Elle (she /her)

Positive Support Professional

I’ve spent the last thirteen years working alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that time has shaped every part of how I understand care, autonomy, and community. I began this work early, long before I had the language of “systems” or “equity.” What I knew immediately was that people deserve choice, dignity, and opportunities that actually fit their lives. That foundation has guided me through every role since.

I earned my bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and American Ethnic Studies, which gave me both the clinical lens and the sociopolitical framework to understand how disability intersects with race, culture, identity, and access. I’m now pursuing my MSW, continuing to deepen my grounding in ethical practice, program design, and justice-oriented approaches to care. Over the years, I’ve also done extensive DEI and equity work within disabled communities, helping organizations examine how policies, environments, and expectations either reinforce or remove barriers.

My approach is simple: the work should be human. It should be collaborative, flexible, and shaped by the people it’s meant to support; not by assumptions, outdated rules, or convenience. I believe in building systems that are both compassionate and functional, where autonomy isn’t treated as optional and where support is something people participate in, not something done to them. I focus on choice, communication, and making things accessible in real, practical ways.

What keeps me grounded in this field is the creativity of the people I work with and the belief that community care should feel good; for staff, for families, and especially for the individuals at the center. This work is where I’ve grown up professionally, and I’m committed to continuing to build spaces where people can thrive on their own terms.

  • Psychology and Ethnic Studies, currently seeking Masters in Social Work

    University of Washington

  • 13 years

  • Social Justice and Equity

    My curriculum has included self-advocacy and personal rights, healthy relationships and consent, community and online safety, and daily living skills such as hygiene, organization, and home routines. I’ve also taught workplace readiness, soft skills for employment, and basic money management, along with health and wellness education focused on understanding one’s body, appointments, and medication routines. Additional trainings have covered emotion regulation and coping strategies, sexuality and body autonomy using DD-safe curriculum, positive behavior support concepts, household management, and foundational technology skills to support independent living.

  • My philosophy about work is simple: it should be fun—and fun begins with real choice and autonomy. I believe people thrive when they’re treated as experts in their own lives, not passive recipients of services or systems. In every role I’ve held—program management, DD/ID education, behavior support, community-building—I center the belief that people deserve options, control, and the freedom to say yes or no without punishment. My work is grounded in equity, respect, and the understanding that autonomy isn’t a privilege, it’s a human right. I aim to build systems that listen instead of direct, environments that support rather than restrict, and learning spaces where individuals feel safe to explore, question, grow, and lead. I value clear communication, collaborative decision-making, and practices that honor each person’s lived experience. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to helping people design lives that actually feel good; authentic, empowered, and self-directed.

  • Every time someone accomplishes something everyone said they wouldn’t be able to do, it’s my favorite moment. I get pride from filling the gaps. Almost ever single person needs a team of support around them, and while I don’t consider it a “win” for myself when someone succeeds, I am very proud of them and the work of the team.

  • I’m very rooted in legacy and community. Some of my mentors are people that have paved the way for justice in all its forms. This for me includes Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Imani Barbarin, and other great social justice influences. In my personal life, my greatest mentor is my sister, who professionally deals in systems work and restorative justice (I know she’s my sister but she’s also a revolutionary!)

  • I love how personal it is. I feel empowered to do my best work and really advocate for what is best for the clients. So many agencies talk the talk about being client centered, but among friends is putting it into practice.

Professional Information

Get to Know Elle

  • Outside of work, I like keeping my hands busy and my mind curious. I garden, make things, and take on DIY projects just because they’re fun. I enjoy creative work that lets me play with ideas, whether it’s art, stories, or small home projects. When I’m not making something, I’m usually with my partner, my pets, good TV, or plotting the next thing I want to build.

  • I have so many furry friends! I have my dog Batman, who is about to be 14! I also have three cats but depending on the season I may or may not see them. I also have so many pets-in-love from friends and family.

  • I was born in the Midwest but moved when I was a kid. Best decision ever (sorry Midwest, we love you but these mountains are everything!)

  • I was so fortunate that I lived in a state that quickly took precautions to protect vulnerable populations. I lost two family members during that time that lived far away, and it was hard. I also watched disabled populations that I worked with have disproportionate impacts, which even further sparked my passion for disability justice.

  • I’ve been fortunate to go all over the world. My favorites were Spain and Guatemala. Mostly for the food but also the beautiful scenery.

  • I don’t remember my first concert, probably something for church. But I do remember my favorite concert, which was seeing Ms Lauryn Hill. Amazing. No notes. No crumbs.

  • I will always say my mom’s Mac and cheese. It was an Easter food, and apparently I ate it all my life but only started remembering it as an older teen. It’s amazing, but skip the bread crumbs.