Courtney started her journey as a customer with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). She was later hired as a job coach, moving while finishing her degree, ultimately earning a MPA (Master’s Degree in Public Administration).
Courtney comes to the council, formerly serving as the Executive Director for the Community Employment Alliance (CEA). In that role, she worked with members to pass legislation that includes the elimination of sub-minimum wages for individuals with Disabilities, Statewide School to Work, and participation in a legislative-directed rate study with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA).
The opportunity to promote awareness of behavioral health supports for our disability community is timely and relevant. The federal government requires the WASILC to create a three-year state plan to address the needs of people with disabilities in our state. Washington’s State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) is drafted by our council members with input from the community at several stages of its development. In Washington, 33 out of 39 counties are rural, which translates into a lack of options for independent living and resources for individuals to treat their behavioral health needs, due to a lack of private or public transportation and financial resources. In this conversation, Courtney wants to explore potential starting points that align with the SPIL and bridges pathways to
In her free time, Courtney works in her local community as a Board Member for the Family Support Center in Olympia, Washington.
Jim is the lead for the Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP). He is from Renton, Wash., and makes the best Norwegian Lefse.
Rebecca is a small town girl, who is always up for learning new skills. She built her own house from the ground up, spends time cleaning up nature with her car club and enjoys taking her kayak out on the water.
