Artisans Team

​Polly Maxwell
Chief Executive Officer
Polly grew up in Spokane and is married with two children. Polly’s educational background includes Hotel and Restaurant Management at Washington State University and Business Management at Eastern Washington University.  Polly has helped start non-profit organizations, managed restaurants, opened new business locations and has owned her own business.  This has helped Polly understand the needs of employers and given her expertise in training clients to be successful in any field that they choose. 

Polly came to Artisans in 2003 to help the Artisans re-organize their mission to include community based employment.  Growing up with an uncle with Williams Syndrome, Polly was aware of the importance of employment training and integration for individuals with disabilities.  Polly used her background in business management and ownership to foster business relationships and to train staff and clients to integrate successfully. 

Although Polly’s main responsibility is to oversee the operations of Artisans she continues to be involved in most client employment paths and ensures that every new client with Artisans is teamed up with specialists that will help them be successful in the employment path they choose.
​Mary Ravenna
Chief Operating Officer
Growing up on a dairy farm in Southern Idaho, Mary was introduced at a young age to the value of hard work and watched first-hand what it takes to run a business. The strong work ethic instilled in her has transferred to her positions at Artisans and also allowed her to help Artisans clients with employment training and build work readiness skills.

Mary started as a volunteer at Artisans in 2004 through a service learning course at Gonzaga University. It was through this volunteer opportunity that her education and passion for serving adults with disabilities ignited. While in college, she became an employee at Artisans under the Work Study program at Gonzaga University. She graduated from Gonzaga University cum laude with a B.A. in English and Journalism in 2007. 

Although she did not plan on going into this field, it found her, and she became a full-time employee in 2007 after she graduated and has been an integral part of the Artisans’ team ever since. She has filled various roles and company needs along the way serving as Marketing Specialist, Direct Support Professional and Employment Services Coordinator. Mary became Assistant Director of Artisans in 2011. Mary’s main responsibilities for the organization are overseeing Artisans’ programs, integrating technology into its work methods, as well as assisting the CEO with business operations. 
Judy Bales
VP of Rural Services
Grant Coordinator
ashin​Judy brings to Artisans a lifetime of compassion and commitment to serve and support individuals with diagnosed disabilities. After growing up in So. Oregon and then moving to various states, Judy settled in Everett, WA in 2002 when she accepted a job with the WA State DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In August of 2020, Judy and her husband relocated to Chewelah where they are very thankful to finally able to live in these beautiful surroundings. Judy’s education includes attaining a BA degree in Special Education from Emporia State University in Emporia KS in 2000. She went on to attain a MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2002, also from Emporia State University.
 
Judy worked in public education for 16-years as a Para-Educator in a variety of special and general education classrooms and programs. Her final years were spent working as an Interpreter for students who were Deaf. She also supported students diagnosed with developmental disabilities, intellectual disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, communication disorders, physical disabilities, to name just a few. Judy has a step-son named Tyler who is diagnosed with severe Autism and requires 1:1 supervision. This gives an additional understanding and insight to those families in similar situations who must provide care to make sure all needs are met.
 
After attaining her Rehab Counseling degree and moving to Washington State, Judy worked for the Division of Vocational Rehab for approximately 20 years. She brings to  Artisans a wealth of information and experience supporting individuals with disabilities in many aspects of their lives. She has extensive knowledge of programs and services available at the county, state and federal levels.
 
In her spare time, Judy enjoys spending time on her 28-acres, hiking trails and exploring her new surroundings. She and her husband enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time with friends. As Marriage Ministry leaders, they especially feel honored to help others who experience relational challenges.
Joyce Bohlman
Front Desk Coordinator
Joyce began with Artisans in 2017. She graduated in 2010 in Office Administration and has several Microsoft Office Certifications. Over the years she has worked in office and customer service areas as well as with the elderly and the ill in hospital settings. She has a passion for helping others and knowing that success is there for all to achieve is rewarding. Joyce is a mother and a grandmother.  On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Darlene Butler
Employment Services Coordinator
Darlene was first introduced and touched by a person with a disability when friends of hers gave birth to a beautiful girl with Downs Syndrome in 1974. Her friends went on to adopt another girl who also was diagnosed with Down Syndrome into their family in 1979. These two girls enriched Darlene’s heart and opened doors to education and a career working with individuals with disabilities.

Darlene came to Artisans in 2005 as a Job Employment Services Coordinator bringing more than 22 years’ experience working with intellectually, physically, and mentally disabled adults in Washington and Montana. Her experience prior to her work with Artisans includes 6 years as a Case Manager for the Developmental Disability Administration in Yakima, Wash., 3 years as a Case Manager position at Butte Sheltered Work Shop in Butte, Montana, 7 years as a Case Manager for Montana Mental Health and 6 years as a Program Coordinator for Haven Homes residential facility for adults with disabilities in Spokane, Wash.

Darlene has a gift working with and connecting with people. This is evident in her success in job development for Artisans’ clients through the trust and relationships she is able to build with clients and employers. She is also a much practiced mentor and teacher as she is mother of five children, three step-children, four foster children as well as a proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren. 
​​Brian Burke
​Employment Services Coordinator
Brian grew up in Othello, WA and Coeur d'Alene, ID before moving to Spokane to attend Eastern Washington University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Music Composition. He went on to earn a Certificate in Computer and Network Support from Spokane Falls Community College.  Brian has a passion for cooking, and most of his professional experience is in the Food Service industry. He worked as a cook for fast food and full-service restaurants, a local hospital, and the County Jail. Most recently, Brian participated in an internship for Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, working to re-employ injured workers through Washington State's L&I program. He is excited to put his diverse experience to good use helping to support Artisans' clients in exploring and growing in their own unique employment paths. When not working, Brian enjoys playing drums and singing in his band as well as backpacking, weight training, and snowboarding.
Stan Cone
Direct Support Professional
Stan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the culinary industry to Artisans. Stan attended college at Le Coeur D’ Bleu Culinary Arts Academy in Portland, Oregon where he earned a degree in the hospitality field. Stan moved to Spokane afterwards to help his brother-in-law run his restaurant where he was introduced to training and working with adults with disabilities employed at the restaurant. Stan also worked with the Mead Highschool Job Shadow Program to help introduce high school age kids to the culinary industry. He has been in Spokane for 8 years with his wife and two little boys. He has enjoyed working with adults with disabilities through the partnership with various organizations at the restaurant level and is excited to be working with the Artisans where he can use his skills, knowledge and experience to help individuals seeking career paths in the culinary industry and other areas as well.
Steve Degenhardt
VP of Community Inclusion Services
​​Direct Support Professional
Steve worked supporting persons with developmentally disabled for 8 years before he came on board with the Artisans in May of 2014. He brought to the organizations years of experience job coaching as well Ability One work site supervision experience. He currently works as an Employment/Community Inclusion Specialist at Artisans. His previous work included  I have worked as a job coach, and supervised numerous government Ability One work sites. Steve finds great satisfaction in the work he does, in seeing the progress he is able to help the clients he works with attain each and every day. Outside the office Steve enjoys spending time with family and creating and making things in his workshop.

Steve’s favorite inspirational quote: “Treat each day like it is your last.”
Deirdre Farnsworth
​Direct Support Professional
Deirdre grew up in Spokane and is married with two children.  Her educational background is in the medical field, and she graduated from Spokane Community College.  Deirdre's career has primarily been in the medical industry as she held professional positions in medical offices and most recently worked as a phlebotomist at a blood center.  She also worked for a non-profit organization for five years in the past, helping people receive the medical care they needed, which was also a very fulfilling job. Deirdre really enjoys making a difference in people lives, and in May of 2021 she started working with Artisans to apply her passion for helping others in a new capacity.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and outdoor activities.
Jessica Lopez-Ramirez​Direct Support Professional
Jessica grew up in the North Puget Sound area in Western Washington. Jessica moved to Spokane in 2019 to attend Whitworth University, where she double majors in community health and sociology. Her Latinx origin has given her the ability to speak fluently in two languages: Spanish and English. Additionally, she learned basic American Sign Language (ASL) over the past two years. Jessica has always had an intention of helping others. Through high school, she would volunteer at the providence regional medical center, where she developed an interest in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. She completed over 100 volunteer hours of service.

Jessica’s academic career in community health and sociology has highly influenced her further interest in this field. This has encouraged her to find ways to coordinate accessible resources and advocate for support for underrepresented populations. In the past three years at Whitworth University, Jessica’s activities have shown care and eagerness that connects to her position at the Artisans. One example is an extra-curricular on campus known as “BUCS Bridge” (Building Unity and Cultivating Success Bridge) a year-long program designed to serve first-year students from first-generation and/or underrepresented population backgrounds. Jessica was giving back to the community that welcomed her and supporting students who want to thrive and be better for themselves and their families just like her. Jessica also holds the position to coordinate an event called the multicultural visit program (MVP) with the admissions department. Within this role, she has learned valuable professional skills such as presenting and communicating both in Spanish and English to prospective students and families from various backgrounds and organizing an event with various computer programs.
Jaydin Ludeman
​Direct Support Professional
​Grant Coordinator
As a recent Whitworth University Graduate, Jaydin has committed herself to serving underrepresented populations, including adults with disabilities. Her background in Psychology and Sociology has equipped her with the knowledge to serve the greater Spokane community. She serves as an Employment Specialist here at Artisans as well as a Crisis Response Agent at Lutheran Community services. She is from Chewelah Washington and moved to Spokane to complete her bachelor’s degree cum laude within three years at Whitworth. She worked as a Peer Guide for Whitworth’s BUCS Bridge program and helped students involved in BUCS Bridge experience the benefits of community-building, gain skills in college navigation, and further develop their multicultural identity. She also worked in the Title – IX office as a Sexual Assault Prevention Specialist where she was responsible for providing appropriate, evidence-based prevention for sexual violence (including bystander intervention training), and violence advocacy for students at Whitworth. Jaydin enjoys engaging in community activities such as dance classes, watching music ensembles or theatre productions, and visiting local coffee shops.  
Madelyn Maxwell
Executive Assistant
Peyton Maxwell
​Direct Support Professional
Grant Coordinator
Peyton was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. Peyton has spent her entire life around individuals with disabilities as her great uncle was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome and her personal connection to Artisans. Peyton volunteered with Artisans over the years and through this experience found she enjoys being around and helping adults with disabilities. Before coming to work for Artisans, Peyton spent three years working in the restaurant industry and is looking forward to broadening that experience and education through Artisans programs. Peyton was fortunate to have a culinary program in high school that she joined in her sophomore year and was part of a culinary team who won the Washington State competition, who went on to travel to Washington D.C. for nationals. Peyton was also awarded culinary student of the year for Washington State in 2020. Peyton’s professional experience in a kitchen and culinary education in high school is a great asset to Artisans as she is able to provide expertise and training to individuals working in and wanting to explore the restaurant industry. Peyton assists in managing the 2022 Spokane County Mini-Grant Artisans was awarded for a Culinary Training Program designed to open up opportunities for individuals with disabilities with little or no prior experience to work in the restaurant industry.  ​
Mike Mullinex
​Employment Services Coordinator
Mike grew up in Spokane. When he turned 18, he joined the Army, repairing night vision and tactical communication equipment. After he left the military, he attended Eastern Washington University and got his bachelor's degree in Video Production. Previously, he was making therapy videos for kids with developmental delays. Mike decided to take a more active role in helping people with disabilities and joined Artisans in 2022. In his spare time, Mike enjoys the outdoors, whether it's riding his motorcycle in the summer or snowboarding during the winter. He also enjoys artistic hobbies like 3d printing, blacksmithing and painting.  ​
Debbie Niehenke
​Direct Support Professional
Debbie has worked for the Artisans since 2008 as an Employment Specialist. She had not worked in this field when she started with the organization, but was inspired to do the work as she had the opportunity as a manager in a previous work position to work with a client in our supported employment program.  She works primarily at our Waste Management (Smart Center) GSE job site. She is inspired to go to work every day to see the smiles on the faces of the clients she works with and by having the opportunity to help them grow and develop in their skills and employment goals. Outside the office Debbie loves spending time with her family, grandchildren and loves fishing!
Alona Petru
​Direct Support Professional
Alona was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States four years ago. Alona is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. She has been in the workforce for the past fifteen years working in sales management, accounting, childcare, and food services.
Alona is very positive and cheerful person who enjoys helping others. She has a great deal of life experiences and understands firsthand what it is like to be in a vulnerable position and handicapped.
Alona believes life is what you make of it and enjoys being around good people who believe in helping others.  In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors, soaking up nature, and viewing wildlife. ​
Meghan Sullivan
​Direct Support Professional
Being a part of various volunteer organizations in her undergraduate years, Meghan has always held a passion for serving others and recognizing the value of community while doing so. These passions have led her to work at Artisans, where she supervises her clients and supports and encourages them while respecting their agency in the work they do.

Meghan graduated from Spring Hill College in May 2020, majoring in English and minoring in Political Science and Theology. Some of the volunteer work that Meghan has been a part of includes serving at an Elderly Enrichment Center known as Via, where she would assist her clients in activities and games there. Another service program Meghan was a part of and greatly enjoyed was her time spent in “Labre” of Spring Hill, where students would meet and make lunches and bring them to those experiencing homelessness to give them a fresh meal, but also to befriend those they met and show their care for them and their wellbeing. Shortly after graduating Meghan joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest to do a year of service work where she volunteered at St. Margaret’s Shelter as a Resident Volunteer Coordinator. This opportunity led Meghan to Spokane and through her love of Spokane that she developed while living here and her desire to aid others, particularly those who experience marginalization, she was instantly drawn to the work that Artisans does in aiding and empowering their clients. Meghan joined the team in August 2021.
Lauren Warrick
Employment Services Coordinator
Direct Support Professional
Lauren is from Tupelo, Mississippi and moved to Spokane in 2012. She is married with 2 children.  Lauren as a rich history of working with individuals with disabilities. Both of her parents made careers of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, so Lauren was introduced to work in this field at a young age. Lauren also has professional experience working with residential services for individuals with disabilities. Her formal education is in Public Health as she attained a degree in Healthcare Organization and Policy. Lauren is highly involved in the community through a variety of non-profits and was also a small business owner for five years. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with friends and family. 

Favorite Quote:  "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away" - William Shakespeare
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