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MEET THE TEAM

Kelly Payne

CEO

In 1998, Kelly obtained her Associate of Science Degree, with a specialization in commercial aviation. At the young age of 19, she earned her private pilot's license. However, her true passion was discovered in 2006 when she began working with foster children. Through this experience, she found joy in assisting others in achieving their goals and leading fulfilling lives, which eventually led her to work with the developmentally disabled community.

In 2008, Kelly commenced her work with clients and local area Brokerages, providing one-on-one support to help them explore their community, build new friendships, secure integrated employment, and enhance their overall independence. Due to the high demand for qualified providers, Kelly made the decision to expand her endeavors. Thus, in 2013, she founded Opportunities Unlimited, a state-certified Medicaid Agency.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kelly finds delight in a multitude of activities. Her interests span from hiking, camping, kayaking, and flying airplanes to more adventurous pursuits like ziplining and skydiving. She also enjoys nurturing her green thumb through gardening, exploring new places while traveling, and experiencing diverse cuisines. Moreover, Kelly actively contributes to her community by volunteering at local animal shelters and homeless shelters. Her most cherished moments, however, revolve around spending quality time with her two sons, six chickens, and her beloved dog, Dexter.

Chris Vergnaud

Director of Supported Employment Services

Chris joined our OU team in 2022 and brought many years of experience and expertise in coaching, mentoring, and leadership. In September of 2022, Chris became the Director of Supported Employment and has continued to lead the SE team to new achievements.

He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Florida Gulf Coast University and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Chris has spent his entire career mentoring students, athletes, and adults on all levels ranging from high school to college. He is passionate about helping others reach and sustain their lifelong goals through guided mentoring and leadership.

In his spare time, Chris enjoys the outdoors, spending time on the water, and exploring new hidden gems in the Pacific Northwest. He loves to cook, travel, spend time with friends, and engage in all aspects of sports. In addition, he is a proud fur dad to his 1 1/2 year old, Boston Terrier mix, named Levi.

Peggy Horne

Human Resources Director & Direct Support Professional

Peggy is a retired foster mom and has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, a Master of Science in Health Education, and is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.

After working in the corporate scene for a few years, she left to do what she loves, helping people. Peggy has worked as a Professional Coach and Holistic Health Practitioner since 2018 and loves helping people find their path to success.

She lives in Beaverton with her husband and youngest son and enjoys time with her other five children and grandchildren.

Her hobbies include traveling to naturally beautiful places, growing medicinal plants, and playing board games with friends and family. Her dream is to open a wellness center in a secluded area in Montana to help people find peace and wellbeing.

Spencer Payne

Technical Support Specialist

Spencer began work at Opportunities Unlimited in 2019 as an Office Assistant. He is motivated and always aims to outperform his previous best, constantly raising the standard for workplace etiquette and efficiency. He is currently preforming technical service for Opportunities Unlimited by maintaining and improving the technical infrastructure we are built upon. Spencer is also a student at Clark College, he will graduate with an Associates Degree in June of 2023.

In his free time, Spencer is a hard worker and is always looking for new ways to help others. He enjoys spending his time reading and educating himself on current social and economical phenomena. Spencer's hobbies include chemistry, psychology, digital art, and modern technology.

Gia Gilmour

Job Developer/ Employment Coach

Gia has worked for Opportunities Unlimited as a Community Support Specialist since 2015. She holds an Associate of Science Degree from Portland Community College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education at Portland State University. She lives in Beaverton with her husband of 20 years. She has two daughters, two granddaughters, and two dogs. She also has a son who is a medical assistant, which he learned in the Navy.

Gia’s interests include photography, health education, movies, music, cooking, learning new skills/activities with customers, and exploring Portland and the surrounding areas.

Jasmine Gomez

Direct Support Professional

Jasmine has worked in the DD community for over 5 years in Corvallis! She has a passion for spending time outdoors and playing different sports. Additionally, through this passion she has volunteered as a coach for the Special Olympics. She has coached, softball, and volleyball for 4 years.

Some of her other interests include hiking, fishing, and concerts.

Virginia Quinn

Direct Support Professional

A native New Yorker with an Associates degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Virginia found herself with a desire to transition from a corporate setting to a humanitarian position through serving others.

As an Educational Assistant working in Life Skills enrichment programs in the public school systems, she had the opportunity to integrate her art background by implementing fun and creative art workshops.

Virginia's passion is to see others thrive, succeed and to motivate and inspire each other; she feels this is most essential in life.

She enjoys jewelry designing, painting, music, traveling, nature and spending time with friends and family.

Darlene Scott

Direct Support Professional

A dedicated and experienced support professional, Darlene provides individualized services to her customers, treating each with kindness, dignity, and respect. Her training in Ukeru aids customers who have endured trauma by teaching them vital coping skills and relaxation techniques. Darlene enjoys reading, hiking, puzzles, cooking, learning new things and going on adventures.

Melanie Williams

Job Developer/ Employment Coach

Melanie joined the team at Opportunities Unlimited in 2022.
After several years of working as a Business Development Executive she decided to make a change and follow her earlier career dreams of working as a coach helping others to achieve their own goals and support them in building a more fulfilling life through having successful work experiences. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in
Psychology from the University of Utah. She has enjoyed doing volunteer work with teens and single moms as a life skills coach over the years.
She loves social dancing, particularly Salsa, Bachata, West Coast Swing, and the Waltz.
Melanie loves road trips, hiking and soaking in hot springs.

Meghan Marques

Job Developer/ Employment Coach

Meghan joined Opportunities Unlimited in June 2024, shifting into a more fulfilling career where she can help advocate for others and help them meet their goals. She is passionate about connecting with others and building community.

She is always seeking to learn more, and believes in empathy, compassion, and meeting people wherever they are in their journey.

In her spare time, Meghan is exploring nature, enjoying animation, or engaging in a range of crafting and art that includes drawing, sewing, and cosplaying.

Jessica Dearborn

Direct Support Professional

Jessica has been working as a Direct Support Professional for over four years. She is
passionate about serving others, promoting growth, creativity, and joy, and fostering an
empowering program for those with developmental disabilities.
Her previous jobs included professional writing, working in the entertainment industry in
Los Angeles in various administrative roles and other creative positions in different
fields. During her downtime, Jessica enjoys playing her piano, writing, reading, taking
long walks with her dog, Fiona, spending time with family and friends, and people-
watching at coffee shops.
Jessica is originally from Oregon but moved to California with her family when she was
twelve. She has recently returned to Oregon to join Opportunities Unlimited and is
excited to start her new journey.

Gabriela Cortez

Job Developer/ Employment Coach

My name is Gabriela, in 2017 I began my career within the social service at a non-profit agency. I started as an ESL instructor and provided classes to minorities with disabilities. Throughout this time I sought interest within the Job development/Job coaching role. In 2018, I was given an opportunity to assist and provide guidance to the Latin X and the developmental disability community to seek and retain employment.


As your Job developer and Job coach, I have nearly 7 years of experience being in this field. I am able to offer the support and guidance to assure that your resume is presentable to employers. Assist with career exploration, which will give you the opportunity to discuss your interest, hobbies, and capabilities that may align with integrated employment opportunities within the community. As we begin our job search process, I will prepare you for potential interviews, job tours, and or job shadowing opportunities. Once we are able to find the right employment opportunity, I will then provide guidance within job coaching and assure that you have the natural support that is needed within the workplace, allow you to grow independently and to retain a successful employment.

My goal is to be able to make an impact in the community and to assist you to reach your employment goal.

Jessica Loper

Direct Support Professional

Jessica has an associate's degree in architectural design and drafting and is working on her Bachelor's degree in health and human services. She is a mom of three and has experience with individuals with neurodivergence. Although she is new to this industry, she is excited to grow her skills in human services. She loves to learn and make a difference in the lives of those she works with. Like all our providers, Jessica focuses on life coaching to help our clients achieve tremendous personal success.


In her free time, Jessica loves spending time with her family, sewing, embroidery, cooking, baking, and learning how to crochet. She loves teaching other new skills and having a good time. She is interested in working in a group setting to support community involvement with activities such as zoo trips, hiking, and other group adventures.

Lulu Colina

Direct Support Professional

Lulu has always had a passion for helping others thrive, using creativity and community-building as her guiding principles. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Theater at Portland State University, blending her love for human connection with the power of performance to educate and inspire. She believes that storytelling, whether on stage or in everyday interactions, has the ability to uplift, empower, and bring people together.

With a strong background in event planning and mentorship, Lulu has been actively involved in the anime convention scene for years. She has helped organize and run multiple conventions, gaining experience in community engagement, accessibility, and event coordination. Her ability to create welcoming and inclusive spaces ensures that everyone, regardless of background, feels supported and empowered.

Beyond her work, Lulu enjoys acting, dancing, gaming, and writing music. She also has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loves hiking, exploring nature, and developing outdoor skills. Whether it's a scenic hike or a quiet moment surrounded by nature, she finds inspiration in the world around her. Lulu is excited to bring her enthusiasm and empathy to Opportunities Unlimited, helping others build confidence and reach their goals.

Adolfo Zarate

Job Developer/ Employment Coach

Adolfo Zarate is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in personal support and job coaching. Since 2015, he has served as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), expanding his expertise as a Direct Support Worker (DSW) in 2022 and most recently embracing the role of Job Coach in 2025. As the eldest of four brothers, Adolfo brings a nurturing and leadership-oriented approach to his work. Residing in Hillsboro, Oregon, he is also the co-owner of a strength and powerlifting gym, reflecting his commitment to fitness and community engagement. Beyond his professional endeavors, Adolfo enjoys traveling, playing soccer, exercising, bowling, and camping, passions that enrich his connection to the community and enhance his ability to support others in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Ginae Borja-Johnson

Direct Support Professional

Ginae joined Opportunities Unlimited in 2025, bringing a background in Film and Video and extensive experience in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) as a Cultural Event Coordinator. Her passion lies in community engagement, where she is dedicated to supporting others and fostering creativity.

In her free time, Ginae enjoys watching films, reading, writing, working on passion projects, and spending time with friends.

As your Life Coach and Direct Support Professional, Ginae is committed to giving back to the community and empowering you to reach your goals, helping you become the best version of yourself.

Gabriel Swanson

Direct Support Professional

Gabriel joined Opportunities Unlimited in 2025 and has been a lifelong resident of Oregon. He is deeply passionate about supporting individuals on their personal growth journeys and helping them achieve their full potential.

With a degree in Computer Information Systems, Gabriel combines his technical expertise with a strong commitment to community service. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, and exploring role-playing games and computer technology.

Adison Street

Direct Support Professional

My name is Adison Street, and I am a 21-year-old student at Pacific University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Since my freshman year, I have been an active member of the university's student resource team, assisting peers with study skills, anxiety management, and problem-solving.

In addition to my academic experience, I have worked seasonally for a local farming company in my hometown and have volunteered within my community. My volunteer work includes helping a campus facility cultivate new land for sustainable vegetable production and assisting in coaching youth football.

In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, spending time in nature, and being with those closest to me. I consider myself a down-to-earth individual with a strong work ethic and a determined mindset to tackle any challenge that comes my way.

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