About Us

About our Founder
In 1956, a young man left school to join the Air Force, kickstarting a lifetime of service. He went on to serve in the Peace Corps and earn his doctorate. Dr. Isaac Pope eventually found his way to Chehalis with his wife, Jo. His practice introduced him to the substantial challenges faced by parents of children with extra needs. In 1995, he gathered a group of community leaders to address these concerns. The Popes opened a two-room pediatric clinic and a respite center – a program that would evolve into Pope’s Place. Here, extraordinary individuals receive skilled care and their families find respite. Dr. Pope has received 14 service awards in his career – local, state, and national honors – for his work with children with special healthcare needs and his improvements to the medical community. His compassion and inclusive work have changed countless lives among the vulnerable members of our community.
25 Years of Service
Our programs and campus have undergone countless transformations, but our mission remains the same. Since the opening of Pope’s two-room centers in 1995, we have felt honored to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are continuously humbled and grateful for our generous donors, volunteers, families, and staff, whose efforts make it all possible. We look forward to another 25 years of strengthening individuals, families, and our community.

Staff

Executive Director
Shirley Billings

Director of Finance
Kiandre Brasher

Marketing Specialist
Naimbet Medina

Billing Specialist
Destiny Simpson

Director of Nursing Services
Barb Sonnenberg
RN, BSN
ADN South Puget Sound, 1993
BSN WGU, 2010
Dedicated staff since 2002

Assistant Director of Nursing Services
Jaimee Dobson
RN, BSN
ADN South Puget Sound, 2014
BSN WGU, 2016
Dedicated staff since 2014

Nursing Supervisor
Jennifer Hackett
RN
ADN Lower Columbia College, 2015
Dedicated staff since 2016

Administrative Program Manager
Stephanie Jankowski
MSW, LSWAIC
BASW University of Washington Tacoma, 2018
MSW University of Washington, 2019
Dedicated staff since 2020
Our Mission
Pope’s Place provides individualized care for children and young adults with exceptional medical and behavioral needs to strengthen them, their families, and the community.
A Dedicated Nonprofit Board

President
Sue Sincock
Washington State Auxiliary Trustee
This place changes everything because . . .
of the caring professional staff and a dedicated community supporting Pope’s.

Past President
LauraLee Zuber-Titus
John L Scott CNT- Owner
This place changes everything because . . .
each and every individual we are blessed with are welcomed with open arms from our amazing staff and are treated as if they are one of their own.

Vice President
Lindy Waring
Bicoastal Media- Marketing
This place changes everything because . . .
of the compassionate care our staff provides to each and every one of our patients and their families.

Secretary
Mary Kay Nelson
MK Marketing- Owner
This place changes everything because . . .
when facing some of life’s challenges Popes’ Place is here to support, encourage, care and most of all love, those who need our services. Each family deserves to be happy. We strive to make a positive difference in every family we serve.

Treasurer
Angela Robinson
John L Scott CNT- Broker
This place changes everything because . . .
everyone is given the tools and opportunity to succeed to the best of their abilities and no one is ever left behind.

Cheri Lewis
TwinStar Credit Union- Member Service Officer
This place changes everything because . . .
our community cares!

Katherine Gulmert
Law Offices of Katherine Gulmert- Attorney
This place changes everything because . . .
miracles happen here!

Nani Jackins-Park
Equity Works NW- Owner
This place changes everything because . . .
their work is driven by love for children and a determined vision for healthy, happy and whole families.

Cheri Raff
Centralia College Dean Emerita- Retired
This place changes everything because . . .
every child is unique and deserves a safe and loving place.

Joyce Hammer
Centralia College- Vice President of Instruction
This Place changes everything…
in the lives of children with special needs by showing them they matter and providing them and their families with exemplary care and support for an enriched future.

Roy Calica
WA DOH- HR Consultant, Investigation Specialist
This Place changes everything…
it takes a human centered approach to each situation, striving for the most equitable outcome possible.”