Everyone deserves tools to support their mental wellness, and in this course, we’ll dive into how mental wellness impacts every part of our lives—from how we work to how we connect with others. We’ll explore the importance of recognizing when our mental health needs attention, and how building strong habits can lead to more success and balance.

We’ll discuss what to do when someone we care about needs help beyond what we can offer. You’ll learn practical ways to connect them with the resources while offering support in a caring and compassionate way.

Finally, we’ll introduce simple, everyday practices that you can use to support mental wellness in yourself and others. By the end of the course, you’ll have a toolkit to help both yourself and those around you maintain strong mental well-being in your daily lives.

Heather Evans (she/her) is rooted in the intrinsic worth of all humans, and has had the joy and privilege of working for people with I/DD and their communities for over 20 years. She joins Wise with extensive experience in Supported Employment, from developing new SE Programs, Customized Employment, and leading teams to Legislative Advocacy, certifying direct service providers as Mental Health First Aiders and managing Organizational Development. She has provided technical assistance to organizations around Systematic Instruction, Customized Job Development, Mentoring Leaders, Mental Health First Aid, Person Centered Planning, Program Development, and several other best practices in Supported Employment. Heather is proud to have completed her Work Incentive Practitioner Credentialing Certificate from Cornell University and is excited to work with the BenefitU team.

Storytelling is an impactful way to spread awareness. People telling their stories adds depth to an issue that numbers can’t. This webinar will review storytelling as a form of advocacy, provide a way to put your story together, and share how to arrange your story for different audiences.

Ryan Riggs (he/him)

Born and raised in Phoenix Arizona, now located in Spokane Washington, Ryan Riggs is a passionate filmmaker and storyteller. He’s had the honor of working with many talented people throughout the years and has over a decade of experience in creative content production. From photography and graphic design to production and post production processes including animation, Ryan aims to use his creative talents to tell the story of Wise and the people Wise works with.

In this engaging webinar, we will explore alternative tools and technologies designed to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who are nonspeaking or have limited communication strategies in place. Participants will discover a variety of innovative strategies that enhance effective communication, foster connections, and promote understanding. We will delve into practical approaches for engaging with nonspeaking individuals, identifying their interests, strengths, and abilities, and implementing supportive tools in personal and professional settings. Join us as we break down barriers and have meaningful communication!

Irene Cordero is a Costa Rican-Canadian entrepreneur, clinical counsellor, international speaker, human resources professional with over 20 years of international experience, ally for BIPOC and Latinx groups, the LGBTQ+2 community and the founder and CEO of Brave Sinergy. Her diverse background has allowed her to understand the value of creating, respecting and building inclusive spaces for everyone.  She believes that there is no diversity without disability.

Irene holds a master’s degree in clinical group psychology and recently graduated with her second master’s degree in counselling from the City University of Seattle in Canada. In 2022, she obtained an Inclusion and Diversity certification from Cornell University.

Irene is a woman with a disability (deaf—hard of hearing). Advocating and being an ally for disability justice has allowed her to find fulfillment in her life. Irene believes, “People are Whole, and we all have something good to give the world.”

She lives with her partner, Michel, and her two dogs on Vancouver Island, Canada.  She enjoys being out in nature, meditation, and cooking.

Are you an employment specialist striving to navigate the complexities of DEI in today’s evolving workplace? Engage in Part II of this empowering workshop to uncover, reflect, and grow your understanding and practice of DEI, shaping a more inclusive and effective professional self. Don’t miss this opportunity to redefine your role and impact in the realm of diverse and equitable employment!

Lorie Sandaine’s professional journey is as diverse and vibrant as her life experiences. Originally from the rural landscapes of Eastern Washington, Lorie embarked on an extraordinary mid-life adventure in 2020, relocating to Hoi An, Vietnam. This transformative gap year was more than a geographical shift; it was a journey of self-discovery, a time for Lorie to explore and embrace her Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) pathway.

As a seasoned Supported Employment Provider, Lorie’s work reflects a deep understanding of the intersection between personal journeys and those of the individuals she supports. Her commitment to facilitating successful, gainful, and meaningful employment is unwavering. She is a fervent advocate for competitive employment and champions the Employment First philosophy, believing in the potential of every individual to thrive in the workforce.

Her professional repertoire includes a pivotal role as Chief Operations Officer, where she has been instrumental in embedding DEIA principles into the organizational culture and policies. This role underscores her commitment to creating workplaces that are not only diverse and inclusive but also equitable and accessible.

Lorie’s work extends to The Opportunity Tree in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest providers for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). As a consultant, she has been a driving force in their provider transformation journey, leading them away from subminimum wage workshops towards a model that champions competitive, integrated employment.

Lorie’s expertise is backed by an impressive array of certifications. She is a Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) and a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP). Her skills as a Person-Centered Plan Facilitator further underscore her holistic approach to employment support. As a proactive member of the Arizona APSE Board, Lorie’s influence extends beyond individual interactions to shape policy and practice.

Her achievements include developing a successful Employment Program within a Behavioral Health Organization. This program uniquely supports individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders, assisting them in securing and maintaining employment. Lorie’s experience is also enriched by her work in rural counties of Eastern Washington, where she served communities including the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Colville Confederated Reservations.

Lorie is proficient in various employment support models, including Individual Placement and Support (IPS), traditional Supported Employment, and Customized Employment. Her dedication to her field was recognized in 2019 when she co-chaired the Washington State Association of Counties Human Services (ACHS) Developmental Disabilities Committee and was honored with the People First of Washington Government Ally Award.

Are you an employment specialist striving to navigate the complexities of DEI in today’s evolving workplace? Join our transformative workshop, where we delve into the heart of our personal DEIA journeys. Amidst the backdrop of universal DEI initiatives implemented by organizations, we often overlook our own paths in this vital area. This session is an invitation to embark on an introspective exploration of your inner JEDI – an exploration that becomes even more crucial and challenging when our daily work is deeply intertwined with disability inclusion and cultural competence. Engage in this empowering workshop to uncover, reflect, and grow your understanding and practice of DEI, shaping a more inclusive and effective professional self. Don’t miss this opportunity to redefine your role and impact in the realm of diverse and equitable employment!

Lorie Sandaine’s professional journey is as diverse and vibrant as her life experiences. Originally from the rural landscapes of Eastern Washington, Lorie embarked on an extraordinary mid-life adventure in 2020, relocating to Hoi An, Vietnam. This transformative gap year was more than a geographical shift; it was a journey of self-discovery, a time for Lorie to explore and embrace her Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) pathway.

As a seasoned Supported Employment Provider, Lorie’s work reflects a deep understanding of the intersection between personal journeys and those of the individuals she supports. Her commitment to facilitating successful, gainful, and meaningful employment is unwavering. She is a fervent advocate for competitive employment and champions the Employment First philosophy, believing in the potential of every individual to thrive in the workforce.

Her professional repertoire includes a pivotal role as Chief Operations Officer, where she has been instrumental in embedding DEIA principles into the organizational culture and policies. This role underscores her commitment to creating workplaces that are not only diverse and inclusive but also equitable and accessible.

Lorie’s work extends to The Opportunity Tree in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest providers for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). As a consultant, she has been a driving force in their provider transformation journey, leading them away from subminimum wage workshops towards a model that champions competitive, integrated employment.

Lorie’s expertise is backed by an impressive array of certifications. She is a Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) and a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP). Her skills as a Person-Centered Plan Facilitator further underscore her holistic approach to employment support. As a proactive member of the Arizona APSE Board, Lorie’s influence extends beyond individual interactions to shape policy and practice.

Her achievements include developing a successful Employment Program within a Behavioral Health Organization. This program uniquely supports individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders, assisting them in securing and maintaining employment. Lorie’s experience is also enriched by her work in rural counties of Eastern Washington, where she served communities including the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Colville Confederated Reservations.

Lorie is proficient in various employment support models, including Individual Placement and Support (IPS), traditional Supported Employment, and Customized Employment. Her dedication to her field was recognized in 2019 when she co-chaired the Washington State Association of Counties Human Services (ACHS) Developmental Disabilities Committee and was honored with the People First of Washington Government Ally Award.