Jason

In 2020, Jason was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, which affects every 3 out of 1 million people.  He was a young man, in the first years of his Inclusive Higher Education, exploring his independence.  For a year he underwent treatment, finally able to return to school, when his cancer came back.  But Jason was relentless, attending classes remotely in order to keep going.

Jason has worked Tarren Riley of the Sterling Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for over seven years, gaining confidence, advocacy, and work readiness skills.  In May of 2024, Jason graduated his program, and earned his second Student Employee of the Year award.  He is now hoping to land permanent, quality employment, and get his driver's license.  

Aileve

Aileve is a Venezuelan mother and Virtual Career-aligned English as a Second Language (VCESL) participant who took courses in Early Childhood Education to accelerate her certification coursework with a local school district in order to become a paraeducator.

Jordan

When DVR Counselor Jody Dettmer-Johnson was invited to Jordan's Individualized Education Plan meeting, she was met by only his mother and grandmother- no Jordan. Later, Jody was able to help Jordan apply for services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, but he still hadn't quite warmed up to her. 

In his first meeting, Jody learned that a local middle school teacher she was collaborating with, was Jordan's middle school teacher.  She was able to connect the two for job prep services, and Jordan excelled being with someone he knew.  The teacher, Andrew, took Jordan to the Loveland Youth Gardeners, and he fell in love with the work they did.  Recently, he was able to sell his "custom creations" at their farmer's market booth, and nearly sold out!