Program Director

Hello there! I am Marliese Bankert. I stumbled upon this industry years ago when my daughter was first entering kindergarten. I wanted to go back to work but still wanted to be a good and present mom. I quickly fell in love with my work because I am a people-person who loves learning new things. I have experience in many of the day program positions over the years from instructor, to bus driver, to art and events coordinator, to department coordinator to program manager. I was managing a local program in Truckee that closed leaving our clients without services in the middle of the pandemic. Many people encouraged me to start my own program. (Something, ironically, that my husband had been saying for years!) Alta California Regional Center came alongside me and with the help and expertise of Dan Kilmer, Elevation became a reality. Many details came together beautifully to open this program. It has been exciting learning so many new things about business, but what most amazes me is how every talent or gift I have learned in my lifetime has come together and been useful in this program. My background in communications, Spanish, art, journalism, custom picture framing, floral, culinary and as a mom have all been needed and utilized in the creation of Elevation. The unique talents and gifts of our staff have also come together to create a beautiful program for the wonderful people we are blessed to learn with. Together we plan to live up to our name and elevate to new heights!

Program Manager

Hello, my name is Vince Zotstein and I became the Program Manager here at Elevation in June of 2023. I recently moved back to the area, after spending the last 4 1/2 years in Wyoming, where I was a state employee and worked as a case manager, where I focused on facilitating self-sufficiency with clients who were experiencing a wide variety of barriers. It was rewarding work that helped me extensively expand my skillsets. Having lived and worked in Truckee from 2013 to 2019, I made some excellent friends and contacts in the area and it is so great to be back in the area. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and have spent the past 15 years working within both education and social services. I had the privilege of working with many of our current clients, and others, when I was employed by both Aim and Associates, as well as with Choices, when living in Truckee. Our clients made a lasting impression on me, and I am so excited to be working with them again.

Instructor

My name is Susan Bailey. In 2010, my husband and I moved from Scottsdale, Arizona to Truckee to work at a residential golf course development. At Martis Camp I was Office Manager where I interacted with architects, contractors and homeowners. Back in Arizona, I was an account executive in the public relations field for ten years where I put my Journalism degree to good use. Writing was a big part of my job, so it has been a joy to teach how to express yourself in words with clients at Elevation. In my spare time, I learned to paint with oils, acrylics and watercolors and eventually sold some of my paintings at local art shows. Now I am thrilled to share my love of art with our Elevation clients and watch their unique and wonderful personalities come to life. As a Sunday school teacher in both Arizona and California, teaching became second nature to me. Sharing subjects and ideas with clients and watching them become independent adults undoubtedly is the most rewarding job I have ever experienced.

Instructor

Hello! My name is Cat Walton and I have been a part time instructor at Elevation since January 2023. Coming to work each day and getting to do life with our clients is such a bright spot in my life here in Truckee. Being an auntie to a niece who has special needs, I know how important it is to have a great program, like Elevation, in our community.

Prior to moving to Truckee in 2020, I was the special needs program coordinator, for three years, for a large church in the Central Valley. I worked with kids and adults ages 2-40+ with a variety of special needs. I also coordinated volunteers who worked one-on-one with our special friends, to help them attend Sunday school classes and other events at the church. I have also worked in the public school system as a para, done respite care, as well as volunteering at Camp Mighty, a camp for kids with special needs in Belize.

Instructor

Hello, I am Zoie!  I moved to Nevada with my family when I was a teenager From Oakley, California. I finished high school and continued my education to become a Cosmetologist right after graduating high school. In the process of going to school I decided to get my MedTech license so I could work with and care for adults with Alzheimer and Dementia. I worked as a MedTech for a year and a half. Prior to graduating high school in middle school and high school I helped volunteer during school hours with children and young adults with psychiatric disabilities alongside with teachers and faculty. I loved being able to work with the teachers and faculty members to enhance my school mates in class and school experience. These experiences led me wanting to continue to help others in the future. These experiences led me to working at Elevation at the beginning of January, 2024. Elevation is a wonderful program with amazing staff members and clients. Our program is very involved with the community with volunteering, attending special events, and always trying to give back to the community for what they have given to us. I am so grateful to be part of such a fantastic program.  

Instructor

Hi, my name is Billiejean, I just moved here from Spokane WA. I’ve been working in the mental health and social services field for ten years now and I love it, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I worked as a CNA for a couple of years and then later obtained my Registered Behavioral Therapist Certificate. For the last three years I have been working with high behavioral risk teens in group home settings and it was a very rewarding job. I recently relocated to Reno which led me here to elevation in Truckee working as an instructor. I’m thrilled to work with such unique individuals. Being here doesn’t feel like a job at all, it’s more like being part of a little family. I am excited to incorporate my love for health and fitness into the Elevation program.