Partner with Empathy Adviser

When I founded Empathy Adviser, I thought of 3 key ways I could bring value to this field. Trainings, Events, and Awards.

I’ve been to dozens of trainings in my career and completed hundreds of hours of online training. They largely focused on things that meet state requirements (Oregon Administrative Rules) and often felt lacking in real-world, practical strategies that could be applied in our day-to-day lives. Trainings with me, centered around the content in The Empathy Adviser Toolkit, are built to last with tangible skills, practices, and mindsets that you can apply on your next shift to improve the care you provide.

I have also been to LOTS of events during my time in this field. Some have been incredibly fun while others have felt disorganized and confusing. Through my time as Lead DSP at RISE and my work building Empathy Adviser Bowling Club, I have learned a lot about what makes events fun, safe, and leaving people wanting to come back the next time. I have lots of plans for expanding these events to things like Mario Kart days, Art Club, Mini Golf, and many more. Not to mention expanding the Bowling Club to include giveaways, raffles, and maybe even food vouchers? Stay tuned!

I have received a few different awards during my career as a DSP. I was recognized at Work Unlimited by my coworkers while SACU gave me an Integrity Award in 2018 and RISE gave me a Values Award in 2024. These experiences taught me the importance of not only recognizing the work that DSPs do, but also to invest in those moments. One award was a certificate in a paper folder while the other was a crystal award that would look great on my desk. These things matter and is something I’m so excited to bring to the I/DD field, a world that deserves way more investment, acknowledgement, and appreciation.