DIversability inc. Team
amanda hamer
Executive Director
Since 2016
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in English from the University of Oregon and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Oregon State University - Cascades, and holds certifications as a Community Health Worker, Family Support Specialist, and Sibshop Facilitator Trainer. In her decades of experience working in the human service field, Amanda has honed skills in behavior intervention, group facilitation, connecting individuals and families to meaningful resources, professional consultation, education advocacy, and leadership. Since 2004, just after her oldest daughter was born with Down syndrome, Amanda’s focus has been working with and advocating for people experiencing diversabilities and their families. Amanda has served on several state and local boards, councils and committees and often speaks in classroom and conference settings. Currently, Amanda is a member of the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Council and serves as the Team Lead for our Sibling Support and Community Resource Specialist programs. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys being with family and friends, expanding cultural competency, traveling and frequently changing her hair color!
Violet Sturgill
Job Coach & DSP
Since 2023
Violet is engaged with their community through work, school, and theater! When they’re ready, a fabulous bio will be placed here!
sarah goodman
Program Director
Since 2018
Sarah has been with Diversability since 2018 when she started as a Job Coach! She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Special Education from the University of Oregon. Born and raised in the Portland area, Sarah knew from a young age that working with individuals with diversabilities was her passion. In high school she volunteered as a peer tutor for students with diversabilities as well as worked in 3rd and 5th grade classrooms. In college Sarah volunteered with Special Olympics Oregon and worked as a Direct Support Professional on breaks. After college Sarah interned for Special Olympics Oregon and continued working as a Direct Support Professional. After traveling through Europe for two months Sarah returned to Portland to work as a Special Education Assistant. After traveling to Bend her entire life, she decided it was time to finally make the permanent move to. She loves to hike, ski, hang at the local breweries and float the river! Sarah is thrilled to be a part of the Diversability Inc. team and to serve the local community.
livi hamer
sib mentor & DSP
Since 2024
Alivia, or Livi, was born and raised in Bend, Oregon where she is the middle of three sisters, one of whom was born with Down syndrome. Livi is an emotionally intelligent, nurturing soul with skills beyond her years. Music, comedy and medical dramas are her go-to entertainment. Livi is a proud member of the ‘long blue line’ at Bend High School where she served as a Peer Mentor in Special Programs and Unified Sports, as well as a Childcare Assistant in the Bear Cub Infant/Toddler Center. As Livi transitions to the exciting world of post-secondary education, she looks forward to continuing her work at Diversability Inc. as a Sibshop Facilitator and Direct Support Professional!
Kara Fallini
Job Developer
Since 2020
Kara earned a Bachelor of Art degree in English Literature from the University of Oregon and grew up in the California Bay Area. She has lived on both coasts and abroad, and thoroughly enjoys learning about the nation, other countries, and cultures. She has a passion for nature, being active, spending time with her family, friends, and pets. Kara is highly skilled with treatment planning and implementation, along with mentoring and collaborating for the best outcomes with clients. She has over 10 years of work experience achieving these goals with people ranging in age from 3-83. She has provided overall case management and community referrals with crisis intervention skills and emotional support while working with various caseloads for social service agencies. She has a talent for relationship building and is knowledgeable with both setting the stage for learning and meeting objectives. She is a results-driven achiever with solid planning and organizational skills and can think on her feet to solve problems, while simultaneously enjoying slowing down and appreciating life in-the-moment. She is excited to be a part of Diversability Inc.’s team and support positive lifestyle changes to help people be their best selves.
abi eichstaedt
sib mentor & dsp
Since 2024
Abi has lived in Bend for most of her life, having moved from her birthplace of Salem, Oregon at a young age. Abi is an aspiring medical professional, influenced by her siblings who have managed various medical traumas. After graduating from Bend High School with Honors, Abi began charting a path in higher education in pursuit of a degree in medicine. Abi is a certified lifeguard and is excited to learn more about the world of diversabilities through her work with Diversability Inc.! In her free time, Abi enjoys being with friends and playing with fur babies.