Groundwork for Greatness: Setting the Stage for Employment Success

Groundwork for Greatness: Setting the Stage for Employment Success

by | Oct 7, 2025

Before we reach for new tools or advanced strategies, it’s essential to return to the basics. This webinar explores the foundational practices in job development that often get overlooked. You’ll examine the expectations you set—spoiler: it starts with you—and learn practical ways to deeply understand the clients, communities, and employers you work with. By strengthening these fundamentals, you set the stage for meaningful, lasting employment outcomes.

Presenter: Emily Harris

Image: Andrew Coltrin, white male with graying hair and glasses, smiling in his home office.

Emily Harris has been connected to the disability community her entire life, a foundation that has shaped her career and fueled her commitment to equitable employment. With more than 16 years of professional experience, Emily has held roles as an Employment Consultant, Positive Behavior Support Consultant, and Trainer, working with individuals, families, employers, schools, and agencies across the Pacific Northwest and internationally in New Zealand.

Emily believes that inclusion and full participation are essential truths—not just goals—and she is dedicated to advancing meaningful employment opportunities for all. She often emphasizes that we must not become our own barriers, and that the question is never “can or cannot,” but rather “how.”

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Arts and Letters (with a focus on Women’s Studies and English) and is a Certified Employment Professional through APSE. Emily served for seven years on the National APSE Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC), contributing to national efforts to professionalize the supported employment field and strengthen workforce standards.

As a trainer, Emily specializes in Person-Centered Planning, Discovery, graphic facilitation, video resumes and storytelling, Job Development, and Customized Employment. She is passionate about supporting Employment Consultants through networking, building strong partnerships with community employers, and empowering siblings in their unique peer support roles within families.

A natural connector, Emily thrives on bringing people together to create opportunities. Her strategic approach, deep expertise, and commitment to inclusion continue to drive innovative practices and expand equitable employment outcomes.

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Bite-Sized Brilliance: AI for Daily Wins

Bite-Sized Brilliance: AI for Daily Wins

by | Oct 1, 2025

Ready to upgrade your life with a little help from artificial intelligence?

In this lively and interactive session, we’ll explore how AI can be your personal sidekick for setting goals, staying on track, and becoming the best version of yourself—without the overwhelm. Whether you’re trying to crush your to-do list, build better habits, or just make your day run smoother, AI tools can help you do it smarter, not harder. Expect laughs, aha moments, and practical takeaways you can start using right away. Let’s make your life a little more awesome—with AI! (Feel free to re-write this if needed)

Presenter: Anthony Contreras-Sanchez (he/him/el)

Image: Andrew Coltrin, white male with graying hair and glasses, smiling in his home office.

Anthony Contreras-Sanchez first began supporting people with disabilities in 2013. He has spent time working in supported employment, housing, and local program management over that time. Anthony believes that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from meaningful, integrated employment, while also contributing to their community. His strengths in planning and executing services help him serve as a go-to in his local community when planning services. Anthony was born and raised in Pasco, WA and continues to help the region grow opportunities for individuals with I/DD. In his free time, Anthony enjoys traveling with his husband, spending time with family, attempting to cook, spending time outdoors, and playing Pokémon.

Image description: Person with glasses and goatee smiling in front of white background, wearing a blue floral shirt

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Building Better Training Programs: A Practical Framework for Agencies

Building Better Training Programs: A Practical Framework for Agencies

by | Oct 1, 2025

Discover a practical framework for designing effective staff training programs. Learn how to assess learner needs, analyze existing materials, fill content gaps, and embed professional development. Plus a quick look at Learning Management System tools like Wise Learning Center Pro.

Presenter: Anne-Marie Lake

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Image: Andrew Coltrin, white male with graying hair and glasses, smiling in his home office.

Anne-Marie Lake came to the field of Supported Employment in 2012 with a background in fundraising, marketing and communications, vocal performance, teaching, and direct support and management. Anne-Marie holds a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication from Seattle Pacific University and is a Certified Employment Specialist through Highline College.

Working at one of Washington State’s top providers of customized, integrated employment and transition services, she learned job development and job coaching, positive behavior support, and person-centered approaches. As an Employment Consultant, Program Manager, Recruiter, and later Training Manager, she gained in-depth knowledge of the systems and processes that contribute to agency-wide success in the field. Her passion lies in training and developing staff so they can achieve best outcomes, promoting the career opportunities this field offers, and bringing different groups together to work on joint projects that benefit those we serve.

Anne-Marie joined the Wise staff in 2023 and uses her experiences in direct service, management, and training in county Technical Assistance systems support. She creates and delivers learning content, encourages communication among provider leadership, and helps agencies of all sizes develop training programs that enable their staff and managers to incorporate best practices into their daily efforts.

Top 5 Social Security Work Incentives For Employment Teams

Top 5 Social Security Work Incentives For Employment Teams

by | Sep 17, 2025

Join us on October 1st for our next webinar focusing on BenefitU’s Top 5 Work Incentives for Employment Teams. During this session, BenefitU’s Dan Rutten will share valuable insights on key work incentives that allow individuals to work and earn above typical Social Security income limits.

Whether you’re an employee, employment provider, or supporting someone who is working and receiving Social Security benefits, this session will help you explore various strategies to manage the balance between work and public benefits.

Presenter: Dan Rutten

Image: Andrew Coltrin, white male with graying hair and glasses, smiling in his home office.

Dan has been dedicated to the field of Supported Employment since 2004, bringing over two decades of experience in empowering individuals through meaningful work. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles including Job Coach, Employment Consultant, and Program Manager, consistently advocating for inclusive employment practices. Since 2021, Dan has also served as a Certified Benefits Planner with the BenefitU program.

Dan is a graduate of the University of Washington and furthered his expertise by becoming a Certified Work Incentive Liaison and Benefits Planer through Cornell University. His professional passions lie in benefits planning, job coaching and fading supports, environmental adaptations, Person Centered Planning, and leveraging goal setting to drive impactful services. He also brings a strategic lens to program management, always seeking ways to improve systems and outcomes.

Dan is a firm believer in the philosophy that knowledge is meant to be shared. He thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys working alongside others to create innovative solutions and support networks.

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Outside the Box: Reaching Beyond Barriers to Develop Self-Employment and Community Opportunities

Outside the Box: Reaching Beyond Barriers to Develop Self-Employment and Community Opportunities

by | May 22, 2024

Steve Mannard is a 26-year-old Des Moines native who lives with his parents and loves the outdoors.  Steve’s employment journey took a turn when his three-year career at the local fire station ended after an unfortunate incident.  Traditional employment options didn’t fit Steve’s unique needs and so collaboration and creative thinking led to the creation of a community art studio and Steve’s own business!  With support from his family and job coach, Steve is creating and selling artwork on-line through his website www.PaintingOutsideTheLines.org.

Presenters: Steve Mannard, Judy Mannard, Lindsay Mora and Chuck Goodwin

Image: Jeff Grace, a white man with dark-rimmed glasses and gray hair wearing a light blue vest over a dark shirt, smiles.
Image: Chuck Goodwin, a white man with dark brown curly hair and beard, wearing a red Polo shirt, smiling and slightly squinting in the sun.

Steve Mannard

Chuck Goodwin

Steve Mannard

Steve Mannard has lived in Des Moines, WA all his life.  He loves the outdoors, painting, and being with his family.  Steve attended school in the Highline School District, and eventually graduated from the Community Based Services transition program when he was 21 years old.  Steve is non-verbal, diagnosed with Potocky-Lupsky syndrome and autism.  After school, Steve worked for three years shredding paper for South King Fire and Rescue.  An unfortunate behavioral event at work led to Steve losing his job.  Given Steve’s love for art, his parents worked with ENSO staff to create a business for Steve where he sells his art on-line.  Steve has a job coach from ENSO that supports him as he paints, weaves and expands his skills. 

Judy Mannard

Judy Mannard has spent her life in Des Moines, WA.  She and her husband have 2 daughters and a son.  As a Mechanical Engineer, Judy worked at Boeing and as an engineering instructor at Highline College.  When her son Steve finished his public-school program, she stopped work to be home with him.  After Steve lost his job at the fire station, and neither a job coach or another job was available, Judy helped Steve start his own business, Painting Outside the Lines.  Steve sells his paintings, weaving, cards and other art on-line.  To provide a more social environment for Steve to work in, Judy also created Des Moines Open Door Arts, an art program for adults with disabilities.  This allows Steve and others a unique opportunity to come together in a safe, welcoming, creative space to make art!

Lindsay Mora

Lindsay Mora has known Steve his entire life.   She began providing residential support services for Steve in 2022.   When Steve’s business was created she was recruited as a job coach.  Having Lindsay as his job coach has provided Steve the support he needs to expand his talents  and skills.

Chuck Goodwin

Chuck Goodwin has worked for over 30 years with individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of capacities. He has worked in both the residential and vocational arenas providing direct support for individuals. For the past 13 years as a private consultant around the Northwest, he has provided trainings on such subjects as positive behavioral supports, history and values around services, job coaching, supporting individuals with challenging behaviors, precision training, natural supports, utilizing community resources, and vocational issues. He has provided technical assistance to employment agencies around teaching individuals difficult tasks using universal design, understanding and supporting individuals with challenging behaviors, creating schedules, analyzing and modifying work flow issues, working with speed and quality issues, and teaching self-management. His passion is helping individuals who are struggling to find success. He continues to work individually with people and their families to help them realize their potential.

 

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