SUPPORTED SOLUTION STAFF

Andrew approaches job development with the passion that comes from years of direct experience in the field. As a direct service provider and job developer for those with developmental disabilities, he has customized over 50 supported employment positions in the Puget Sound region -- across a wide variety of industries and companies in both the public and private sectors.

He brings his expertise in the area of discovery, job development, job design, and work site fading strategies to consultants in a day-long training geared towards improving the skills and outcomes for job developers and coaches in the region. 

My name is Brandon, and I am a graduate of Central Washington University with a BA in Arts. I was drawn to this work for numerous reasons, but by far the biggest is the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people every day, and support those most in need.  What is most rewarding for me is finding the right job match for someone, and seeing their passion and drive bloom in the work they are doing, while setting up long-term support for lifelong learning and career advancement.

Having worked in public service and education throughout my academic and professional career, I have always been passionate about advocating for those in need. Working for Supported Solution has not only been immensely rewarding but has excelled my skills in working and communicating with marginalized communities. Along with finding fulfilling employment opportunities for my clients, what I love most is that the learning never stops and each day brings new information, tasks, and goals. 

I absolutely love being in community service. It seems my whole career I've had bits of altruism, most recently when I ran the fundraising for a large national chain who hired supported employees at their restaurants. My relationship and connection skills are ideal for being an advocate, so working in supported employment came naturally. I enjoy finding the strengths and talents in each person and aligning them with the ideal work culture. Working for Supported Solution is a dream come true. Every day is a new challenge and every day is rewarding. I love learning the new functions of my job and meeting new clients. Everybody deserves this type of service and I am proud to be a part of it.

As a seasoned day maker, I wake up every day energized to help clients overcome hurdles to meet their employment/career goals. I have a passion for helping others and through this job, I experience joy all the time. As a job Coach through Supported Solution, I utilize my interpersonal and adaptability skills to provide customized one-on-one training to each client, providing an atmosphere of empowerment while facilitating a learning environment. We break down barriers and provide job placement.

My name is Hannah and I graduated from Central Washington University with a BS in Social Services and a Minor in Psychology. Since then I've worked as a caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities and did this for 3 years. I realized from my experience in this field, how rewarding it is to work with this population and my passion for helping others. This is why I am so excited I get to continue making a difference in the lives of the individuals we support here and enjoy finding their talents and seeing their growth. I am proud to be a part of a team that helps clients succeed in their career goals.

My name is Ryan Mapes and I started my work at Supported Solution in February of 2022. I have been in this line of work helping people find jobs since 2020. I have lived in Washington my entire life, I grew up in University Place and I now live in Tacoma. I studied and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2019. Before that I was at Curtis Senior High School here in Washington and graduated in 2015. I love working with people and I want to be able to help others so this job is a great fit for me. I enjoy meeting my clients and seeing the difference that can be made when they have the right support.

My name is Katie, and I am thrilled to be working with Supported Solution! I have recently moved to the Seattle area, I was living in Savannah, Georgia before this. I am originally from Maine and moved out of state back in 2019. I love the Seattle area, and love that this job allows me to learn about the Seattle area when working with my clients! I very much enjoy this job because it allows me to work very closely with an array of clients with all different kinds of personalities. The best part of this job for me is getting to know the clients and getting to see them excited when they get a job offer for that perfect job. I love being able to set my clients up for success, especially when they didn't think it could ever happen! 

I was always someone who loved reaching out and helping others. Here at Supported Solution, that was turned into a career that I have come to love. When you love what you do, it really does not feel like work and I can attest to it. Being able to work with a diverse group of people, giving someone life-changing outcomes, and letting others know that everyone can be part of the community makes me proud of what my peers and I do.

Hello, My name is Rie Smith. I was born and raised in California but moved here to Washington State in 2014 and I absolutely love my city.  After graduation in 2011, I was still feeling a bit empty going into the next phase of life. Then one day my neighbor asked me if I would be interested in volunteering and supporting children and young adults on the autism spectrum. After the very first day, I knew what my next lifelong chapter would be. I have been working in this field for 8 years. I am truly passionate about the support I will be able to give others for their lifelong success. Supported Solution has given me a chance to be a part of something greater and that means so much to me. I am very grateful to be able to do what I love doing every day and with such a wonderful group of people who have such a commitment to the community and strive to achieve success for everyone we support.