I have been given the opportunity to work as Administrative and Board of Director/PAC Support here at Disability Rights Idaho, where I continue to work with people of varying abilities. I have had the privilege to work in this community for over 10 years. I have a passion to help others. I hope that, as an organization, we can continue to reach more and more Idahoans each year. I strongly believe in our mission here at Disability Rights Idaho. I have finally found my “home”! I received my bachelor’s degree in Relational and Organizational Communication from Boise State University, while also minoring in American Sign Language. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my 2 dogs. We love to spend the summers camping and fishing.
My name is Briseida Trapero. I am a Mexican-American woman who grew up in Ontario, Oregon. I went to school at the University of Oregon and received a Bachelor of Science in General Social Science, with a concentration in Crime, Law, and Society with a minor in Spanish. My professional background involves working for various organizations and schools throughout Oregon. I have a passion working with children with all different backgrounds and abilities. At Disability Rights Idaho, I am a Non-Attorney Advocate for the youth unit. When I am not at work, you can find me getting lost in a mountain or lost in my kitchen trying new recipes.
I began my journey at Disability Rights as Administrative Support almost five years ago. I am now a PABRP Non-Attorney Advocate/Investigator. I work at DRI because I wanted to be a part of an organization that makes a difference in the lives of so many people.
I received my Administrative Assistance Certificate from Idaho State University. I have a background in office administration, investigation and research gained in my 22 years of working as the office manager and paralegal for a busy law firm.
At DRI my job is to do reviews of representative payees and interview beneficiaries as a P&A Reviewer for the Social Security Administration. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that payees are performing their duties and beneficiary’s funds are being spent to ensure their needs are being met.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and grandbabies. I enjoy being outside and working in the yard. I have recently taken up the hobby of sewing and quilting.
I received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2013. I started at Disability Rights Idaho as an Administrative Assistant in 2019 and became a Non-Attorney Advocate/P&A Reviewer. My main role is to review Social Security Representative Payees. My role combines my two passions: helping people and Microsoft Excel. Outside of work, I like to spend time with my family, watching television and tending to my indoor plants.
I am a Senior Non-Attorney Advocate here at DRI and this July will be my twelfth year serving Idaho’s finest. I have worked within the disability community for 27 years, and started my career as a paraprofessional in the Boise and Eagle area. I now live in Southeastern Idaho and work out of the DRI Pocatello office. In the summer, my spare time is spent in the South Fork and Stanley area, where my family practices their treaty rights of spearing salmon. And in the winter, we hunt the buffalo that migrate outside of Yellowstone park. I am also a fan of the paranormal; any and all movies or books that are based on true stories. I live for the Halloween season!
My name is Ken Salerno, and I come from a diverse professional background. Over the years, I’ve held roles as a General Contractor, Auditor, University Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, and Healthcare Administrator. I’ve also served as a Business Manager for both a nonprofit radio station and a construction design firm. Currently, I am the Director of Fiscal Operations at DRI.
Before joining DRI, I wasn’t familiar with the organization, but I was pleased to learn about the important work they do. As the father of an autistic daughter, I recognize how beneficial DRI’s services could have been during her school years.
Outside of work, my wife and I enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including camping, waterskiing, snow sports, and hiking. We’ve traveled extensively and spent 25 years showing dogs. Our love for nature often takes us to the mountains, where we appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors.
I joined DRI in 2016, starting in our Fiscal Department. While I certainly appreciate the power of a well-crafted Excel formula, I found that spreadsheets alone didn’t quite fulfill my passion for purpose-driven work. As our agency grew, so did my role, and in 2019, I transitioned into Operations to help support and enhance the impact of our organization. In my current role as Director of Operations, I oversee the daily operations of DRI and have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication and incredible work of our team. I thrive on the variety and complexity of my position, continuously seeking ways to improve efficiency, support our staff, and strengthen our mission. More than anything, I strive to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. My passion for social justice and my commitment to lifelong learning fuel my work and keep me motivated. Outside of work, I find joy and balance in nature, cooking for my loved ones, and embracing the simple pleasures of life.
I came to Disability Rights Idaho from San Francisco California, where I spent 6 years working on disability rights issues in the Bay area. I moved to Idaho to work in the first independent living center as a disability rights advocate. I began my career with DRI as a non-attorney advocate where I have worked my way up to the Director of Grant Services. I have spent my entire career advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities throughout Idaho. My favorite activities are hosting family dinners for my 3 children and my 6 grandchildren and gourmet chocolate making.
When I started my career at DRI as a staff attorney in 1996 I had no idea how many incredible people I would meet and have the honor to help through legal advocacy. As an attorney I helped adults and children with disabilities to receive Medicaid benefits, Social Security benefits, necessary assistive technology, and live in non-abusive environments. I assisted numerous individuals with guardianship issues to demonstrate they did not need a guardianship and could live in the community of their choice by using alternatives such as supported decision-making. I participated in groundbreaking litigation to ensure deaf inmates had access to equal communication opportunities and that national protection and advocacy systems have a right under federal law to coroner’s reports when conducting abuse or neglect investigations. I also helped Idaho Medicaid create a statewide Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) policy. I served as the secretary/treasurer of the Diversity Section of the Idaho State Bar. In 2014, I transitioned to Legal Director where I oversaw a systemic project that led to a change in statewide practice regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in hospitals psychiatric units and the completion of our first public report to shine the light on abuses at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center. DRI was nationally recognized for this work. I was a member of the Idaho Supreme Court Guardianship and Conservatorship Committee for nine years and a 2021 delegate at the 4th National Guardianship Summit. I serve on the board for the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities. In 2020, I received the Idaho State Bar Professionalism Award. In October of 2021, I was appointed the Executive Director. I now have the honor of leading this great organization and our great team of attorneys, non-attorneys, and support persons into the future. One of my first accomplishments as executive director was to work with our staff to create a set of core values and associated behaviors that guide our work and environment:
Integrity, Quality, Dignity of Risk,Teamwork, and Inclusivity. I am very proud of our new Mission Statement: Educate, advocate, investigate, andlitigate to protect and advance the rights of Idahoans with disabilities. And our first ever Vision Statement: An Idaho where people are empowered, voices are heard, equity is achieved, and differences are celebrated.
I want everyone to know that not only does DRI do great work, but it is a great place to work.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing tennis, hiking, gardening, and being outdoors.
