All Under One Roof
LGBT Resource Centers of Southeastern Idaho
Kevin Lish, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF,
Kevin graduated from Pocatello Senior High School in 1980. He served three years in the School’s Senate, was President of the National Honor Society and active in many service organizations at Poky High. Kevin attended Gonzaga University for 2 years before transferring home and completing his education at Idaho State University. Kevin graduated with a BA degree in Business from Idaho State University with a major in Marketing and minors in Finance and Accounting. In February of 1989 Kevin became an Insurance agent with the Mutual of Omaha Companies in the John Squires and Associates Agency. After 3 years as an agent and earning President’s Club level of production, Kevin accepted the position of District Sales Manager in Southeastern Idaho for Mutual of Omaha in the Intermountain Agency. Kevin achieved the coveted Manager of the Year award in Mutual of Omaha’s annual Baseball Contest. He and his agents also achieved Mutual of Omaha’s CMC level of production, Career Managers Club. In 1995 Kevin earned the designations of CLU, Chartered Life Underwriter and ChFC, Chartered Financial Consultant from the Society of Financial Service Professionals. In 1997 Kevin made the decision to return to personal production and remains an active agent with Mutual of Omaha in the Ron Wiese Division Office.
Linda Reichardt
She graduated from the University of Idaho with a BS/cum laude degree.
She worked for the Marsh Valley School District from 1975 to 2000. She taught home economics at the high school and junior high level; she taught life science at the middle school for 23 years. She was principal at Marsh Valley Middle School for 6 years before retiring.
In 1992, she received her Master's Degree in Administration from Idaho State University with high honors.
In 1992, she was vice-principal at Marsh Valley High School and acting principal at Marsh Valley Middle School.
In 2003, she received the Zonta Woman of Achievement Award; in 2003, she was nominated for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. In 1992, she was a presenter at the National Middle School Convention in San Antonio, TX.
Linda has been inducted into Phi Upsilon Omicron, Alpha Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi. She served as president of Marsh Valley Education Association, was a member of the Idaho Education Association from 1975 to 2000 and is a retired/life time member of the National Education Association.
She is a past president of the Pocatello Hunter/Dressage Society; past secretary and current member of the Idaho Dressage Eventing Association; current member of United State Dressage Federation and United States Equestrian Federation.
Since retirement, Linda has traveled to many exciting places: Galapagos Islands, Panama, Bali, Transylvania, Cuba, and various locations in the Caribbean.
Linda Petersen: I was born in Oklahoma and lived there till my Dad was transferred to Soda Sprtings, when I was in high school.
I was married in 1966 and Pete and I moved to Pocatello in 1967. I went to work at Potelco Credit Union, working my way up from a teller, to Collector, Loan OFFICER, and then Asst. Mgr.
In 1982 I went to work for First Security Bank, as a collector. After the first year I became a field collector, and traveled an average of 4,000 miles per mo.
In 1984 I took the Shoshone Bannock Tribal Law classes. IN 1985 I became a member of the Tribal Bar, so I could represent the bank in court.
In 2000 First Security Bank merged with Wells Fargo Bank, and I became a Personal Banker. I opened accounts, submitted loans and completed investments.
In 2005 I was recruited to work for Ireland Bank; I was a loan officer and a collector. I worked till July, 2010, as I had to retire from an illness.
Over the years I have been on the Selection committee for Habitat for Humanity,volunteered for Paint Fest in Pocatello, and the Telephone Pioneers.
Sincerly,
Linda Petersen
David M. Hachey, Pharm.D., BCPS, AAHIVP
Clinical Professor
Division of Health Sciences
Office of Medical and Oral Health
Dave Hachey is a pharmacist and professor at Idaho State University. He works closely with the HIV/AIDS population in Idaho and oversees the local Ryan White HIV Clinic. During his 13 years of experience with HIV patients, he has worked with patients who have faced struggles because of the sexual orientation or diagnosis.
Dr. Cherie Atkins, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Cheri Lynn Atkins is a local clinical psychologist who has been serving Pocatello and the surrounding community for the past 8 years. She is the CEO and works as a staff psychologist at ALLIES Family Solutions. Dr. Atkins provides a wide range of clinical services, such as, psychological assessment, individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and family therapy. She is also involved in a number of community outreach programs, most notably, the Clinician's Program at the juvenile detention center, as well as sits as an elected board member for All Under One Roof LGBTQ Centers of S.E. Idaho
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Joann Cook, L.C.S.W.
Joann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After growing up in Southeastern Idaho, Joann attended Utah State University where she earned a BS in Psychology. Her post graduate work was done in Utah and Colorado. Joann earned her BSW from Utah State University. Her MSW degree was granted by the University of Denver. Upon completion of her education Joann has worked in Community Mental Health with oppressed populations for the past 20 years. Joann is currently on staff at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho. Joann Cook, L.C.S.W.
Tom Nestor: Business Owner
Have you ever wondered what it would be like growing up in Southeastern Idaho, thinking you were the only person who had unusual feelings, wondering why you were having these feelings you could not understand, and knowing you were different from your friends and your school mates? You might have thought that these feeling were wrong because this was what you were taught for your entire adolescent life. You no doubt wished you had someone you could talk to without being punished, ridiculed, or looked down on. You wished you could talk to your parents but knew that if you did, you would be scorned at home or rejected by your church. If you expressed your feeling to your best friends, they most likely would not understand why you were this way; they might disapprove, never talk to you again, or--worse yet--beat you up!
These are a few of the fears I had as a young person. I did not choose to have these feelings. I was born this way.
During my school years, there were a lot of very long, unhappy days. During my four years of high school (which I hated), I was pushed against the lockers, tripped in the hallways, and called "FAGGOT." At that time, I finally knew the meaning of my feelings: I am Gay.
That was 40 years ago. You might think that things would have changed by now, but the only thing that has changed is the meaning of those unusual feelings: they are now known as gay, lesbian, transsexual, bisexual, or queer. The hurt my classmates caused me is now known as BULLYING.
This are the reason why it is so important for All Under One Roof LGBT Advocates to be here in Pocatello!
L D Wolfley, Business Owner
Award-winning florist L.D. Wolfley has owned and operated Flowers by LD for twenty-five years, serving communities from Pocatello to Jackson Hole to Sun Valley, and everywhere in between. He has been named "Best Florist" by the Idaho State Journal's Readers Choice Awards for nineteen consecutive years. The father of two is deeply invested in giving back to his community as a board member on committees such as Idaho's Hometown Hero Medal. As Dr. Fahim Rahim noted in his speech at the first annual IHHM ceremony, "everything L.D. touches turns to gold," and his artistry is easily recognizable at the many annual charitable events for which he donates his signature floral and design services.
BILL LYNN
Bill has spent the majority of his adult life working in and around law enforcement.
Bill is a decorated Viet Nam veteran, having served in the United States Air Force as a conventional and nuclear weapons specialist for four years.
Bill started as a deputy with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office in 1968, and served until his retirement in 1996. Bill served in all capacities within the department, including Undersheriff, and Sheriff. After retiring from Bannock County, Bill started his own criminal justice consulting firm and served for ten years as the Executive Director of the Idaho Sheriff’s Association.
Bill retired in 2005, having served over 35 years in law enforcement, and he now volunteers his efforts towards serving the organizations in whose causes he believes in.
Bill has served on 25 boards and councils of different organizations, both public and private over the years, and has served as chairman or president of 15 of those boards and councils.
Bill’s most resent board and council work includes; United States Dept. of Justice- Bias Crimes Steering Committee, Developmental Options Inc., National Sheriff’s Association, Gate City Rotary, City of Pocatello, City of Inkom, Classy Car Club of Southeast Idaho, and the Sixth Judicial District CASA Program.
Chairman
Co-Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Members At Large
Executive Director
Deb Kendell was born and raised in Southeastern Idaho near Pocatello. From childhood to her late twenties, she was actively engaged in the farm and livestock operation that highlighted her family’s legacy. Her fondest memories occurred each spring and fall while trailing more than 2,000 head of cattle between American Falls and her grandparents’ 10,000-acre summer ranch, located near Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The trip took ten days and then later, two for branding. Deb enjoyed all ranching tasks, especially while working with her favorite uncle, who was recognized through the region for his quality registered quarter horses.
She held a high school track record in the 880-yard Medley (that stood for over twenty years), and placed second at State Finals. She won the Most Valuable Player award during a basketball tournament held at Highland High School in Pocatello. In 1973, Deb attended Idaho State University and was a first-string point guard for the Women’s Basketball Team. The coach nicknamed her ‘Nate (the Skate),’ as her playing style resembled that of NBA legend, Nate Archibald.
Deb worked as a commercial sign writer and billboard artisan for Shelby Outdoor Advertising (aka Galaxy Outdoor, and Cosgriff Outdoor), which served the Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls markets. She also painted for Reagan Outdoor Advertising in Salt Lake City, Utah before relocating to San Francisco, California. Once there, she introduced herself as D. Kendell, however, she and those who knew her preferred to call her ‘Kendell’. She lived next door to her brother, both promising to never leave ‘The City’ they continue to love.
In January 1990, she became a member of Scenic, Graphic and Title Artists Local 816, a union affiliate of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, AFL-CIO, CLC, (IATSE). Kendell served three two-year terms as an Executive Board Member, one-half year term as Business Representative (Dispatcher), and introduced a popular idea resulting in the creation of the Local 816 Art Show.
She worked in the San Francisco Bay Area on twenty-five major motion pictures (two ‘end-of-film’ credits) such as: ‘Basic Instinct’, ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Interview With The Vampire’, ‘Lolita’ (remake), and ‘Matrix Reloaded’. She was a production crewmember to eight television commercials, six prime-time series episodes, two reality episodes, two series pilots, and one special presentation. Kendell was a stagehand, set painter, sign writer, standby painter for camera, crew foreman, and crew member to additional projects specific to legitimate and industrial theatre, amateur and professional sporting events, stage concerts, musical tours, trade shows, conventions, and political or historical occurrences of local, regional, national, and worldwide interest. She associated with a vast array of high profile individuals and had ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience at significant site locations and noteworthy events.
Kendell painted sponsor and lettering graphics on the ‘Vickers Vimy 19/94’ bi-wing aircraft, a replication project made possible through major funding by Shell Oil Corporation and National Geographic Society. A documentary film, picture book publication, and NGS monthly magazine cover story portray the history of the first aircraft to fly from England to Australia, as well as that of the replicated aircraft and its similar flight path. Kendell has photo and credit acknowledgement in ‘The Greatest Flight’ picture book publication.
She was as a stagehand during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and Winter Olympic Arts Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. The following summer she painted at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Due to the increased number of entertainment industry projects being outsourced to other countries, Kendell returned to California and practiced as an independent Licensed Painting and Decorating Contractor. In 2006, she was one of thirty-six designers selected from the San Francisco Bay Area to participate in the 37th Annual Marin Designer Showcase event held at ‘Villa Florence’, a residential property located in San Rafael. Proceeds from the public open house went to the Heart Tug Program (which in turn, provided funding for Bridge the Gap Tutoring, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin, and the WildCare Foundation).
For several years Kendell participated in a variety of LGBT community events such as riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the annual San Francisco ‘Dyke March,’ and the ‘Dykes on Bikes’ contingent of the Pride Parade. She made a point to frequent ‘Country Nights’, a weekly Friday night lesbian social dance. Kendell attended candlelight vigils for slain hate crime victims, Matthew Shepard and Gwen Araujo, and marched with thousands in protest of the passage of Proposition 8, the amendment that ended same-sex marriage in California.
She was involved in events such as the annual GLAAD Media Awards, the Richmond/Ermet ‘Help Is on the Way’ Aids Fundraiser, the NCLR Gala Celebration, Aids Walk San Francisco, the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, a multitude of Bettyslist events, the Names Project-Aids Memorial Quilt, the memorial service for lesbian activist Del Martin, and the Barbara Young Memorial Dance (a tribute to Kendell’s significant other).
Kendell sold motorcycles at Golden Gate Harley-Davidson in Corte Madera before returning to Idaho in 2009. She is currently a Detention Division Sergeant at the Power County Sheriff’s Office in American Falls, and enjoys spending leisure time with her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. She looks forward to the summer of 2013 when her brother retires, and returns home to live with her. They are cousins to civil rights icon, Kate Kendell, who is currently the Executive Director of National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), San Francisco.
Deb Kendell designed the All Under One Roof logo and painted the mural rendition featured at the Center. She is honored to assist in promoting enhanced possibilities for the LGBT community, as well as empower quality relations between it and the mainstream population of Southeastern Idaho.
Deb Kendell
Jan Green
Jan Green has worked in the Idaho public schools for 34 years. First, teaching 4th grade for 15 years, then as an elementary principal for 21 years (2 of the years doing both). Jan earned her BS degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Brigham Young University. She did graduate work in Early Childhood Education, training college juniors and seniors to set up and teach preschool programs before changing her major to certify in elementary education.
Jan began her teaching career in the Snake River School District at Riverside Elementary. While teaching she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at Idaho State University. She served as the principal at Riverside Elementary for 4 years before being given an additional school in the District, Rockford Elementary for a total of 12 years there in administration. During that time she returned to Idaho State University and earned an Education Specialist degree, qualifying her to be a school superintendent.
Jan then moved to the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District as principal of Gate City Elementary for 9 years before retiring.
Since then she has created a children’s literature class for the Holy Spirit Catholic School staff which meets monthly. This class has been ongoing for several years. Jan is also working as an educational consultant to the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District mentoring ABCTE program teachers, as well as working for Western Govenors University as a clinical supervisor for their teacher candidates.
Jan is also an educational consultant for Idaho State University and the Idaho State Department of Education as a Capacity Builder working directly with Fort Hall Elementary. She works with the principal and teachers in the area of school improvement.
Jan joined Camerata Choir this year and is enjoying getting back in to singing serious music. She is married to Richard C. Green and has 3 stepchildren.
Hailey Ruso
Hailey Nichole Ruso was born in Blackfoot, Idaho. She was raised in a very small community west of Blackfoot on a dairy farm owned by her grandfather, her dad, and his two brothers. She moved to Pocatello and married her current partner, Melanie, in 1996. They have to children together. In 1997, she started attending ISU, and after a mid-stream change of majors, graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 2004 her world came crashing down when she was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. The next seven years were spent working with doctors to find the medications that would keep the bi-polar in check, and with therapists to learn how to take back control of her life. Currently, her time is filled with taking care of her two children (one of them is a 13 year old autistic boy), cleaning and maintaining the house and yard, keeping up on the laundry, making meals, grocery shopping, working to help the transgender community, and educate others about transgender issues. She enjoys being out in nature -hiking, camping, bike riding, gardening, nature-drives through the mountains, and capturing nature through photography. She also loves cooking and baking, woodworking and spending meaningful time with her children.
In the fall of 2010, after years of attempting to live the way that her family and society wanted her to, Hailey finally realized that she had to allow herself to express the feminine that was inside her. So she started incorporating the feminine into her otherwise masculine life. Slowly she began to change how she talked, walked, and dressed. She also changed the name that she used to refer to herself in her internal dialogue. By January of 2012, she realized that she had incorporated so much of the woman that was inside her into her life that she could start the official transition from male to female. So, in February of 2012, she informed her family and friends of her intent to transition from male to female. The news was not well received, but Hailey continued on her transition, regardless of the lack of support from those that were supposed to care the most about her.
The thirteen months since she started her official transition have been a major adventure, but one that she is very glad that she has taken. She feels more at peace with herself than she has ever felt in her life. The past thirteen months have not been total bliss; transition has been one of the most difficult things she has ever done, but the most rewarding also. One of the biggest helps in her transition was finding a wonderful support group for transgender individuals. For a very long time, Hailey thought she was alone here in Pocatello, that there were no other transgender people here. Once she found out there were others, and that some of them were successfully transitioning here in Pocatello, it gave her the hope and determination that she needed to start the process (and continue the process) herself. Now she is very determined to help anyone who needs support in any way along the transgender journey, because she knows how lonely and difficult it can be, and how much strength a person can gain from knowing that they have someone to talk to who really understands.
E.E. (Gene) Davis, who earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Montana in 1977, and his Master’s from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1966, is a retired Professor Emeritus from the Graduate Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education, at Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho. He has been married to Andrea Lee Davis for 52 years, has three children, Charles, Christopher, and, Charise ,and, six grandchildren.
He is the primary author of a manual entitled: Survival in a Down Economy: A Budget Reduction Process for Superintendents. The manual was published through the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) in cooperation with Rowman & Littlefield Education publishers in April, 2010, and, is available from the AASA which is the national organization for school superintendents. The manual provides a blueprint for superintendents and school boards when they face severe revenue shortfalls. Davis has numerous publications that address issues in education.
At ISU, Davis taught graduate-level courses that prepared principals, supervisors, and superintendents for leadership in education. During his tenure at Idaho State University he served as department chair on more than one occasion. While at ISU he established the Intermountain Center for Education Effectiveness (ICEE), involving partnerships with 56 school districts in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and, Wyoming.
Davis is a Lead Consultant for the Public Consulting Group Education, Ashville, North Carolina; Lead Consultant for School Management Study Group; Salt Lake City, Utah; Past President/CEO of Leadership for Organization Effectiveness; and former Senior Consultant for Learning Keys an educational consulting firm located in Phoenix, AZ. His expertise has benefited numerous school districts, school boards, and legislatures, throughout the United States. He currently serves as one of the Associate Editors of the Journal of Scholarship & Practice, a national publication of the American Association of School Administration, the primary professional association for school administrators.
Davis is a former district superintendent of two large school districts in Alaska and Virginia ranging in size from 36,000-45,000 students. Prior to serving as a superintendent, he held positions as a secondary principal, director of career and vocational education, director of curriculum and assessment, and assistant superintendent for planning and development.
While serving as a superintendent Davis was selected by the Japanese Foundation to be an Educational Emissary representing the United States to study the Japanese Education System; and, was invited by the Phillip Morris and Korber International Corporations to study Apprenticeship Programs in Germany.
He has been recognized as an Executive Educator 100, which identifies the top superintendents in the United States. During his tenure as superintendent, the districts he led received the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Leadership for Learning Award, the National Education Association (NEA) School Bell Award, the Search for Excellence in Science Education Award from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and the Golden Medallion Award from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). He has personally been recognized with the ACT-SO Award from the NAACP; the Eaton Award for Excellence in Economic Education from the Idaho Council on Economic Education, the highest award given in Idaho for excellence in Idaho economic education; and the United Way Gold Award. Wal-Mart also awarded him a literacy award for educators who are providing outstanding service in the area of literacy education.
During his career in education Davis has been active in numerous community organizations and has received several awards:
Rick Pongratz, Ph.D., LPC
"Rick Pongratz is a psychologist at Idaho State University’s Counseling and Testing Service. Prior to joining ISU he completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University and his doctoral internship at Colorado State University. Rick regularly supervises master’s and Ph.D. level trainees, is adjunct faculty in the Psychology Department at ISU, and works with ISU students to assist them with the struggles they face. Rick specializes in LGBT
issues, group counseling, and HIV prevention."
Lin Birkenhagen
