Rehabilitation Counseling Advisory Committee

The Rehabilitation Counseling (RC) Advisory Committee will serve in an advisory capacity for the students, staff, and faculty of the Western Washington University Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Counseling by:

  • providing feedback regarding local, state, regional, and national trends, needs, and policy changes;
  • acting as an advocate for the RC program; and
  • providing feedback on the current curriculum and proposed curriculum changes.

The RC Advisory Committee will also serve as an external reviewer for certain areas of the program evaluation plan, including:

  • the RC program’s mission and objectives;
  • the curriculum;
  • graduate achievement and employment;
  • recruitment and retention of students; and
  • program recognition, support, and resources. 

Membership

  • Marie Aaron, Supervisory VRC, Dept. of Veteran Affairs - VR&E
  • Jen Bean, Alumna & WA Client Assistance Program
  • Doug Burkhalter, Alumnus & WA Client Assistance Program
  • Anthony Choppa, Rehabilitation Counselor/Case Manager, OSC Vocational Systems, Inc.
  • Eva L. de Leon, Alumna & Assistant Director of Programs, UW Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
  • Kailey Fielder-Gohlke, Alumna & Executive Director, HERO House
  • Jana Finkbonner, Director, North Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program
  • Kelly FranklinDirector of VR Projects & Services, UW Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
  • Todd Gendreau, Co-Owner, Strategic Consulting Services, Inc.
  • Damiana HarperAssistant Director of VR Participant Services, WA Dept. of Services for the Blind
  • Sheila Hoover, Internship Coordinator, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Greg Mahle, Department Chair, BA in Community Advocates and Responsive Education in Human Services program, Northwest Indian College
  • Ann Martin, Chief of Field Services, WA Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Jonathan Penna, Assistant Veteran Readiness & Employment Officer, Portland & Anchorage VA Regional Office
  • Dana Phelps, Director, WA Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Kim Poage, Training Engagement Specialist, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Kathy Powers, Vice President of Services, Orion Industries
  • Christina Van Wingerden, Academic Program Director, WWU Human Services Program