.
I was born here in Lewiston, ID, but moved away when I was 1yr old. I returned to the LC Valley 5 years ago after living in California, Tri-Cities, WA, Oregon, Tennessee, Ohio and Pullman, WA. I guess we always come back home and I love it!! I graduated from WSU with a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Business Administration. Since graduation I have worked with both the geriatric and developmentally disabled populations in various settings: vocational, Long term care, ICF/MR, In-Home Care, and DDA. I really enjoy working at a job that I can help individuals have a better quality of life. In my spare time I love to spend time with my 5 children and 5 grandchildren. We have awesome family get togethers with lots of good food and laughter in abundance. All I have to is say “momma’s cooking lasagna” and they come running!
Heidi is married to Bob Penkert and the mother of 5 adult children, 3 daughter’s in-law and has 7 grandchildren. Heidi has lived with her family in Lewiston, ID for the past 19 years and worked for Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. since 1999. Heidi graduated from Lewis Clark State College with a BSW in 1999 and Eastern Washington University with a MSW in 2001. She holds a current master of social work license. Heidi is involved in her church, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and is an avid reader,gardener and loves to cook.
Shelley was born and raised in Grangeville, Idaho. Graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. Worked the last 20 years in the Special Education field, such as a Severe and Profound High School special education classroom in Washington, Severely Emotionally Disturbed Junior High classroom at a group home setting in southern Idaho before moving back to the Grangeville area where I taught all subjects at the Junior High level before coming to work at OUI. I enjoy farming with my family during the summer, camping, traveling, and attending high school sports activities and drama/plays that son and nieces and nephews participate in.
Rich was born in LaGrande, Oregon, but has lived in Idaho his entire life, the past 24 years in Lewiston. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1976, and attended the University of Idaho for 3 years. Rich married his high school sweetheart 33 years ago, and has raised 3 children, who all have families of their own now. While in Moscow, he worked part-time in a local restaurant, and that led to a career as a manager in food service for several different companies, and ultimately brought him and his family to Lewiston. Rich has also attended the Pioneer School of Real Estate, and was a licensed Realtor for 10 years. A friend approached him about a career opportunity managing a workshop in Lewiston, and Rich finally has landed at Opportunities Unlimited, where he enjoys wearing many hats each day. Rich served as a reserve patrol officer for the Lewiston Police Department for 12 years, and also is a high school and USAV volleyball official. He enjoys camping, and traveling with his family.
Cindi came to OUI in August of 2007 with 20+ years experience in the field of Finance and Business Administration. She has earned an AA degree from Walla Walla Community College, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resource Management. Cindi maintains an active membership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and has many Certificates of Continuing Education in the field of Business. Cindi has used her knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve business goals and continuous improvement with several organizations over the past 30 years which include U.S. Government, Local Municipalities, and Non-Profit Organizations. Cindi was born and raised in Washington, and continues to reside in Pomeroy, Washington. When Cindi has time outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, commitment to community, traveling, and cooking.