Our Team
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Joey Yourchek, NAC - Owner/Administrator
Joey, Owner/Agency Administrator of PNW Aging Specialty Services, LLC, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to improving the lives of disabled and aging populations. With a background in managing Guardianships and Trusts, Joey transitioned to direct care, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant to pursue his passion for ensuring individuals' quality of life. His leadership extends beyond his business role, as he actively volunteers with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, serving in various capacities such as Co-Chair for the Walk To End ALZ Committee and Support Group Facilitator, demonstrating his dedication to supporting seniors and caregivers alike. Recognized for his contributions, Joey received the 2023 Senior Champion Award, reflecting his impact on the community and commitment to advocacy.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Joey is deeply involved in his community, serving on advisory councils, facilitating support groups, and volunteering for various causes aimed at supporting seniors and caregivers. His commitment to continuous learning and community service underscores his dedication to improving the lives of those he serves. Outside of his work, Joey enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family, particularly in his backyard pool and hot tub in SE Portland, where he resides with his partner of 22 years and their cherished cats Izabel, Buster, and Babs.
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Jessica Barela - Supervisor of Direct Care Services
Jessica has an extensive background in the in- home care industry. She started her journey as a Caregiver in 2005 and has since worked her way up to the Caregiver Supervisor. Jessica’s compassion for senior’s stemmed from her Grandmother owning and operating an Adult Family home, her Step Dad owning and operating a convalescent Center, and her Mother being a CNA.
With this in her background Jessica has been able to hone her skills and search for well qualified and trained Caregivers in the Clark County area to add to the already wonderful team here at PNW Aging. Jessica is a very compassionate and caring individual who is extremely conscientious and detail oriented.
Her strong understanding of state law, along with her ability to be organized, proactive, positive, and professional makes her a great fit for PNW Aging. Jessica is a mother of 4 and Grandmother of 2. In her spare time she loves to garden and work on her farm.
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Debbie Docksteader, NAC - Care Coordinator
Debbie was born in Coos Bay, Oregon, and moved to Portland in 1980. She went to college for two years studying Accounting and working as a Caregiver in an Adult Family Home. In 1985, she moved to Longview, WA, and for the next 20 years managed several local restaurants and realized her passion was in Caregiving. In 2006, she went to work for PSA (Pediatric Services of America) until late 2013. Debbie started working for Elfin Services (now PNW Aging) in 2014 as a Caregiver for the first year and later became Caregiver Specialist for the Longview and Kelso areas.
Formerly, the Caregiver Supervisor, Debbie met all of the clients regularly and became familiar with their specific needs, as well as established a relationship with the team of caregivers, offering support and assistance in any capacity she can. By knowing the clients' needs and the caregivers abilities, Debbie can assist the entire team by placing the right caregiver with the right client to ensure the best possible care is provided. She also became Humanitude® Certified, learning how to train our Caregivers to be more engaged, patient and loving with their clients. Studies have shown this positive approach to care makes a significant impact on a persons health and well-being.
Debbie continues in her role as the Care Coordinator and Case Manager.
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Amber Beck-Gariety - Caregiver Specialist
Amber was born in Seattle, Washington, and moved to Vancouver in 1988, a transition that shaped her formative years. From an early age, she displayed a strong desire to help others, often going out of her way to support those around her. This innate compassion and sense of responsibility led her to pursue a career as a caregiver at just 18 years old in 2002, marking the beginning of her journey in a field dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Throughout her career, Amber has cared for a wide variety of individuals, each with unique needs and challenges. Her adaptability, empathy, and commitment to providing personalized care quickly became defining traits in her work. In December 2015, Amber joined Elfin Services—now known as PNW Aging—as a caregiver, where she continued to demonstrate her exceptional ability to connect with people and provide the highest quality care. Her dedication and skill did not go unnoticed, leading to her recent promotion to Caregiver Specialist. In this role, Amber has embraced new responsibilities, further refining her expertise and continuing her professional growth.
Outside of work, Amber treasures her time with her husband and their four wonderful children. Family is a cornerstone of her life, and she finds joy in creating meaningful moments with her loved ones. Her household is also filled with the energy of many beloved pets, adding to the warmth and vibrancy of her home. When she isn’t caring for others professionally, Amber channels her nurturing spirit into her family and the animals that bring her happiness.
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Donna Weyand, MSW - Case Manager
Donna graduated from Western Michigan University in 1972 and worked as an Occupational Therapist. In 1984 she received her Master of Social Work degree from University of Michigan and worked for the next 24 years as a Medical and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Donna is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of OR and the state of MI. She has retired these licensures. She was also a CRC, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, but has retired this license also. She does still maintain her ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Donna started working as a Case Manager for Elfin Services in 2015, working with our disabled seniors in hopes of making their lives as comfortable, hopeful, happy, and safe as possible. She is very proud to work with such a dedicated group of people who advocate for the elderly, and do their utmost to give the best care to all those they have the honor of serving.
Elfin became PNW Aging on 9/16/2022. Donna transitioned to this new company as a Case Manager. Donna has lived in Vancouver since 2004. She moved here from Michigan with her husband to be closer to her 2 sons and their families. Donna has 3 grandchildren and 2 spoiled dogs who think they are her children. During her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She loves playing cards and games, has taken up billiards, and plays tennis, pickle-ball, and golf.
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Jennine Blake, ASW - Case Manager
Jennine was born and raised in Florence, Oregon, before moving to the Vancouver area in 2010. With over a decade of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Jennine has worked in diverse healthcare settings, including ventilator specialties and hospital care. In 2022, Jennine joined PNW Aging as a caregiver, where she brought dedication and compassion to her role every day.
Deeply committed to the community, Jennine is passionate about empowering and positively influencing the lives of others. This dedication led to a focus on social work, and in 2024, Jennine earned an Associate of Arts in Social Work from Lower Columbia College. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Portland State University, with plans to obtain a Master’s in Social Work in the future.
Outside of work and studies, Jennine is a devoted wife and mother of three. Together with her husband, Jennine volunteers for local football team, fostering teamwork and community spirit. In her free time, Jennine enjoys gardening, tending to her many chickens and two dogs, fishing, hiking, and kayaking, embracing the outdoor adventures that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
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Gwen Babi - Compliance Officer
Gwen joined Elfin Services (now PNW Aging) in 2018 after a long career in the financial and banking software industry. She was looking for something new and was introduced to the team by her friend Donna. Her first impression at her first visit to the office was the overwhelming feeling of love and care.
Gwen aided in the care of her father and mother as they struggled through losing battles with cancer and also that of an elderly friend during her end-of-life journey. She understands the need the PNW Aging community serves and feels like she has found a new home.
Gwen lives near her two daughters, a wonderful son-in-law and three grandsons. She loves spending time with them and is very involved in all their activities. She is also an avid tennis player and loves to keep active. She has been a positive addition to the PNW Aging Team.