Meet the team!
Tom Allsworth
Chief Executive Officer
Tom grew up in Phoenix, AZ and a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. After college, Tom commissioned in the US Marine Corps where he served on active duty as a Combat Engineer with the Marines serving in various locations and billets throughout the US and Afghanistan.
After leaving active service, Tom started his career as a Marine Engineer as a Marine Surveyor at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea and later as a Port Engineer for the US Navy in Yokosuka, Japan. Eventually, he left his roles in heavy industry to pursue his passion for serving his local community. Tom started working with Pillar Health Group (PHG) in 2021 and later transitioned to Portland to take over the role of Executive Director at Pacific Opportunities in 2022. In 2024, Tom assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer at Trellis, overseeing the business operations for all PHG-related companies in Oregon.
Jim Wilson
President
Jim was born and and raised In Portland Oregon.
He graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering.
After graduating from OIT - Jim spent the majority of his career in various technology and operational roles in multiple industries including the non-profit world.
In these experiences he has held a number of executive management roles.
In his spare time - Jim likes to read, cook, camp, fish, and travel to see his 3 adult children and 1 grandchild.
Julia Ansberry
Founder and Executive Director
Julia has a long history of teaching independent living skills and empowerment abilities in both her personal and professional life. Julia’s mantra, “Being able to believe in one’s abilities and then move forward” is how she guides her work with her staff, clients, and family.
Julia founded Trellis, and stated “Trellis has provided her challenges, personal growth, and the most amazing joy that I would have expected. I am grateful each day to be surrounded by talented, awesome people and clients that are growing and reaching their goals”.
Walt Courtney
Community Director
As the community manager for our Salem branch, Walt bring five years of valuable management experience to our team. He is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where individuals can flourish.
Walt’s belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life and reach their highest potential is what guides his work at Trellis. His goal focuses on fostering a community that celebrates diversity, independence, and personal growth.
Walt’s passion for supporting adults with disabilities goes beyond my professional role, as he has supported his adult stepson with autism for over 13 years. This firsthand experience has deepened his understanding and commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support each day at Trellis.
Rachel Davies
Portland Employment Manager
As an Employment Manager in the Portland area, Rachel leads a team of employment specialists and job coaches to provide personalized support to each individual. They combine empathy with expertise to help their clients navigate the complexities of the job market, while offering tailored skill development that enables them to thrive in the workplace. By fostering a Trellis workplace culture that values accessibility and equal opportunity, an environment where everyone can contribute their skills and achieve their full potential.
Rachel is deeply passionate about the mission to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities. Having faced personal challenges in her own experience with re-entering the workforce, she understands firsthand, the transformative power of meaningful work within a supportive environment.
Rachel and her team are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the resources and support they need at every stage of their career journey—from job search to workplace success.
Nicci Kelley
Portland and Salem Employment Manager
Nicci began her career in intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as a Program Manager at a group home for women with dual diagnoses. There, she successfully implemented dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups, collaborating with Multnomah County to replicate this effective support model across various countywide programs. Nicci developed tailored transition programs that equipped clients with essential skills for independent living.
As she advanced into roles such as QA Director and Director, her focus shifted towards enacting client-centered services that empowered individuals to achieve their personal goals. Nicci also created a pioneering program that introduced integrated services and supports, marking a significant milestone in service history.
Throughout Nicci’s lifelong commitment to social services, her journey has been profoundly influenced by her grandmother, a dedicated three-term Multnomah County Commissioner. The positive transformations she’s witnessed in people's lives continue to inspire and motivate her every day.
Janet Castaneda
Salem Community Manager
I hail from the golden coasts of California, though Oregon has been my haven for the past thirteen years. At thirty-five, I am a single mother to a teenage daughter, navigating the joys and trials of parenthood with a youthful spirit.
For the past four years, I've immersed myself in a field that ignites my soul: caregiving. It began as a Direct Support Professional, where my journey was paved with empathy and illuminated by the faces of those I cared for. During this time, my passion for this profession has blazed brighter, propelling me forward through the ranks of my company not once, but twice. Now, as the Salem community manager here at Trellis, I am entrusted with nurturing connections and fostering a sense of belonging within our community. While my experience may be modest, my dedication knows no bounds. With my gaze fixed firmly on the horizon, I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that will shape our growth.
Julie Warner
Salem Employment Manager
Julie’s career has allowed her to gather a range of professional experiences, from working in the restaurant industry and serving as a behavioral interventionist to teaching high school English and, more recently, contributing to supported employment at Trellis. Julie's transition from teaching to Trellis was driven by a desire to continue making a positive impact on the community but from a broader perspective.
Julie has a deep passion for literature and reading and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Davis, where she focused on literature, criticism, and theory. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, training in Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, crocheting, and, of course, reading
Gaige Stroh
Portland VR Manager
Prior to joining Trellis as the Portland VR Manager in 2023, Gaige taught at an alternative high school in Colorado where he taught electives and developed their art program. In his career, Gabe has always enjoyed making valuable relationships and connecting people with what they need to be successful.
Off the clock, you can probably find Gaige with his partner and cat watching a scary movie or taking care of his plants.
Inga Hallmark
Portland Community Manager
Inga is a community manager who began her career as a DSP, later moving into a DSP Specialist role before transitioning into management. She enjoys the opportunity to support and empower others, fostering connections that help individuals grow and succeed.
Born and raised in Oregon, Inga values the importance of community and personal growth. As a single mom to a son, she brings a practical and caring approach to both her professional and personal life.
Carlie Thompson
Group Lead
Originally from Southern California, Carlie moved to Oregon in 2020 for a fresh start and new opportunities. A graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carlie holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
After completing their degree, Carlie gained invaluable hands-on experience as an ABA Therapist and Behavior Specialist, roles that allowed them to develop a deep understanding of behavior analysis and its impact. This experience has proven to be instrumental in their current role as a Group Lead at Trellis, where they bring both expertise and compassion to the team.
Carlie is proud to be part of the Trellis family and is honored to contribute to the company's mission of supporting and empowering individuals. They are excited to continue growing alongside Trellis and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Holly Jones
Group Lead
Holly joined Trellis in April 2023 as an Employment Specialist and currently serves as a Group Lead. In her role, she provides career exploration, job development, and coaching support to clients. She also guides her group to embody Trellis’s mission of changing perceptions. Holly believes that everyone can work with the proper support.
Holly’s professional journey began as an assistant preschool teacher while attending Washington State University Vancouver. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and double minors in Women’s Studies and Digital Technology and Culture. After earning her degree, Holly spent five years as a behavior therapist, where she supported individuals on the autism spectrum—ranging in age from 18 months to 21 years—in developing academic, social, and life skills.
Holly brings her strong sense of inclusion, her knack for writing thorough reports, and her creativity in identifying customized support to her work at Trellis. Outside of work, Holly enjoys exploring Oregon’s scenery with her husky, Kiara, or relaxing at home with her two cats.
You fit here!
We are about training, supporting, and growing our staff. We celebrate each other’s successes and step into each other’s challenges. Make a difference and love where you work.