WHO WE ARE
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is the only national organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.
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APSE members recognize that everyone has abilities to contribute and their work should be recognized and rewarded with fair pay, creating inclusive workplaces. Employment enriches and adds meaning to every life, and workplaces and communities are enhanced when they embrace differences.
Employment First is a national systems-change movement and set of values centered on the premise that all people, including those people with the most significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and community life.
Competitive Integrated Employment means that all career seekers with disabilities can pursue meaningful work of their own choosing where they earn fair wages, experience full inclusion in the general workforce, and have the opportunity to advance or be promoted, just like anyone else.
Vision
All people with disabilities have access to competitive, inclusive employment in the general workforce.
Values
​We believe that everyone can and should work, and have the dignity of determining their career path.
Colorado APSE Board
Shantelle Rockman, MPH, CPWIC
Co-President
Director of Job Services with Colorado Enrichment Center and Co-Chair of Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP)
Vikki Ortiz, MS, CESP
Co-President
Communications Committee Chair
Curriculum Developer and Trainer with the Colorado Office of Employment First
APSE Emerging Leaders Graduate
Tiffany Cron, PhD
Vice President
Director of the Colorado Office
of Employment First
APSE Emerging Leaders Graduate
Holly Ewing
Treasurer
Program Manager with the Center for People With Disabilities
Kodjo Akakpo
Board Member
Director of Community Integration and Partnership With the Division of Regional Centers (CDHS)
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Karin Cowan
Board Member
Employment Program Director with Common Roots
Amanda Gillenwater
Board Member
Self-Advocate
The Arc People First Volunteer
Heather Hagen
Board Member
Assistant Director of Employment Services with the Developmental Disabilities Resource
Jamie Howard
Board Member
Director of Supported Employment with Friends of Broomfield
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Shira Mandel
Board Member
Director of Freedom Care Services
Charlene Parris
Benefits Navigation Committee Chair
Manager with Office of Independent Living
Darby Remley
Board Member
Supported Employment Coordinator/Trainer with the
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Deirdre Sage
Board Member
IPS Curriculum Developer/Trainer with the Colorado Office of Employment First
Taryn Schmidt
Board Member
Employment Specialist with Integrated Life Choices
Thomas Wilson
Board Member
Owner/Lead Story Virtuoso with
R&H Creative Storytelling and Advocacy