Supporting Co-Occurring Mental Health and Developmental Disability

Supporting Co-Occurring Mental Health and Developmental Disability

Presenter: Laura O’Rourke

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

Laura is the founder and Executive Director of Behavior Bridges. She has a master of science in Special Education, and is both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Laura has spent much of her time working with individuals across the lifespan who have autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities, addressing challenging behaviors and skill building. Laura has experience in home, school, community, work, and center based settings. Individual technical assistance experience includes: job skills training, functional behavior analysis, environmental modifications and supports, proactive behavior supports, task analysis, communication training and crisis intervention. Laura’s aim is to equip individuals with the tools and strategies they need to independently identify and navigate their employment goals. Laura has had the pleasure of providing consultations, workshops, and services across the United States and internationally. She has taught graduate level courses and has been a guest lecturer for several universities. Laura currently enjoys serving as a behavior consultant, therapist, and trainer at the individual and program level across the state.

Mental Wellness Practices for Everyone

Mental Wellness Practices for Everyone

More information about this webinar coming soon.

Presenter: Heather Evans

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

Heather Evans 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.

She is especially passionate about the inherent right of people to have agency in their lives, and helping Supported Employment practitioners understand how centering the job seeker makes the work of Supported Employment so much more successful. As president elect for the Pacific Northwest Partners for Work Rotary club, she is also learning about how powerful Rotary is for Supported Employment!

Voices Beyond Words: Empowering Communication for Nonspeaking Individuals

Voices Beyond Words: Empowering Communication for Nonspeaking Individuals

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!

Presenter: Irene Cordero (she-her) MA, MC, RCC

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

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.