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Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute receives national recognition for its distinguished record of excellence

goersab — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute receives national recognition for its distinguished record of excellencegoersab October 7, 2025

W.F. Faulkes Award given for contributions to research, initiatives, innovation in program design

Abbey Goers

A national organization has honored the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) at �� for its nearly 60-year record of advancing the field of rehabilitation, which has helped tens of thousands of people with disabilities – as well as thousands of rehabilitation professionals – in all 50 states.

The National Rehabilitation Association presented SVRI with the annual W.F. Faulkes Award during its fall conference on Oct. 2. The legacy award was given in recognition of SVRI ��. evidence-based research, innovative program designs and techniques, and for its high-impact technical assistance in transforming systems, improving outcomes, and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

“On behalf of ��, Chancellor Katherine Frank, and our team at SVRI, thank you. This award is truly a team award and honors the historic legacy and cumulative accomplishments and contributions of everyone who has been a part of SVRI for several decades. We’re standing on the shoulders of giants as we continue to advance their work,” Executive Director Kyle Walker said.

“Congratulations, team members, past and present. Thank you all for the work you are doing or have done to advance the thriving, flourishing and full inclusion of people with disabilities,” he added.

Attending the virtual award ceremony were Walker, SVRI ��. Director of Research Cayte Anderson, Director of Education Beth Gaertner, Director of Client Services Kyle Schemenauer, and staff, as well as former executive directors John Wesolek, John Lui and Mary McManus.

The W. F. Faulkes Award was established by the National Rehabilitation Association in 1954 in the name of its founder and first president.

Major national achievements

SVRI was formed in 1966 through federal grants by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (now the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services). It has led or significantly contributed to numerous national initiatives, including:

Pathways to Independence
PROMISE
The Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Evidence-Based Practice in Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center on Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance
The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center on Targeted Communities
The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment
The Accelerated Disability Initiative Fund project
The provision of technical assistance through the Pathways to Partnerships Model Demonstration Project

These projects have produced tools, training, and resources that improve vocational rehabilitation service quality and employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Innovation: Eligibility and Order of Selection Unit

SVRI ��. groundbreaking innovations include the Eligibility and Order of Selection (EOS) Unit, recognized as a national model for improving efficiency and equity in the vocational rehabilitation eligibility processes.

EOS is a pioneering service model that centralizes eligibility determinations using highly trained rehabilitation counselors, standardized assessment protocols and data-driven tools.

It improves timeliness and consistency in eligibility decisions; ensures equitable application of order of selection criteria; frees frontline counselors to focus on employment planning; and generates quality assurance data to enhance compliance and practice.

Impact and prevention of disability-related barriers

SVRI ��. work addresses both direct service improvement and prevention of secondary disabilities through early intervention efforts such as PROMISE and Pathways to Partnerships.

By connecting youth and adults with disabilities to education, training and competitive integrated employment, SVRI helps reduce long-term unemployment, poverty and social isolation. Its projects have reached all 50 states, trained thousands of vocational rehabilitation professionals, and improved employment outcomes for tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities.

SVRI ��. contributions are cited in policy discussions and incorporated into state and national vocational rehabilitation systems, making a lasting impact on service delivery and rehabilitation practice.

More about SVRI

SVRI recently released its Annual Performance Report, stating how its services, education and research benefit the university and Menomonie area communities, as well as its partners nationwide.

“SVRI is not a student-facing office, but we have a major impact on the university, the community, and the nation, including through revenue sharing, professional development and national programs,” Walker said.

Highlights of SVRI ��. 2025 report include:

$4,838,963: SVRI revenue
$781,961: �� ACA rate share of SVRI revenue
14,952: Professionals enrolled in continuing education programs
12,591: People with disabilities served by SVRI
51: States and territories represented in projects and programs
60: SVRI full-time employees

SVRI received a five-year, $8.1M grant for its Accelerated VR Training Program from the U.S. Department of Education last fall.

SVRI offers continuing education opportunities for professionals, such as the Certified Rehabilitation Leader credential through the online National Training Center for Transformational Rehabilitation Leadership program.

It partners with Menomonie ��. Project SEARCH to provide area residents with on-campus hands-on internships, work-based learning experiences and career exploration opportunities, as well as training in independent-living skills, such as interpersonal communications, technology, self-advocacy and financial literacy.

SVRI, along with the university ��. Child and Family Study Center, Disability Services, and Counseling Center, which provide applied learning experiences to students and offer free services to community members and students, will move to Heritage Hall upon completion of the building ��. renovation, which began in early September.

Moving these centers to Heritage Hall will centralize services and make them more accessible for students and the community. A new entrance on the north side of the building will offer privacy and confidentiality, while maintaining the centers’ visible presence in Heritage Hall and ensuring that individuals seeking campus services receive attention to their mental, emotional and behavioral health needs.

�� . counseling, rehabilitation and human services department offers five master ��. programs, including marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling and school psychology, as well as three undergraduate programs, minors and certificates.

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W.F. Faulkes Award given for contributions to research, initiatives, innovation in program design SVRI team

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Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker is the Executive Director of the University of Wisconsin-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI). He is responsible to the Dean of the College of Arts and Human Sciences to provide leadership and coordination for this nationally recognized institute to promote service, research, and educational excellence for the benefit of students, consumers, and rehabilitation professionals. Kyle is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Public Manager. He began his vocational rehabilitation career at the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, serving in various capacities for over 15 years. In 2015, Kyle was appointed to the role of Director of the Division of Consumer Services at the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. In 2019, Kyle was appointed to his current position at SVRI. He has served in leadership roles in several professional organizations, including as President of the Utah Rehabilitation Association for three terms and as President of the Utah RehabACTion Network, and is currently on the boards of the Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association and the Great Lakes Regional Chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association. Kyle has received numerous awards during his career, including the 2014 Utah Governor ��. Award for Excellence in Leadership. He has also had the honor of receiving appointments by three governors: an appointment to the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Licensing Board by Utah Governor Gary Herbert, an appointment to the Governor ��. Task Force to make Utah State Government Be the Model Employer of People with Disabilities by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, and an appointment to the Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Kyle graduated from Utah State University with a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. He has been married to Linda for 32 years and has three children and five grandchildren.

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Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute partners with Project SEARCH to offer career exploration opportunities

goersab — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:27:24 +0000

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute partners with Project SEARCH to offer career exploration opportunitiesgoersab October 21, 2022

Hands-on internships help train interns for employment; community information session Nov. 17

Abbey Goers

�� . Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute is teaming up with Menomonie ��. Project SEARCH to provide five area residents with on-campus hands-on internships, work-based learning experiences and career exploration opportunities. This is the second year in a row that �� has sponsored the national program.

The Menomonie Project SEARCH program is a hybrid site, working with people with disabilities, ages 18 to 30, who are either connected to a school district or a long-term support program, such as IRIS-TMG or Inclusa.

This year ��. cohort is receiving training in independent-living skills essential to obtain and maintain successful employment, interpersonal communications, technology, self-advocacy and financial literacy.

Skills Trainer Brooke Vanderwyst, front left, and Co-instructor Em Rainer, front right, with 2022 Project SEARCH interns. / ��

They are completing unpaid internships in multiple campus departments, including Facilities Management, the Sports and Fitness Center, University Dining, University Catering ��. bakery, the University Library Archives and University Recreation. An internship with Human Resources is also being developed.

Kyle Walker, director of SVRI, appreciates the �� employees who worked to make the program successful in its first year. “The leaders from the units where the interns completed work experiences were proactive, thoughtful and worked very hard to make course corrections because of their incredible commitment to �� and our enduring values.”

Caren Husby and Em Rainer are Project SEARCH co-instructors, hired through the Cooperative Education Service Agency #10. They focus on curriculum work, agency collaboration, community resources and program development.

Husby and Rainer are �� alumni. Husby has a child development and family life degree (1983), M.S. in vocational rehabilitation (1986) and special education certification (2003). Rainer has a human development and family studies degree (2019) and is currently pursuing licensure in special education.

Em Rainer, center, and Project SEARCH interns in the SVRI classroom. / ��

They work with Brooke Vanderwyst, a skills trainer with the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center. Vanderwyst works directly with the interns and focuses on systematic instruction, including task analysis, accommodations and training room activities.

“Not only is this program wonderful for the individuals participating, it ��. also an incredible opportunity for our colleagues on campus to work alongside these interns, collaborating with the skills and knowledge they offer, while creating an equal opportunity for all,” said Meghan Lieffort, Human Resources generalist.

Rainer is “grateful for the hospitality, enthusiasm and flexibility that have been shown to us since day one on campus. We are looking forward to the continued collaboration with the university and the many individuals who are dedicated supporters of employing those with disabilities,” they said.

Five participants, three internships

Project SEARCH runs during the academic year, from September through May. Interns receive about three weeks of onboarding and orientation to prepare them for campus. Transportation is provided to and from their training.

At the start of the semester, Rainer and the interns created a mind map of things they wanted to learn throughout the year. Their main themes included aspects of social life and living skills, navigating transportation needs and finances, communication and career goals.

The program consists of three internships in different departments that are approximately 10 weeks long. Rainer creates internships for the interns with their job goals in mind. Each provides career exploration opportunities, with a transition week between internships.

Brooke Vanderwyst, center, and Project SEARCH interns in the SVRI classroom. / ��

During transition week, interns participate in community business tours and reverse job fairs, building social skills, navigating public transportation and increasing their independent living skills.

They are also able to take advantage of services on campus: participating in Career Conference prep events, conferences, resume checks and professional attire sessions.

After completing the first and second internships, participants have the option of an externship within the community. During the third internship, the focus shifts from skill building to transitioning into competitive integrated employment within the community, Rainer explained.

The first class of six area interns graduated from �� . Project SEARCH in May. Multiple interns were hired prior to graduation.

Project SEARCH began in 1996 and now has more than 621 employment sites in 48 states and 705 international sites. Since 2010, more than 37,275 young adults with disabilities have successfully participated in the program and obtained quality employment. Eligible individuals may apply.

Students, families and community members interested in learning more about Project SEARCH are invited to an information session from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at SVRI in the Vocational Rehabilitation building, rooms 207 and 208.

SVRI serves as a leader to advance innovative programs and practices in disability and employment through partnerships in research, training, education and services.

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute

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Hands-on internships help train interns for employment; info session Nov. 17 Project SEARCH instructors and interns, 2022

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Asking questions part of 4.0 graduate ��. success

powersp — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 15:31:07 +0000

Asking questions part of 4.0 graduate ��. successpowersp December 28, 2020

Murphy, softball captain, planning to attend graduate school for occupational therapy

Renee Murphy believes in asking questions and making sure she understands the material.

That served the Dec. 19 University of Wisconsin-Stout rehabilitation services graduate well.

Murphy ended her college career with a 4.0-grade point average, meaning she earned straight As, and the Tinley Park, Ill., native earned her degree in 3½ years.

“I ask questions,” she said. “I don’t hold back because I know it will help me in the long run. I put a lot of time into studying. I like to understand all the material before I take a test.”

This is not the first time Murphy has graduated with a perfect grade point average. She also graduated from high school with a 4.0 average.

Murphy has applied to graduate school to become an occupational therapist, a career she became interested in while in high school where she was a peer helper and was paired with another student in an adaptive gym class.

Occupational therapists help people to adapt their daily activities so they can live the best life possible, Murphy said. “It just makes such a huge impact in someone ��. life to change little things so they have a better experience, or the use of adaptive equipment can change their whole day.”

During a study abroad experience, Murphy taught in Spanish in Mexico and used the skills she had learned at ��. / Contributed photo

Murphy chose rehabilitation services for its versatility as a major. “It is versatile because I focused on anatomy/biology classes along with mental health/counseling,” she said. “This has helped me to see the different areas of health care that will be important for occupations therapy.”

Dr. Alexandria Hall taught Murphy in an advanced human anatomy class last spring. “Renee is a mature, thoughtful, disciplined student who has a wonderful way of relating to people,” Hall said. “She is really skilled at bringing people together and honoring everyone ��. contributions. She gives everything 100%. Her work was always impeccable. I was so thrilled with her performance in the class that I asked her to be the tutor for this fall.

“Renee will be an incredible occupational therapist. Her compassion, work ethic and dedication to serving others and doing her job well will make a huge, positive difference in the lives of her clients. I’m so excited to see what she will accomplish,” Hall said.

Murphy played third base on the �� softball team. / Contributed photo

While at ��, Murphy took part in two internships. The first was at Foundations Therapy in Menomonie in the summer of 2019. She assisted with physical, speech and occupational therapy. “I got to see firsthand what therapy services are like,” she said, noting she enjoyed working with the pediatric services.

She also completed an internship at Rolling Hills Equine in Knapp, last summer working with a client to improve social skills and community outreach. She learned care management and the importance of focusing on client goals.

She also chose �� for its size, learning about the school when softball coach Becky Iaccino came to her high school, Lincoln-Way East, to recruit. “I looked into �� and I just loved it,” Murphy said. “The size was perfect. The class sizes were not that large. Over the years I have had a real relationship with all my professors and if you have questions, they answer them, which has definitely been a part of my success.”

Murphy, who has a twin brother, Ryan, played third base for the softball team for 2½ years at �� including a stint as captain. Her senior season was canceled last spring because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. “It was a bummer,” Murphy said. “You worked so hard for the upcoming season and you weren’t able to show that.”

The team was able to play one winter tournament and was set to go to spring training in Florida when the season was called off.

While at ��, Murphy also took part in the study abroad program twice. She took a one-week program her sophomore year to Toronto, Ontario, as part of a class called Diversity of Religion in the Workplace.

In January 2020 she traveled to San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico, for three weeks over Winterm and worked in a special education school. “I was able to teach in Spanish,” she said, noting that is her minor. “It just opens your eyes. It ��. important to take what you learn in class and go out and do it. It made me realize how fortunate we are to have certain materials. There were classrooms with one book for 12 kids and no pencils.”

While there she was able to go into a local rehabilitation center and meet professionals, learning how they do their jobs.

Murphy, in Mexico, is credited with being creative in her instructional and intervention strategies. She plans to attend graduate school to become an occupation / Contributed photo

Theresa Kohlmeier, an assistant professor in early childhood education, led the trip to Mexico. Kohlmeier described Murphy as an outstanding student and recommended her to graduate schools.

“She is professional, works well with others and genuinely accepts feedback,” Kohlmeier said. “Her professionalism has grown with her work and volunteer experiences. Renee ��. leadership on the UW Stout softball team demonstrated to her teammates and coaches that she is a positive role model. While Renee worked with families and individuals who were seeking treatment at the Centro de Rehabilitación in Cozumel, Mexico, she was alongside professionals and sought out the resources and opportunities to use her Spanish speaking skills.

“What I enjoy most is watching her work with people, young and old,” Kohlmeier added. “She has a wonderful spirit and is creative in her instructional and intervention strategies.”

Renee Murphy believes in asking questions and making sure she understands the material. ReneeMurphy

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Compassion and drive lead graduate to rehabilitation services, social work

goersab — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:50:27 +0000

Compassion and drive lead graduate to rehabilitation services, social workgoersab June 2, 2020

Daye built a community at Stout, seeks to strengthen other communities

Abbey Goers

Mary Daye sees herself as a compassionate leader. She loves making a positive impact on people ��. lives and putting a smile on loved ones’ faces. So, although she enjoyed being in University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. fashion and retail program, she couldn’t picture herself in the profession.

“I did not have a full sense of fulfillment,” she said. “I sought out career exploration services at Career Services. I learned a lot about myself during this time.”

With help from Career Services counselors, Daye participated in personality and career tests. She discovered social work and researched human services fields where she could use her compassion to better people ��. lives.

“I was so glad to know I had other options at Stout that ended up being the perfect fit for me and allowed me to find a career path that I truly love and am so excited to be a part of,” Daye said.

An important lens into the field of social work

Daye transferred into the rehabilitation services program and began a concentration in social work, which gave her “an important lens to view social work from.”

Daye at Memorial Student Center. / ��

“The program is great at allowing students to choose their path and even create their own program to align with their internships, concentrations and future career goals,” she said.

Daye enjoyed the guest speakers who visited her classes, learning from their experiences and imagining herself in the field. She studied abroad in Guatemala, where she volunteered in clinics to help doctors spot signs of illness and helped people with prescription medications.

She gained firsthand experience during her internships at Stepping Stones of Dunn County and Star Services. “The internship process was monumental in allowing me to feel prepared for graduation and continue to have more opportunities open to me in the helping field,” she said.

Daye ��. professors nurtured personal relationships and guided her toward necessary requirements, knowing she planned to move out of state after graduation.

She discovered she could apply her innovation, passion, drive and leadership skills to other areas of her life. “These skills have enabled me to advocate and do the things that I believe in.”

Finding a support system

Being a student of color on a predominantly white campus was a difficult experience for Daye. She faced challenges that many of her peers couldn’t understand.

Daye at Memorial Student Center. / ��

“I had to overcome the challenge of being a minority student,” she said. “Not feeling like I fit in at times put a lot of pressure on me. The advice that I would give students of color is to get involved and find your community.”

Daye built her community of support by joining Multicultural Student Services, the McNair Scholars Program and multicultural student organizations. She felt she would not have completed her degree at �� without the support of these resources.

“MSS and McNair held me accountable while also being there when I needed to cry, I was frustrated with life and the world. These offices saw me as a person and not only a student,” Daye said.

Daye was a peer educator with SPEAK UP and served on the executive board of the Black Student Union. She hopes every student can get involved, find a community and have the opportunity to hold a leadership position on campus to learn the challenges and rewards that come with it.

“Mary does not sit idle to wait for things to happen. She wants to make a difference,” said Vickie Sanchez, Multicultural Student Services coordinator. “Mary sought out opportunities that not only reflected her values but that would enhance her growth academically and professionally. She understood the importance of creating a space where students could share their feelings and experiences.”

A foundation in social work

Vickie Sanchez, Multicultural Student Services coordinator. / ��

“Mary ��. resiliency of wanting to continue her education was always at the forefront. She inspires people with her story of grit, respecting others and enhancing the community around her,” Sanchez said.

Daye was one of the first in her family to earn a bachelor ��. degree and graduated from �� in May 2019. She is now in her master ��. in social work at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, to which she received the Provost ��. Diversity Fellowship. The fellowship is highly competitive and is awarded to only 10 professional students each year.

She is diving deeper into the social work field and learning more about which career path in human services she’d like to take. In her summer internship, she’ll help individuals, including those in immigrant populations, find work in the Twin Cities.

“The rehab program at Stout prepared me tremendously for this, and all of my learning has come back full circle,” Daye said. “The foundation is laid, and I’m ready to join the career force!”

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Rehabilitation services graduate moves on to master ��.

goersab — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:27:33 +0000

Rehabilitation services graduate moves on to master ��.goersab June 1, 2020

Bahr hopes to make a difference in people ��. lives through vocational counseling

Abbey Goers

Asha Bahr knew she wanted to work with people with disabilities, finding ways to improve their lives through vocational rehabilitation. She saw how her brother, who is deaf, benefited from working with his counselors.

So, Bahr and her mom visited the University of Wisconsin-Stout to check out the rehabilitation services program. Even without an appointment, they were able to meet with faculty and learn how Bahr could help make a difference in people ��. lives.

“There ��. that personal touch that Stout always seems to have,” Bahr said. “I loved the program. I didn’t apply anywhere else. I knew I wanted to go to Stout.”

Being a better rehabilitation professional

Bahr in the the MSC stairwell. / ��

Bahr ��. time in the program didn’t feel like school. She appreciated how she could apply classroom content to real-world expectations and enjoyed forming professional relationships with her professors.

“The professors are always encouraging. They showed us how to use empathy with others to make us better rehabilitation professionals,” Bahr said.

Bahr was involved in many aspects of campus life. As an ESL tutor, she led conversation hour and helped ESL students integrate into campus and the community. Her communication skills will be valuable in her career, as many of her clients’ first language is not English.

For her leadership skills, Bahr received the 2017-2018 Wood Medallion, the highest nonacademic award at ��.

An easy transition to master ��. program

Bahr has always felt that more education is better. She knew from the beginning she would enroll in �� . master's in rehabilitation counseling. The transition from her undergrad to graduate program was easy.

“I had such a great experience in my undergrad,” she said. “Deciding to receive my master ��. from Stout wasn’t a hard decision. And I like that many of my undergrad professors I now have in my graduate courses.”

The master ��. program has combined and online student group, so graduates may choose which educational setting fits their schedule and learning style. Bahr is in the combined student group, in which she can enroll in either on-campus or online classes, studying from her home in Circle Pines, Minn.

“I love being on campus. I’m an in-person learner,” she said. “It ��. easier for me to develop professional relationships with my peers. And we can still connect online when we’re away from campus during our internships.”

Choosing her career in rehabilitation counseling

Bahr at Commencement, May 2018. / ��

Bahr knew she didn’t want to work in a school setting or special education. While talking with Program Director Colleen Etzbach, Bahr was introduced to working in the private sector.

Bahr has gained experience as a qualified rehabilitation consultant (QRC) intern at O’Hara and Hunter Consulting in North Oaks, Minn. Her goal is to become a licensed QRC, to assist injured workers in navigating the worker ��. compensation process.

“During my internship, I’ve received great supervision and training,” she said. “They’re very supportive and understanding that I’m still in school.”

Bahr ��. internship is a full year, after which she’ll take her QRC license exam.

“Being able to help someone navigate a challenging time in their life and being a resource for them is rewarding in itself,” Bahr said. “I love going home at the end of the day, knowing I can make a difference in someone ��. life.”

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Hands-on internships help train interns for employment; info session Nov. 17

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Renee Murphy believes in asking questions and making sure she understands the material.

December 28, 2020

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Home calls to students provide personal connection, career support

polingj — Tue, 19 May 2020 19:57:15 +0000

Home calls to students provide personal connection, career supportpolingj May 19, 2020

Career Services counselors reach out to about 250 juniors, seniors

With only a summer session to go before she graduates from University of Wisconsin-Stout, Natasha Martin recently was applying for a field experience position related to her major.

Martin had questions, however, about updating her resume and about the interview process. Studying from home because of the pandemic, she was preparing to call the university ��. Career Services office for advice.

Then, out of the blue, Career Services Counselor Deb Keys called Martin just to see how she was doing and if the office could help her in any way. The timing couldn’t have been better.

“I thought it was pretty amazing to get the call. It ��. like they genuinely care and are really reaching out to individuals to make sure they are prepared and doing well,” said Martin, a Nelson native and Alma High School graduate who is majoring in rehabilitation services.

Martin is one of approximately 250 students that Career Services counselors are calling as the semester winds down in an effort to make sure their needs are being met during the pandemic. The students, juniors and seniors, were singled out because they had been served by the office in the past year.

Career Services offers a variety of services to graduating and continuing students related to finding jobs, co-0ps, internships and more. Spring typically is a busy time as students make postgraduation and summer plans.

“We felt a strong urge to connect with students and show support in a personal way,” said Bryan Barts, director of Career Services, knowing students couldn’t just stop in the office on campus this spring.

“The purpose of our outreach is to let them know that we are available if and when they are ready to use our services. Our goal is that students will see that the career counselors are here for career guidance and to feel valued and supported by ��,” he said.

Martin will graduate in August. She was working with disabled adults for Aurora Community Services in Eau Claire before that contract ended recently.

She has a new position for the summer, as a skills trainer at the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center in Eau Claire, where she lives.

“It was cool Deb reached out. I was about to apply for other positions and wondered if my resume was up to date. I had questions. How do I advance myself and sell myself again? She literally called me just when I was thinking about her. She asked about where I’m at; how it ��. going,” Martin said.

Martin sent Keys her resume for review, scheduled a video chat and did a mock interview with Keys.

Keys, who has made the student calls along with colleague Liz Julian, said students have appreciated the outreach. They typically meet one-on-one with students and also do classroom presentations throughout the academic year.

“The student reaction I would say is surprise and gratitude,” Keys said. “If we end up reaching a parent, they seem a little blown away that we’re reaching out and trying to connect with their student.”

Keys knows students are worried about employment as a result of the pandemic.

“With such a high unemployment rate, graduates are really entering into a tough job market. A lot of people are looking for work. A lot of what we’re trying to do is encourage them and let them know a lot of opportunities are still out there. There ��. a lot of fear right now, so we’re pointing them in the direction of resources,” said Keys, noting Career Services is continually updating employment information on its website.

Keys has two degrees from ��, including a master ��. in what now is the school counseling program. She has enjoyed talking with students as much as they have enjoyed hearing from Career Services.

“I’m all about relationships. I really miss the students and having that conversation. Being able to reach out to students and talk to them has been really fulfilling for me as well,” Keys said.

Martin said the call from Career Services gave her a boost because with the pandemic “it ��. almost like we’re on pause. You know what you need to do but don’t know where to go.”

Career Services provided the one-on-one attention she needed and won’t hesitate to use the office ��. services again.

“I can see myself contacting Deb if I need more career guidance,” Martin said.

For the latest information about �� and the COVID-19 situation, go here.

###

Photos

Natasha Martin

Bryan Barts

Deb Keys

With only a summer session to go before she graduates, Natasha Martin recently was applying for a field experience position. Natasha Martin

University Marketing

Bryan Barts

12 yrs experience in Career Services offices within higher education, spanning private, public, small and large universities. Diverse background in career counseling, employer relations and development and strategic planning.

Teaching Interests: Job search skills and technology, Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interviewing

Research Interests: Resiliency in First Generation College Students

Professional Interests: Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment within Career Services

Roles/Responsibilities:
Manage office staffing, budget and programming for centralized career office serving 9400+ students. Implement growth opportunities for Co-op program, enrolling 1000+ per year Provide vision and direction to office planning, employer development, recruiting events and technology Produce the largest Career Conference recruiting event, bringing nearly 400 employer to campus each semester Introduce "Best Practice" approach to serving students, employers and faculty/staff, achieving 97.1% employment or continuing education of university graduates Partner with Faculty Program Directors to increase engagement of students Create partnerships with University Foundation and Alumni offices

Full Name: Mr. Bryan Barts

Job Title: Director

Include in Directory: Yes

Department: Career Services

Education:

Degree: M.S. Mental Health Counseling

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.A. Psychology

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW)

University: Resume Writing Academy

Degree: Career Coaching Intensive (CCI)

University: NACE

Degree: MBTI Certified Practitioner

University: CPP, Inc.

Career Services

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Winter course in Mexico gives students special experiences

polingj — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 20:32:10 +0000

Winter course in Mexico gives students special experiences polingj February 17, 2020

Education, rehabilitation majors volunteer in Cozumel schools, rehab center

For Heidi Fliehs, an enduring memory will be working one-on-one with excited Mexican schoolchildren. For Renee Murphy, it will be her time spent helping children with disabilities at a rehab center.

Fliehs and Murphy, along with seven other University of Wisconsin-Stout students, spent 2½ weeks in January in Cozumel, Mexico, for a special, first-time Winterm course, an experience they believe will stay with them the rest of their lives.

“I wanted to get the multicultural experience, learn more Spanish and be part of these students’ lives. I did all of that and more,” said Fliehs, an early childhood education major.

Murphy spent two days on the trip “observing and working directly with kids doing therapy, something I couldn’t get in the U.S. (because of certification requirements). It was an amazing experience,” said the rehabilitation services major.

The course helped Murphy, six early childhood and two special education majors practice and refine their skills while gaining a greater appreciation for another culture.

The weather, scenery, food and sightseeing at one of Mexico ��. most popular tourist destinations made the trip even more memorable. Cozumel is a 188-square-mile island off the Yucatan Peninsula. The island is known for its bright coral reefs and beaches. Many of the 100,000 residents work in the tourism industry.

“I was so proud to take the students to the schools and see how they worked collaboratively, and we had a blast on our excursions,” said Assistant Professor Terry Kohlmeier, who led the trip.

The students even danced at the weekly Sunday night gathering on the town square. They also visited the winter home of Mary Hopkins-Best and Dick Best, Menomonie residents. Hopkins-Best, former dean of the College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences at ��, helped with trip connections.

Students paid their travel expenses along with the class cost.

“With a group, you dive right in and have connections. You can get a lot in,” said Murphy, a senior from Tinley Park, Ill., who is minoring in Spanish. “I appreciated being able to experience the cultural side of the trip and the therapy side. I used Spanish the whole time I was there.”

Beneficial experiences

Kohlmeier and Associate Professor Ruth Nyland, both from �� . School of Education, planned the course for two years. They visited Cozumel in advance with grant funding. Two people from the University of Quintana Roo, which has a Cozumel campus, visited �� in advance to make arrangements with the Office of International Education.

Students volunteered in four elementary and middle schools and the rehab center; all were public except for a Montessori school. Students used lesson plans they developed in advance, including adapting lessons for special needs children. Each student spent 40 hours in classrooms.

Along with Fliehs and Murphy, the students were:

Lindsey Fick, of Lake City, Minn., first year, early childhood education
Brianna Graff, of Menomonie, sophomore, special education
Mara Harter, of Sauk City, senior, special education
Sarah Larson, of Menomonie, senior, early childhood education
Kristen Pease, of Rochester, Minn., senior, early childhood education
Chelsea Stuttgen, of Colby, senior, early childhood education
Amayssia Wahljohnson, of Arena, junior, early childhood education

Added course benefits included getting credits for certifications, Spanish minor, pre-teaching and global learning perspective, Kohlmeier said. They took Spanish language lessons through Quintana Roo.

“We made it very practical. That ��. the Stout way,” Kohlmeier said. “They learned a lot about Mexican culture, increased their awareness of early childhood education and of education in general. It was meaningful, functional and diverse.”

Students called the experience eye-opening. The schools don’t have playgrounds and lacked basic learning aids, like crayons and markers, that are taken for granted in the U.S. The class brought a suitcase of supplies, �� students made some of their own classroom aids, and the �� library donated children ��. books that were out of circulation.

Fliehs, a junior from Medford, remembers working with a young girl who needed foot surgery and how excited the girl was about the activity Fliehs had planned. The girl couldn’t wait to show her mother what she’d done.

“It was special seeing the impact we had on kids when we came into the room. They were so happy to see us and eager to learn,” Fliehs said.

Murphy, who plays third base on the �� softball team, plans to pursue a master ��. degree after graduating in December and become an occupational therapist. “I realize now it ��. a privilege to be able to get my degrees,” she said.

In high school she was a peer mentor to a student with cerebral palsy. In Mexico, she worked with children who had Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. “They loved having us there and asked us if we were coming back tomorrow,” she said.

###

Photos

�� students Heidi Fliehs, front table, and back table Amayssia Wahljohnson, left, and Kristen Pease help children in a Cozumel, Mexico, school with activities.

Terry Kohlmeier

Nine �� students along with professors Terry Kohlmeier, third from left, and Ruth Nyland, right, went to Cozumel, Mexico, in January to volunteer in schools.

Renee Murphy, a rehabilitation services major, spent two days at a rehabilitation center in Cozumel, Mexico, during the �� Winterm course.

For Heidi Fliehs, an enduring memory will be working one-on-one with excited Mexican schoolchildren. Lindsey Fick Mexico

University Communications

B.S. Early Childhood Education

You can build a child's foundation for a bright future as you gain real-world experience in childcare facilities before you even start student teaching.

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Hero Caption: Lindsey Fick, an early childhood education major, works with a child at a school in Cozumel, Mexico, during a Winterm course in January.

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Rehabilitation alumna is new director of Minnesota agency for the blind

polingj — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:38:48 +0000

Rehabilitation alumna is new director of Minnesota agency for the blindpolingj October 22, 2019

Jerde found passion for career while earning bachelor ��., master ��. from ��

Beginning when she was a student at University of Wisconsin-Stout, Natasha Jerde had no doubt about her career path — once she discovered vocational rehabilitation.

“I didn’t realize there was this field focused on helping individuals with disabilities find competitive, integrated employment. It combines two things I value most: people and work,” Jerde said.

Her career choice was solidified as a student when she worked full time from Friday nights to early Mondays at the Arc of Dunn County caring for adults with intellectual disabilities. “That job confirmed working with and for individuals with disabilities was my calling,” she said.

Jerde, a native of Colfax who lives in Hammond, earned a bachelor ��. degree in vocational rehabilitation, now rehabilitation services, from �� in 2006. Then she earned a master ��. degree in rehabilitation counseling and vocational evaluation from �� in 2008.

Her career has been on an upward spiral ever since. Last summer, she was named director of Minnesota State Services for the Blind, leading a statewide staff of about 120 people in 11 cities in addition to the main office in St. Paul.

The agency has been her home since her �� days. She interned there and was hired full time in 2008 as a vocational evaluator, then as a counselor for individuals who are deaf-blind. In her 11 years, she gradually took on larger administrative roles, leading to being hired as director.

"We knew we were looking for a driven, experienced leader," said Carol Pankow, assistant commissioner for Workforce Services at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, in a news release. “We found that in Natasha. She carved her own path, emphasizing policy development, program administration and quality assurance as the best way to help individuals become independent and successful in competitive employment."

The State Services for the Blind helps those who are deaf-blind throughout Minnesota, upwards of about 10,000 clients each year. Services include tools and training for employment, support for seniors and producing accessible materials for accessing information, such as Braille and audio.

Jerde is excited about technology and what it can do for clients, like new apps being developed, podcasts, text messaging, the Radio Talking Book Network, distance learning and webinars.

“There are a lot of exciting things I’m looking forward to doing. Vocational rehabilitation is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, and we want to make sure we’re around for another 100 years,” she said.

“It ��. a big job, being in my 30 ��., but I felt I was well-prepared for it. I’d been given a good opportunity to develop a skill set through on-the-job training and great mentors. I love the agency and the people we work with and work for,” said Jerde, who noted that about a half-dozen other �� alumni work at the agency.

People of all backgrounds, including seniors who experience vision loss, need and value the agency ��. services, she said. “We have had lawyers, a rap star, teachers come through our program. We want them to be able to have the careers they’ve been dreaming about,” Jerde said.

Jerde has a certificate in deaf-blindness from Northern Illinois University and taught an evening sign language class at �� for five years. She also participated in a state of Minnesota leadership development program, Emerging Leaders Institute.

Early life lessons

Her passion for helping people grew out of her childhood, seeing her mother interact with co-workers and customers as a bookkeeper and office manager at a feed mill, Prairie Ag Supply in Menomonie.

“She had a wonderful customer service presence. I saw how she loved people. That ��. what vocational rehabilitation is all about,” said Jerde, who then was Natasha Lemler. She is married to Brent Jerde, a CNC machinist at Waterous Co., and they have one child.

At ��, Jerde found “some of the best instructors I’ve ever experienced, how real they are and how they brought in their own experiences” to the classroom.

One of them was Professor Michelle Hamilton, Jerde ��. academic adviser, program director, professor and work supervisor. Hamilton said �� is “proud” to have Natasha represent its programs.

“As a student, Natasha was a flexible, creative thinker who took appropriate risks and enjoyed a challenge. Even prior to graduation she had carved out a professional niche for her career in the evaluation and assessment of individuals with dual sensory loss,” Hamilton said.

“Natasha was a first-generation college student. In our first class together, I was impressed with her motivation, enthusiasm and overall approach to her studies. She was an engaged learner who willingly took responsibility for her role as a student and employee (graduate assistant),” Hamilton said.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. �� also is home to the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute.

###

Photos

Natasha Jerde

Natasha Jerde, who has two degrees in rehabilitation from ��, stands by the Minnesota State Services for the Blind mission statement in St. Paul.

Michelle Hamilton

Beginning when she was a student at ��, Natasha Jerde had no doubt about her career path — once she discovered vocational rehabilitation. Natasha Jerde

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B.S. Rehabilitation Services

Our B.S. Rehabilitation Services program turns your passion for helping people into a career through a series of community-based, hands-on experiences.

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Restorative justice expert to speak at criminal justice conference

polingj — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 14:22:23 +0000

Restorative justice expert to speak at criminal justice conferencepolingj October 21, 2019

UW-Madison professor leads off second annual university event Oct. 29

An expert in restorative justice will be the keynote speaker at the second annual Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Conference set for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Jonathan Scharrar, a lawyer, is an assistant professor and director of the Restorative Justice Project at the Frank J. Remington Center, part of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He will speak at 8:40 a.m. at the Memorial Student Center on “Reducing Recidivism and Transforming Lives.”

Restorative justice, or changing the problem behavior and repairing the harm, has shown potential for reducing recidivism, according to studies. Scharrar will discuss several models of restorative justice to either supplement a traditional criminal justice system or to be a complete alternative.

Scharrar is a member of the advisory council for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice. He has helped design and implement restorative justice programs, has facilitated victim-offender dialogues and is a restorative justice trainer.

The daylong conference is free. Registration remains open.

New this year is an additional opportunity for student attendees. A portion of the day ��. events will overlap with the Government and Non-profit Career Expo from 2 to 4 p.m., an opportunity for employers and agencies to meet �� graduate and undergraduate students and faculty to network and discuss job opportunities. The event is hosted by �� . Career Services.

Other conference sessions include:

Diversion Programming for Underage Alcohol and Tobacco/Nicotine Use, Kathy Asper, Arbor Place of Dunn County
Police Recruit Trainings, Eric Anderson, Law Enforcement Academy director, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Candid Conversation: Officer Involved Shooting, Adam Myers, detective, Lake Hallie Police Department
Expressive Arts and Correctional Rehabilitation, Andy Felton, assistant professor of rehabilitation and counseling, ��
Measuring Social Support in a Justice-involved Population: An Exploratory Study, Shawn Trusten, adjunct instructor, UW-River Falls; and Phillip Galli, assistant professor, UW-River Falls
Strategies to Reducing Recidivism, Julia Kraemer, Employ job search trainer, Minncor Industries, St. Paul; and Michael Hreha, employer development and retention, Minncor Industries
Smart Justice at work: A Rural County ��. Perspective, Sara Benedict, criminal justice coordinator, Dunn County; and Kristin Korpela, director of Human Services, Dunn County

Also, six students from �� . criminal justice and rehabilitation program will talk about their education experiences as part of a panel discussion.

Sponsors are �� . College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences and the department of rehabilitation and counseling. �� . Professional Education Programs and Services, part of the Discovery Center, is coordinating the event.

###

Photos

Jonathan Scharrar

Andy Felton

An expert in restorative justice will be the keynote speaker at the Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Conference set for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at ��. Jonathan Scharrar

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B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation

Through our B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation program, you can become a certified Wisconsin police officer while also earning your degree.

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Tiffani Taggart

Full Name: Tiffani Taggart

Job Title: Outreach Program Manager

Include in Directory: Yes

Department: Continuing Education & Conferences

Education:

Degree: BA, Art and Art History

University: DePaul University

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: MA, Media, Culture, and Society

University: DePaul University

Location: Chicago, IL

Professional Education and Program Services

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SVRI strives to help people enter, stay in workforce

powersp — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 13:24:27 +0000

SVRI strives to help people enter, stay in workforcepowersp July 2, 2019

Walker is new executive director of vocational rehabilitation institute

When his father lost his sight from diabetic complications and ended up using a wheelchair because he didn’t know how to use an assistive cane, Kyle Walker learned firsthand the impact a disability can have on a person ��. life.

Walker, the Stout Vocational and Rehabilitation Institute executive director, saw his father, Merrill, become more disabled and not able to work.

That experience, in part, encouraged Walker to work in the vocational rehabilitation field. Prior to starting at SVRI in February 2019, Walker spent upwards of 20 years in direct service and management of rehabilitation and counseling services to citizens in Utah and in South Carolina.

As he discussed his background recently, Walker noted: “People are coming to me at one of the lowest points in their lives,” he said. “I can send them to college. I can help them connect with a job. I can help pay them. I can help them get the assistive technology they need. I can help in a way that helps make a disability less of an impact on their lives.

“Work is identification,” Walker said. “It ��. where we connect with our community. Many of us make friends there.”

Walker came to University of Wisconsin-Stout from the South Carolina Commission for the Blind in Columbia, S.C., as the Division of Consumer Services director. Prior to that, he worked in a number of positions at the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation in Salt Lake City, most recently the division director of rehabilitation services. He has a master ��. degree in rehabilitation counseling and a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

SVRI serves as a leader to advance innovative programs and practice in disability and employment through partnerships in research, training, education and services. Services provided include vocational assessment and evaluation, assistive technology, benefits counseling and driving assessment.

SVRI partners with the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to recommend eligibility for DVR services. In 2018, there were just under 10,000 DVR referrals, each taking about 24 days to determine eligibility.

A new initiative involving Self-Employment Outreach across the state of Wisconsin is another partnership with DVR. SVRI is a collaborator with Wisconsin PROMISE, a project to help support teens and their families who receive Supplemental Social Security Income to achieve their educational and career goals as they transition from high school.

Mary McManus, associate executive director of SVRI and who has served as interim executive director, said Walker ��. experience is an excellent fit for SVRI.

“Everything we do here in the department is working with people with disabilities who want to work and to get them into the workforce,” McManus said. “This is what happens with the services area, operations and support, grants, training and technical assistance. We are all on the same page. Kyle Walker connects really well with people. He ��. a problem-solver. He ��. always looking for the best in people. It ��. just a joy to work with him.”

Throughout his career, Walker said he worked with many �� graduates. He knew that when the executive director position opened, he wanted to work at SVRI. “I really think Stout is a great university,” Walker said. “It has such a good reputation in my profession.”

Of the close to 50 staff members at SVRI, nearly all are �� graduates, he noted.

Walker ��. goal is to work within SVRI to improve and enhance services, pursue innovation via grant and technical assistance projects, and make available staff training opportunities at local, regional and national levels.

“Our work is about meeting the needs of persons with disabilities who want to develop skills and find careers they enjoy,” Walker said. “We want to lead the charge to aid persons with disabilities as they change their lives.”

SVRI collaborates with the academic department of rehabilitation and counseling, offering student internships, classroom presentations and opportunities for professional development outside of the classroom.

�� offers a Bachelor of Science degree in rehabilitation services and a master ��. degree in rehabilitation counseling. The bachelor ��. degree offers concentrations in independent living rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation, rehabilitation service specialist, social work and substance abuse counseling.

###

Photos

Mary McManus

When his father lost his sight from diabetic complications and ended up using a wheelchair because he didn’t know how to use an assistive cane, Kyle Walker lear kyle_walker_hero.jpg

University Communications

Hero Caption: Kyle Walker is the new Stout Vocational and Rehabilitation Institute executive director. His goal is to meet the needs of persons with disabilities who want to develop skills and find careers they enjoy. / �� photo by Chris Cooper

Kyle Walker

Full Name: Kyle J. Walker, MRC, CRC, CPM

Job Title: Executive Director

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College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI)

Education:

Degree: Master of Rehabilitation Counseling

University: Utah State University

Degree: B.S. Sociology

University: Utah State University

SVRI

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News

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute receives national recognition for its distinguished record of excellence

Major national achievements

Innovation: Eligibility and Order of Selection Unit

Impact and prevention of disability-related barriers

More about SVRI

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI)

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute partners with Project SEARCH to offer career exploration opportunities

Five participants, three internships

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI)

Project SEARCH

Asking questions part of 4.0 graduate ��������. success

Compassion and drive lead graduate to rehabilitation services, social work

An important lens into the field of social work

Finding a support system

A foundation in social work

B.S. Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation services graduate moves on to master ��������.

Being a better rehabilitation professional

An easy transition to master ��������. program

Choosing her career in rehabilitation counseling

B.S. Rehabilitation Services

M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling

Home calls to students provide personal connection, career support

Winter course in Mexico gives students special experiences

Beneficial experiences

B.S. Early Childhood Education

Rehabilitation alumna is new director of Minnesota agency for the blind

B.S. Rehabilitation Services

Restorative justice expert to speak at criminal justice conference

B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation

SVRI strives to help people enter, stay in workforce

Asking questions part of 4.0 graduate ��. success

Rehabilitation services graduate moves on to master ��.

An easy transition to master ��. program