Donna Gunnels

Associate

Image: Photograph of Donna Gunnels, a white woman with wavy brown hair and brown eyes wearing a dark sweater.

Donna Gunnels began her work with the I/DD community in 2001, when she was offered an opportunity supporting students in elementary Special Education. She then accepted a position as a Community Support Specialist at United Cerebral Palsy, moved into job coaching and then became a Job Developer. In 2014, she accepted a role as an Employment Consultant with Trillium Employment Services, became a Senior Consultant and mentor, and facilitated numerous trainings.

Donna found a particular passion for Discovery, Person-Centered Thinking and Planning, disability etiquette and training new coaches, along with thinking outside the box and finding ways to create unique, customized, person-centered and successful jobs for her clients. After ten years with Trillium, Donna retired in May of 2024 and now works as a private consultant along with working for Wise as an instructor in the WOA 200 series.

Fun fact: several of her former students sought employment services as adults through Trillium, and she was able to then support them along their career path. Some of these relationships continue to this day, but they have become true friendships.